H'light switch trips circuit breaker

[Figgy308]

Hi there,

I've had a new headlight switch installed in a 69 Charger, now all the headlights work fine except that after a while the circuit breaker within the switch trips plunging me into darkness. The power to the switch is fine and it is definitely the power out that is failing. I spoke with the retailer who claimed they test every switch before sending. So is it a fault in the switch or does it meet the design and therefore there is another problem? Would a relay before the switch solve the problem.

Thanks Mopar brains

 

[Histoy]

You might want to verify that you have a good ground connection for the headlight harness. The ground wire mounts to the radiator housing and is located in front of the battery. A poor ground could add resistance to the circuit.

 

[426HemiCharger]

I agree. Is the switch a repop or original, and if so is it unrestored or refurbished?

 

[Figgy308]

Amazingly quick replies, I can rely on you guys! The switch is brand new, but reproduction. I'll get the ground tested and see how we go.

 

[426HemiCharger]

Maybe it has bad contacts and the circuit is not making a connection (open circuit)

 

[scotts74birds]

What is the amp rating of the circuit breaker? Do you have a mate with a DC amp-meter to measure the actual current with the hi-beams on? Did you crazy Aussies wire in aircraft landing lights to use as hi-beams?

 

[Figgy308]

Putting a couple of relays solved the problem and reduced future problems by running a much lower voltage through the firewall and switch.

Scotts it did it with both low and high beam, just took a little longer with the low beam. There isn't a real problem running landing lights just remember to switch them off below about 100mph as they get real warm ;) Using landing lights means the rabbits are cooked by the time you get to them.