Blinking Head lights

[Tiko433]

I have read some old threads on this but wanted to see what the latest tips were. So it don't happen all the time but last night after having my lights on for about 10 min they started binking ( I think only the head lights) The last time it did it the lights were on for 30 min . I have read the stock wiring could be a issue and the head light switch over heats . The switch is less then 6mo old from one of our venders , I think Toms . I have stock head lights and switch all grounds and wires seem good. Any suggests from someone who fixed this recently

 

[garberz]

The best solution is to upgrade to a separate headlight harness, taking the load off of the headlight switch itself.

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Illuminator_Headlight_Harness

Mark

 

[Tiko433]

Have you or anyone you know used it ?

 

[laserfish]

I put the kit from Toms in mine, lights and all. What a difference and plug and play easy.

 

[Apogee]

Have you or anyone you know used it ?

This upgrade should be considered required for anyone who regularly drives their EB at night. This is a simple version of how modern vehicle headlights are wired.

 

[Tiko433]

Thanks guys. I saw Toms has a kit also

 

[BroncoKelley]

I used the WH kit. Just make sure you disconnect the diode that allows both high and low beams to come on at the same time. My right headlight blew within 10 mins after installation!

 

[Broncmeister]

I have read some old threads on this but wanted to see what the latest tips were. So it don't happen all the time but last night after having my lights on for about 10 min they started binking ( I think only the head lights) The last time it did it the lights were on for 30 min . I have read the stock wiring could be a issue and the head light switch over heats . The switch is less then 6mo old from one of our venders , I think Toms . I have stock head lights and switch all grounds and wires seem good. Any suggests from someone who fixed this recently

I literally just did this fix a couple weeks ago. Go to your neighborhood auto parts or electronics store and buy 2 either 4 or 5 pole relays (you only need 4 pole relays, but 5 work too). 1 relay is for brights and 1 is for dim. Run a power wire straight from your battery to each relay with a 30 amp inline fuse for each one. Each hot wire will tie into relay pole labelled 30. Next run a ground wire from pole labelled 85 of each relay to the vehicles ground. Then, cut the wires at an optimal place that come from your floor dimmer switch out into your engine bay that supply power to the lights. Run each wire from the dimmer switch side of the cut to it's relay, and they will tie into pole labelled 86 on the relay (extend or add onto the wires if you have to). Finally, the pole labelled 87 on each relay will go back to the other end of the same color wires you cut from the dimmer switch going to the headlights. (if you are using 5 pole relays, the pole labelled 87a will not be used) That's it! You could also run down to that same store and get some wire loom and zip ties to pretty it all up nice too if you want

 

[bushman]

^This is what I did. I probably spent slightly less that buying one ready-made, but I was able to wire it exactly as I wanted it with the wire gauge I preferred and mount the relays where I wanted them.

 

[DirtDonk]

If you're not ready to "roll-yer-own" with regard to a relay harness, we also have one similar to what garberz posted, but with longer wires and less cost. Just does not have the jumper BroncoKelley mentioned for keeping both filaments lit at the same time.
Most people don't need that feature, but it is nice in the wilderness when you really want it all.
Not sure why his blew so quickly (obviously the heat was too much for it) when most others do not have that issue with the larger lights our Broncos have. This would be a very common issue with smaller lights, as they can't dissipate the heat as quickly. But I would guess it happens now and then no matter what you run.

Good luck.

Oh, the other theoretical solution to your issue is simply replacing the main headlight switch. However, this is only a long-term fix if your wiring is in perfect shape still and everything else is in good shape. Otherwise, it's likely just another temporary or very short-term fix until the circuit-breaker is overloaded again.

The relay kits take most of the load off of the main headlight switch and put it where it can be handled and do the most good.

paul

 

[Tiko433]

Thanks guys drove it last night and it did it again about 30 min having them on. I will give your harness a try Paul The swich is not even a year old so I'm going to trust it for now

 

[DirtDonk]

Thanks. And while I hate to say this, because I think our USA made Illuminator is pretty cool, the less expensive Night Lighter is cleaner and has the advantage of longer wire runs. The longer wire sometimes means you have to hide some wire, but it also lets you route the wires more cleanly and out of your way.
Your choice though. Both get the job done.

If you are driving at night again before you get to install the harness, pop the hood and pull one of the headlight connectors off. This halves the load on the switch and will 90% likely fix the problem. At least temporarily till you get home.
The advantage is that you can still see a bit and won't have flashing lights. The disadvantage is you might get pulled over for having a light out! But at least it's an easy explanation. "But geez officer... You have to know about these old Broncos!"

The fact that your lights are doing it with only a year-old switch highlights two possible issues we run into all of the time these days. Crappy old wiring (what year is your Bronco by the way?) and crappy new imported switching products.
Or both!

Good luck. Should fix your issue I would think. It has for just about everybody that's used one so far.

Paul