Fixed headlight switch once and for all!
12-23-2008, 09:24 PM
#1
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Fixed headlight switch once and for all!
I must have put 5 or 6 headlight switches in this truck. They last a year or so, then the contacts burn leaving you in the dark.
I thought about relays but I wanted to keep it simple.
On the back of the headlight switch, the largest red (12GA) wire feeds the switch with power.
The 16GA green wire energizes the headlights and the 18GA black/yellow energizes the park lamps. I'm amazed dodge used such thin gauge wire on these lights. I used all 12GA with the new switches.
I spliced into the 12Ga red feed and connected the green and the black/yellow which I disconnected from the back of the switch and looped both green and black/yellow through separate toggle switches. The park toggle is rated at 25A and the headlight toggle is a massive 50A.
I turn the park lights on separate from the headlights now and can even turn my parking lights off while my headlights remain on. Just like a big rig!
I thought about relays but I wanted to keep it simple.
On the back of the headlight switch, the largest red (12GA) wire feeds the switch with power.
The 16GA green wire energizes the headlights and the 18GA black/yellow energizes the park lamps. I'm amazed dodge used such thin gauge wire on these lights. I used all 12GA with the new switches.
I spliced into the 12Ga red feed and connected the green and the black/yellow which I disconnected from the back of the switch and looped both green and black/yellow through separate toggle switches. The park toggle is rated at 25A and the headlight toggle is a massive 50A.
I turn the park lights on separate from the headlights now and can even turn my parking lights off while my headlights remain on. Just like a big rig!
12-23-2008, 09:41 PM
#2
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I'm amazed dodge used such thin gauge wire on these lights.
And people wonder why US auto manufacturers are in trouble.
Good job on the switches but now what about the puny wires?
Did you run new ones all the way to the headlights?
What about the dash dimmer?
Many folks feel that is where the whole problem lies. Dimming the dash way down causes the switch to get way too hot.
12-23-2008, 11:13 PM
#3
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[QUOTE=infidel;2325725]They used just barely adequate wire gauge on the entire truck, must have saved them a whole 25¢."
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speaking of saving money on parts, i bought a new gmc pu in 1990..... it started to burn oil right off so i took it in for warranty, they told me the factory stopped putting exhaust valve seals in
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speaking of saving money on parts, i bought a new gmc pu in 1990..... it started to burn oil right off so i took it in for warranty, they told me the factory stopped putting exhaust valve seals in
12-24-2008, 12:05 AM
#4
Registered User
I must have put 5 or 6 headlight switches in this truck. They last a year or so, then the contacts burn leaving you in the dark.
I thought about relays but I wanted to keep it simple.
On the back of the headlight switch, the largest red (12GA) wire feeds the switch with power.
The 16GA green wire energizes the headlights and the 18GA black/yellow energizes the park lamps. I'm amazed dodge used such thin gauge wire on these lights. I used all 12GA with the new switches.
I spliced into the 12Ga red feed and connected the green and the black/yellow which I disconnected from the back of the switch and looped both green and black/yellow through separate toggle switches. The park toggle is rated at 25A and the headlight toggle is a massive 50A.
I turn the park lights on separate from the headlights now and can even turn my parking lights off while my headlights remain on. Just like a big rig!
I thought about relays but I wanted to keep it simple.
On the back of the headlight switch, the largest red (12GA) wire feeds the switch with power.
The 16GA green wire energizes the headlights and the 18GA black/yellow energizes the park lamps. I'm amazed dodge used such thin gauge wire on these lights. I used all 12GA with the new switches.
I spliced into the 12Ga red feed and connected the green and the black/yellow which I disconnected from the back of the switch and looped both green and black/yellow through separate toggle switches. The park toggle is rated at 25A and the headlight toggle is a massive 50A.
I turn the park lights on separate from the headlights now and can even turn my parking lights off while my headlights remain on. Just like a big rig!
Thanks,
TF
12-24-2008, 08:18 AM
#5
I made my own relay harness five years ago, it not only takes the load off the switch but also gives you brighter headlights.
http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml
Read the "brighter headlights" at this link.
Floyd
http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml
Read the "brighter headlights" at this link.
Floyd
12-24-2008, 08:51 AM
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I left the dash dimmer in the original switch, I always leave it in the brightest position.
I am running a few additional parking lights on my flatbed, using the original cloudy headlights.
12-24-2008, 02:29 PM
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Yup , to save 25 cents ! The truck is basically crap...we put up with it . I would have bought a Studebaker if it came with a descent diesel..In fact Studebaker would have been better. A lot better !
20 20 hind sight, the Cumins has not treated me so good either...still better then a International V8 diesel. That is the most stupid idea ! Heck even Semi truck gave up on the V8 a long time ago
20 20 hind sight, the Cumins has not treated me so good either...still better then a International V8 diesel. That is the most stupid idea ! Heck even Semi truck gave up on the V8 a long time ago
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12-25-2008, 11:27 AM
#9
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Back seat was full of empty cans. Remember when oil came in cans?
I swear this is a true story.
12-26-2008, 05:29 PM
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Yup , to save 25 cents ! The truck is basically crap...we put up with it . I would have bought a Studebaker if it came with a descent diesel..In fact Studebaker would have been better. A lot better !
20 20 hind sight, the Cumins has not treated me so good either...still better then a International V8 diesel. That is the most stupid idea ! Heck even Semi truck gave up on the V8 a long time ago
20 20 hind sight, the Cumins has not treated me so good either...still better then a International V8 diesel. That is the most stupid idea ! Heck even Semi truck gave up on the V8 a long time ago
12-26-2008, 05:33 PM
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There used to be a boise cascade plant down south that made the cans for shell & they were next door to each other made delivery simple the cans went on a conveyor out a little hole in the wall & into shell on the same conveyor to be filled.
12-26-2008, 07:07 PM
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We had one at the Cat house one day for repairs in a 379 Pete, a 3408 that is. I swear it had 10" dual pipes on it!!! Looked stinkin' huge!! But when they fired that hog up in the building.....WoW!!!! And the jake brakes...nice!!!