Hey guys,

The problem is that my 1986 Ranger, good battery and alternator, has a blinking headlight issue. After about ten minutes, only the headlights blink--not the dash lights or the tail and running lights. I've checked the battery ground, the one to the block and some others on the metal shroud where the radiator mounts. I have not yet pulled the headlights and searched for the grounds (?) that come from the connectors. I am not an electrical guy by any means--i get lucky, but my luck has run out. I understand there is a fusible link connected to the headlight switch? Is it wise to go right there first?

Hey man, any guidance by those who are better skilled than me would be appreciated, (and that probably covers many of you)!

Thanks in advance,

Tony

 

I would pull a head light bulb/socket(battery side) and then use a volt meter to test for 12v but ground meter to battery neg, engine off, light switch on
Then start engine and see if the now 14v is steady
If possible have a helper jiggle the light switch and Multi-function switch to see if the positive voltage changes, engine off and on

If not then use the ground in the bulb socket for same test, if voltage varies then yes, its a ground issue
But each head light is usually grounded separately so if both headlights flicker then my money would be on Positive voltage issue, from light switch or multi-function switch

 

Thanks so much, Ron. I will do that as soon as possible. I just came out of the garage and discovered a few things: One is that the driver's side socket has two wires to each connector that goes to the bulb, and the passenger side has one wire for each connector. I pulled that off, and discovered that the passenger side stayed on. The same thing happened when I pulled the passenger side; now the driver's side stayed on. (it does take about five or ten minutes for this issue to happen.)

I don't have a helper as my wife and I do house sitting for folks with dogs, and we are at different places, so I was scrambling to see if I could get a handle on this, and as you usually do, your help is much appreciated. It's probably because of your great help that I've had the nerve to keep this old truck going.

So thanks so much! I'll report back.

Tony

 

My guess is the circuit breaker in the headlight switch has gone bad.

You need a new headlight switch.