The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1967 - 1972 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-14-2013, 08:48 PM   #1
BrutonLS1
Registered User
 
BrutonLS1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Weatherford, Tx
Posts: 142
Headlight Switch can't handle new headlights?

Hey guys,
I got new aftermarket headlights that're a lot brighter, after installing them I noticed they begin to flicker after about 20seconds of being on. I figured my switch was bad so I bought a new one from LMC, I installed the new one and am still having the same problem. I took the switch apart and noticed there's an overload to the power wire in the switch, I'm assuming this is the culprit. My wiring, alternator and battery are good to go. Just wondering if anyone has had this problem and has found a switch that will handle a lot more? -trying to avoid running my own relay. Thanks
Posted via Mobile Device
__________________
-Bruton

1968 GMC long bed 5.7/700R4
--I'd rather push a Chevy, than drive a Ford.--
BrutonLS1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 09:11 PM   #2
Tx Firefighter
Watch out for your cornhole !
 
Tx Firefighter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
Re: Headlight Switch can't handle new headlights?

A relay is the right way to do it. There is no reason to ask your switch and wiring to endure that extra amperage. You can do the relay mod for 10 or 20 dollars in an easy afternoon.
Posted via Mobile Device
Tx Firefighter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 09:28 PM   #3
SS Tim
Registered User
 
SS Tim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Edwards, CA
Posts: 7,503
Re: Headlight Switch can't handle new headlights?

Relays are exactly what you need. The circuit breaker inside the headlamp switch doesn't like higher than factory loads much less the higher resistance older harnesses can develop. The headlight relay mod. adds relays near the headlamps that are powered on the switched side by the battery buss and controlled by your existing headlamp and dimmer switches.
SS Tim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 09:58 PM   #4
LONGHAIR
just can't cover up my redneck
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Columbus OH
Posts: 11,414
Re: Headlight Switch can't handle new headlights?

I fully agree with the above....relays really are the way to go here. There is no good reason to avoid it.
__________________
You can review the site's rules here.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Longhorn Man View Post
As for reading directions...
The directions are nothing but another man's opinion.
Learn from the mistakes of others, you won't live long enough to make them all yourself...

Bad planning on your part does not necessarily constitute an instant emergency on my part....

The great thing about being a pessimist is that you are either pleasantly surprised or right.
LONGHAIR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 10:00 PM   #5
Square_78
Registered User
 
Square_78's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
Posts: 1,237
Re: Headlight Switch can't handle new headlights?

You can buy a complete plug n play harness for your headlights that takes the load off your headlight switch. Takes 5 min to install. LMC has them.
Posted via Mobile Device
__________________
#teamlongbed

"I refuse to go disc brakes. I actually love drum brakes. It makes for an adventure." - 50bomb

1978 Chevy shop truck - static 6/8"
1970 GMC 1500 - Accuair eLevel Resto-mod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=537497
Square_78 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2013, 10:22 PM   #6
knomadd
Registered User
 
knomadd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Rosenberg, Texas
Posts: 3,506
Re: Headlight Switch can't handle new headlights?

You really can't run modern lights without a relay. If it works, either your switch, wiring, or bulbs won't last as long as it should. The relay will take the heavy load off of the switch and wiring. I've burned up a couple of switches because I didn't know any better. Since then, I had done some research and found out that the relay was all it took. I've had no problems since. Just do it, you won't regret it.
__________________
-Duane

C/10 Club Texas member
1971 Chevy C10 "Brutus" SWB Fleetside 2016 6.0L (L96) 6L90E (driver/project)
1965 Pontiac GTO "Royal Goat" 400/TH400 w/AC (my baby)
knomadd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2013, 05:14 AM   #7
BrutonLS1
Registered User
 
BrutonLS1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Weatherford, Tx
Posts: 142
Re: Headlight Switch can't handle new headlights?

You guys rock. I'll do it. Thanks a lot.
Posted via Mobile Device
__________________
-Bruton

1968 GMC long bed 5.7/700R4
--I'd rather push a Chevy, than drive a Ford.--
BrutonLS1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:19 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com