Flashing headlights

[rev.ronnie]

I was driving my Charger last night, (which I rarely do because of the deer in our area), because I stayed a little late at a car show.

Anyway, when I was running with the high beams on for a while, the headlights started flashing on and off. When I clicked it back to low beams, they stopped flashing. I'm not certain, but the dash lights may have been cutting out as well.

It this the headlight relay that is bad? It was new when I restored the car a few years ago.

Thanks, Ron

 

[99ss]

I think I used to notice mine pulsating a bit as well... would be good to know this answer if I ever get my car back

 

[440roadrunner]

There is no headlight relay. ONLY the headlight power comes from what is known as the "in harness splice" or by Chrysler the "no1 splice" which is a factory welded splice in the black ammeter wire under the dash

(You might be thinking of the delay relay? or something for the hideaway headlights?)

It supplies

the headlight switch

the ignition switch

the fuse panel "hot" buss"

maybe a couple of other things.

This main feed goes directly to the headlight switch which has it's OWN built in thermal breaker

Causes:

If the headlight switch contacts are going bad, they generate heat. If the headlight switch connector is loose/ corroded, it generates heat. This heats up the breaker, causing it to trip

If the breaker is just plain getting "weak" it can "trip early"

If you have gone to heavier lights which draw more current, THAT can cause the breaker to trip.

 

[rev.ronnie]

There is no headlight relay. ONLY the headlight power comes from what is known as the "in harness splice" or by Chrysler the "no1 splice" which is a factory welded splice in the black ammeter wire under the dash

(You might be thinking of the delay relay? or something for the hideaway headlights?)

It supplies

the headlight switch

the ignition switch

the fuse panel "hot" buss"

maybe a couple of other things.

This main feed goes directly to the headlight switch which has it's OWN built in thermal breaker

Causes:

If the headlight switch contacts are going bad, they generate heat. If the headlight switch connector is loose/ corroded, it generates heat. This heats up the breaker, causing it to trip

If the breaker is just plain getting "weak" it can "trip early"

If you have gone to heavier lights which draw more current, THAT can cause the breaker to trip.

Excellent info...ok, yes, I have hideaway headlights, but cannot find a new relay that powers them, so I wired in a manual switch to open and close them. It works when the headlights are on.

The headlight switch is th original in the car, as far as I know. Now, I think I may have used headlights that are brighter than stock so the switch's breaker may well be tripping, that is what it seems like is happening. The front wiring harness is new, but I'll check the other contact points.

Thanks a ton for the info!, Ron

 

[bluefury]

headlights flashing.....

the headlights started flashing on and off. When I clicked it back to low beams, they stopped flashing. I'm not certain, but the dash lights may have been cutting out as well.

I would look at the voltage regulator. Sounds like a spike causing the circuit to open.
I have replaced all my regulators with a electronic unit. That ended all my pulsing and circuit issues.

You can find them on ebay.

 

[99ss]

other possible issue is a lose ground maybe?

 

[Sixer]

I believe there is a circuit breaker built into the headlight switch, thermal in operation. When it heats up, it breaks the circuit, then reengages, protecting the wiring but still allowing lights for emergency purposes, call it a "limp" mode if you will. That's why returning to just low beam stopped the flashing, you reduced the load, and why it took a while for it to begin. Time for a thorough cleaning of all the connections, and a possible switch replacement. You might also consider a headlight relay, so that the switch only energizes the relay, greatly reducing the load. Also check the dimmer switch, it's floor installation exposes it to natures worst, many are terribly rusted when removed for inspection.

 

[67 coronet]

if the above stuff dosnt solve your problem you may want to change the dimmer switch.it is a poor design and they go bad alot.most get stomped to death bcause of there location.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Before I did any checks on any of the electrical items mentioned, I would check ALL grounds first. Remove them, clean them, replace them and paint over them. Whether that's the problem or not, it probably needs to be done and it might even stave off another problem in the future. It costs zero to do and it might fix your problem. 99ss had the right idea. Do the simple things first.