Headlight switch problems... need advice

[Henceforward]

Headlights will come on, but the running lights will not. If I back the switch just a little bit off from full headlight on then the running lights will come on, but not when in the running light position. If I hit a bump in the road when I have them jimmied on then the headlights will remain on, but the running lights will cut off.

Is it time for a new switch? Or can I buy replacement internals from Ford for less than $32.00?

I am going to order (I think):

CJponyparts: Headlight Assembly Switch: SW2106 87-93 GT $31.95
Just to be safe, Switch Repair Harness: HW1922 87-93 GT $14.00

But 50resto has the same switch: #SW2106 $59.95

Too bad it will take a week to get herewith CJs, but I am not paying twice as much at 50resto plus sales tax.

 

[HISSIN50]

new switch sounds good. do you already have the fogs rewired with a relay?

good luck.

 

[Henceforward]

I bought both of the above mentioned from CJs, the switch was actually $39, but the total for the switch and harnesses shipped, was just about equal to the switch alone had I bought through 50resto. Hopefully they will arrive before the end of the week, headlights are nice to have.

 

[Henceforward]

Fixed the problem...but need advice on the new wires...

I ordered the part from CJs, it took a while because it was not in stock, but no more flickering. I have 2 tests tomorrow so I don't have time to install the new wire harness, but it will be installed this weekend.

Should I use the crimp connectors, or should I bust out the soldering iron, and twist and solder all the wires?

These carry some current, and I want to do it right, what do you reccomend?

 

[HISSIN50]

im not sure what sort of splicing you will have to do. if you are getting a new plastic connector, i would use a small screwdriver, etc to back the terminals out of the old connector and put them in the new one.
otherwise, soldering is best and what i would likely do, as lights are just a little important.

if you install a relay on atleast the fogs, that will reduce the strain on the switchgear.
good luck.

 

[Henceforward]

I rarely use the fogs, so I did not run a relay. I just used crimp connectors. It worked fine. Now I am ready for something else to fail on my car. Happens at least once a month...

 

[LX302]

Same thing happened to me last month. The parking lights wouldn't go on, so I would bang the dash and they would come back on. Even had the switch out, moving the iwres around until I had a connection.
I ended up taking the plug out of the switch and saw that one of the wires was melted into the plug, and that end of the plug was also melted. That was my problem.
So I just rewired a new plug in, and used the original switch, and it's good to go.