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Technical => Electrical Tech => Topic started by: DamonSlowpokeBaumann on April 25, 2010, 10:53:07 AM

Title: Tailights and dash lights out!!!
Post by: DamonSlowpokeBaumann on April 25, 2010, 10:53:07 AM
I was on a real long drive and started smelling burt electric something or other. No issues though..On my way back the next day I smelt it again....No issues and couldnt see anything....Last night my dash lights and tailights went out.

Im figuring it may be the hedlihht switch nd my multifunction seems to be operating ok.  I also figured this had to happen to someone else.  Any ideas before I look into it?

Also seems my AC isnt blowing cold not but that can be totally unrelated!

Thanks

Damon
Title: Tailights and dash lights out!!!
Post by: Watchdevil on April 25, 2010, 12:10:46 PM
First thing check the connector that plugs into the headlamp switch. These things have a habit of the connectors getting loose causing high resistance that might cause the connections to overheat. The headlamp switch itself can go bad as well for similar reasons in that the contacts inside get worn to the point they don't come in good enough contact anymore and they can overheat.
Title: Tailights and dash lights out!!!
Post by: DamonSlowpokeBaumann on April 25, 2010, 07:58:45 PM
Would this cause dash and tailights to go out? Im going to pull it out asap just haveny had a chance yet
Title: Tailights and dash lights out!!!
Post by: Watchdevil on April 25, 2010, 09:26:54 PM
Quote from: DamonSlowpokeBaumann;319720
Would this cause dash and tailights to go out? Im going to pull it out asap just haveny had a chance yet


Hard to explain here but here is a headlamp switch wiring diagram:

A - Accessory
B - Battery
H - Headlights
P - Front parking lamps
R - Rear lights (tail lights)
I - Instrument panel lights
D1 - Door lights
D2 - Dome Light
Title: Tailights and dash lights out!!!
Post by: DamonSlowpokeBaumann on April 25, 2010, 11:59:51 PM
Well that diagram definitely says its a potential issue

Thanks!
Title: Tailights and dash lights out!!!
Post by: DamonSlowpokeBaumann on April 27, 2010, 08:59:42 PM
Luckily I  had a spare..Was definitely the headlight switch.  Is this common?  I know on my GT I put another relay in because without it the multifunction switch goes bad due to the foglights...With this....I just dont know!
Title: Tailights and dash lights out!!!
Post by: Watchdevil on April 28, 2010, 12:12:13 AM
Quote from: DamonSlowpokeBaumann;320012
Luckily I  had a spare..Was definitely the headlight switch.  Is this common?  I know on my GT I put another relay in because without it the multifunction switch goes bad due to the foglights...With this....I just dont know!


The headlamp switches definitely will go bad after time. They are a standardized Ford part common to many different models and years and they are commonly sold all the time, usually to vehicles with a good deal of age or general use.
Title: Tailights and dash lights out!!!
Post by: 88turbo on April 28, 2010, 06:44:53 AM
just for clarification, is the diagram good for 83-84? 85-88?  or all of them?  there were two different switches used.
Title: Tailights and dash lights out!!!
Post by: Watchdevil on April 28, 2010, 10:20:51 AM
Quote from: 88turbo;320057
just for clarification, is the diagram good for 83-84? 85-88?  or all of them?  there were two different switches used.


This diagram is for the pull out switches, however the wiring colors are the same for the rocker switches.