headlight / circuit breaker problems

Jon B
Jon B Administrator
edited November -1 in HUDSON
I've heard that the headlights on StepDowns sometimes go off, only to re-light later on for some mysterious reason. The consensus is that the circuit breaker on the light switch has kicked off because of some problem with the switch or wiring, and that when things cool off, it kicks on again. I've done a search in the Forum and found no threads on this subject.



Has anyone experienced this problem, and if so, did you ever discover the cause? Some folks say it's just worn wiring, others say that the contacts on the light switch or dimmer switch get corroded or burned, while others say that the circuit breaker itself gets old and cranky. I wondered if there is a "usual suspect", or if this problem can come from any number of sources? I'd like to write a short article for our local newsletter on the subject, and would appreciate people posting their experiences, here.

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Jon, This problem is as old as dirt. The problem is that the old fabric covered wire insulation is gone/fallen off and is causing shorts. If all the people who have problems in this area were to replace wiring in their cars the problem would be greatly diminished. The same story is heard about switching to 12 volts. I can understand the need for more accessories better able to run on 12 but a lot of times people sell the 6 volt system short. Check your wiring before blaming the 6 volt system . When I rebuilt my Hornet, I replaced all the wiring that was in it and the headlight blinking on and off went away. Headlight relays are a quick fix, but the problem of old wiring needs to be addressed. This is not the easy route but it pays off in the long run.
  • EssexAdv
    EssexAdv Expert Adviser, Member
    I agree with Hudzilla. Been there, done that! He did forget to mention one big problem with the quick fix. .... bad wire = bad fire!! If the problem is fixed by masking the problem the wire, switch or whatever else is bad will still be bad and the danger of fire is still there.

    I doubt the person who has the problem has bothered to check the current draw on the lighting circuit. Did he do a voltage drop or resistance test across the headlight switch, the dimmer switch, circuit breaker, the headlamp wire junction block, the tail light junction block or the lamp sockets.

    Did he check the grounds at the appropriate spots?

    If the answer to any of these questions is NO then no one can determine if the circuit breaker is bad!!!

    Basic electronic circuit analysis.
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    These circuit breakers operate on the basis of heat, so anything that makes the breaker run hotter will cause it to trip at a lower current level. Typical causes are burnt or corroded contacts in the breaker or loose or corroded wire connections to the breaker. For reasons stated above, headlight relays are a good idea on any old car, 6v or 12v, regardless of whether circuit breaker problems are being experienced.
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