help....headlights go off occassionally while driving

chaos254

Founding Member

Jul 27, 2002

467

3

29

NJ

Jan 11, 2006

#1

• Jan 11, 2006

• #1

this has been the 3rd time that my headlights have cut out on me while driving down the road. Definitely scares the **** out of you when your on a backroad with no other lights!!! Anyone know why this could be happenning? It seems like everytime is does happen, my highbeams were on. Today when they went off I flicked off my highbeams and even my low beams didnt work so i hit my flashers so i could kind of see and flicked the highbeam switch on/off and it eventually started working again. For the rest of the trip i didnt use my high beams and no more cut outs but like i said this has happened a couple of times already.

 

95GTV8

New Member

Jul 25, 2005

386

3

0

Washington State

Jan 12, 2006

#2

• Jan 12, 2006

• #2

thinking a bad wire somewhere

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

34

129

Jan 12, 2006

#3

• Jan 12, 2006

• #3

It sounds like a thermal kick-out (like your hairdryer has). Foxes DO have such a device integral to the switch, but I have no idea about the SN95's. I wanted to mention it in case that rang a bell with someone.

I also think that there are two fuses for the headlights (one under hood and one in the car) but I dont think either is a circuit breaker (which would kick-out the same way).

I would look in the underhood fusebox and see if the fuse was replaced with a CB (I really doubt it, but it does not hurt to inspect things anyhow).

Good luck.

 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

3,133

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108

Chicagoland

Jan 12, 2006

#4

• Jan 12, 2006

• #4

This is actually a fairly common problem. Take a look at the wiring to your switch, and the switch itself. Chances are they're needing replacement. I'd bet they're melted due to resistance, and causing an intermittant problem with your lights. I don't recall who did a write-up about this on here, but they replaced it with a new harness and larger gauge wiring.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

34

129

Jan 12, 2006

#5

• Jan 12, 2006

• #5

Matt, did that write up mention using a connector for a Bronco? Someone did that (all they said they had to do was switch a couple pins, IIRC). I think that was for SN95's (I get the fox and SN retrofits confused). Good memory though man.

 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

3,133

18

108

Chicagoland

Jan 12, 2006

#6

• Jan 12, 2006

• #6

JT, I believe you're correct, it did use one from a Bronco. Better memory on your part

 

chaos254

Founding Member

Jul 27, 2002

467

3

29

NJ

Jan 12, 2006

#7

• Jan 12, 2006

• #7

any of guys know where i can find that writeup? I might just try replacing the switch to see if that stops it and check the wiring while i'm at it.

 

94TURBO5 O

New Member

Mar 14, 2004

2,509

0

0

VA

Jan 13, 2006

#8

• Jan 13, 2006

• #8

It's prob your signal lever being wore out on the contacts is the culprit. Next time if it happens, try wiggling the lever. Mine did that and it stopped after I replaced it. I got one used off of ebay for 5 bucks. Good Luck and drive carefully.

 

S

smokediver27

New Member

Jun 16, 2003

203

0

0

Florida

Jan 14, 2006

#9

• Jan 14, 2006

• #9

Had a similar experience myself. Ended up being a bad headlight switch. These switches actually build up a decent amount of heat (related to the dimmer I believe) Its a cheap fix.