Ok, lately when I went out for the initial startup in the morning my headlights would flicker for about 10 seconds and then be fine. Well this morning nothing. The only way I could get headlights is if I held the brights selector back. Then the brights would come on. But I had to contnue to hold it. Any ideas where to start? I checked connections under the hood. All seemed fine. Could it be the headlight switch itself? Anyone have to deal with this issue? Thanks

 

Sounds like a dimmer switch to me.

 

Multifunction switch ( stalk on column ) Rock has them for between 51 and 72 bucks depending on if you have intermittent wipers.

Not sure if the first gen is the same as the second, but sometimes on the second gens you can clean the contacts in the switch to get her to go a bit longer.

 

More than likely its the headlight switch itself, its a very common issue. The best fix, as in making it the last time you ever have this issue, is to make a new headlight harness that uses relays which remove the electrical load from the switch. When you get into yours you'll likely find the connector at the switch showing signs of getting very hot. You'll also get full battery voltage to the lights which makes them brighter. One of the great contributors to this board, Mr. Jim Lane has created a how-to here: https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...eadlight+relay. I'm not a fan of wiring but this is really a 2 out of 5 on the difficulty scale, just take your time.

 

Yep headlight switch. There are contacts in there with a bimetal strip. The contacts get burnt from running all the voltage through them. As jbawden said the relays are the trick to keep it from happening again and the bonus is your lights will be brighter.

 

Headlight switch.

 

If it were the headlight switch, how would holding the multifunction stalk back to get brights working play into it?

 

Because of the "flash to pass" feature of the high beams. The high beams come on when you hold the stalk, even with the headlight switch in the off position.

 

Yep, you don't even have to have the key on for it to work. Verified it on the 92.

 

My vote is for a malfunctioning dimmer switch. See some good detail in this ancient thread:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ght=headlights

 

Unless your head lights are on relays you have a huge amp load on the headlight switch. I had to replace mine some time ago. heavier wire and relays will also brightn up your beams.

 

Cool, good to know.

 

Thanks guys, it was the headlight switch. What a PITA to get to. And yes the plug showed signs of getting hot. Might have to do the relay fix if I don't sell it first.