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Topic: Headlight Switch Overheating (Read 7139 times) previous topic - next topic

Headlight Switch Overheating

Has anyone had a problem with there headlight switch overheating and cutting off power to the headlights.  I have an 88 Cougar XR-7.  I'll be checking it out but I wasn't sure if it could just be the switch or I have a wiring problem.

Headlight Switch Overheating

Reply #1 –
do you have the autolamp option?

Headlight Switch Overheating

Reply #2 –
What wattage headlamp or foglamp bulbs are you running??

have seen...

Reply #3 –
i have seen this problem at work on a jaguar later found out the customer changed the bulbs to a higher wattage, which in turn is pulling more amps through the circuit.

Headlight Switch Overheating

Reply #5 –
Go to NATO and check out the tech article on using relays to power your lights so that your light switch doesn't overheat and burn out or cause a fire. I switch used to get pretty warm but after doing the relays it stays cool.

Headlight Switch Overheating

Reply #6 –
Just replace the switch.  Had this problem on my '86 TC.  The headlights would cut out at random after they had been on for more than 10 mins.  New switch solved that. 

If you're cheap, you can pull the switch apart, clean the copper electrodes and re grease (using dielectric grease).

Headlight Switch Overheating

Reply #7 –
Quote from: santana;182967
Go to NATO and check out the tech article on using relays to power your lights so that your light switch doesn't overheat and burn out or cause a fire. I switch used to get pretty warm but after doing the relays it stays cool.


Hey now!!!
why would anyone over at farking nut hole nato be any smarter than us on these cars,,,,,,,,,,,, i hate dumb ass suggestions like that.:shakeass:  I see it more often than i like.
 

Headlight Switch Overheating

Reply #8 –
I don't know but then I did not see anything about using relays here. So I guess the only dumb ass suggestion is why didn't you come up with it?

Headlight Switch Overheating

Reply #9 –
jcassity hasn't burned any cars to the ground. NATO's tech articles have.

Headlight Switch Overheating

Reply #10 –
I had a blub melt the plastic where you twist in the blubs.

Euro Dezigns 8500K headlight Blubs Part #9004
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]


http://www.cardomain.com/id/Carpimp1987
1987 T-Bird AEROBIRD-GT had many many mods but is now totaled and is the car that made me want to start customizing everything all over again.
1988 T-Bird 5.0 HO DD/Sleeper/next project car :birdsmily:
1988 Cougar XR7 5.0 HO Vortech Supercharged being bulit right now :cougarsmily:

Headlight Switch Overheating

Reply #11 –
Quote from: jcassity;183068
Hey now!!!
why would anyone over at farking nut hole nato be any smarter than us on these cars,,,,,,,,,,,, i hate dumb ass suggestions like that.:shakeass:  I see it more often than i like.


Please explain this comment.

Headlight Switch Overheating

Reply #13 –
Instead of just bitching about Nato, lets help the guy.

If you are running higher wattage than stock bulbs, best case, you melt something. Worst case, you set something on fire.  If the switch is getting warm, try a used good one. If it still gets warm, add the relays to the system.  The relays will lower the draw on the switch, and provide direct power to the lights from the battery.  Win Win.  If you plan on or already are running high wattage bulbs, upgrade the wiring to the connectors also.
88 TC, Lots of Mods.

Headlight Switch Overheating

Reply #14 –
Mike NATO tech article didn't cause the fire. The guy said he did not do the regulator plug wires as the article said to do. He said they were already done as if the PO was going to do the 3g up grade. He also said it looks like the plug burned the worst. He should have tested the wires like the article said to do. Wire colors have been known to be changed at the factory.