Headlights Flicker?

bigc2330

Member

Nov 13, 2009

78

7

9

May 21, 2016

#1

• May 21, 2016

• #1

My headlights will randomly start flickering while I am driving at night. It doesn't happen from bumps or anything.
They will stay flickering until I push the headlight knob in (off) and it will stop, then I can pull the knob out (on) and the lights will be fine for about 5 minutes and then it will do it again.
I tried to go thru a lot of wiring and the only thing that I found was the headlight switch connector was cracked and the wires were fitting into it loose, so I bought a new connector with a pigtail, but that did not fix the problem.
Any ideas?
2000 GT
Both headlights flicker.

 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician

Aug 14, 2009

5,892

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Houston Texas

May 21, 2016

#2

• May 21, 2016

• #2

The first thing that I would do is check the battery and battery cables. Are they clean and tight?

Next I would have the alternator tested. No excuse to skip this test as almost all auto parts stores will do it for free.

Finally I would pull the head light switch and look for evidence of over heating. If any is found, replace the head light switch. Which certainly would seem to be the case here.

If we make it this far without a resolution, more tests will be needed.

 

bigc2330

Member

Nov 13, 2009

78

7

9

May 21, 2016

#3

• May 21, 2016

• #3

I have done the 1st two steps.
I did not see any signs of the switch over heating (on the switch), but one of the wires that was previously plugged into the switch had appear slightly burnt. So I replaced the connector and the burnt wire 6". (only about 1/2" looked burnt.)

 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician

Aug 14, 2009

5,892

514

204

Houston Texas

May 21, 2016

#4

• May 21, 2016

• #4

The headlight switch has a built in automatically reset circuit breaker. If the headlight switch gets hot from a poor electrical connection the external heat will "fool" the CB. This is a very common problem as these cars age.

IMO it's short sighted to have found burnt wires and not replace the head light switch itself after repairing the wires.

 

bigc2330

Member

Nov 13, 2009

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7

9

May 22, 2016

#5

• May 22, 2016

• #5

Thanks for the info, I will replace it and update with results.

 

bigc2330

Member

Nov 13, 2009

78

7

9

Jun 2, 2016

#6

• Jun 2, 2016

• #6

Update: Headlights are working normal after installing a new headlight switch!
Thanks