Headlight/Dimmer Switch???

[Broncitis]

I replaced the old corroded Dimmer switch and discovered I still have problems. The headlights burn fine for 3 or 4 minutes and then go off, after about 15 or 20 seconds they come back on. It does it while on Lo or hi beam. I have had this happen on older cars before but never on Lo Beam and replaced the dimmer and it was fixed. Is there a thermal overload built into the dimmer switch? The Hd Lights are new Sylvania Halogens. A week or so ago when I first checked the lights I had to cycle the switch several times to get them to come on. Now they come on every time. Not sure if I have a bad switch or if maybe the new Advance Auto dimmer may be bad. Any Thoughts will be appreciated.

[Bronco Biff]

There is a built in thermal overload in the headlight switch. The newer headlights draw too many amps for them and will kick them out. You should consider adding relays and run straight battery power to he lights. Makes them brighter also.

[Broncitis]

Thanks Biff. I will study up and find the components to do this alteration.

[chuzie]

Some of the vendors actually sell a relay kit that uses your existing headlight plugs as signal circuit for the relays so it is almost plug and play. Otherwise it is a simple matter of 2 40A relays wired inline and fed by the battery. A fuse is a good idea too.

[Bronco Biff]

A couple of examples:

http://www.dufftuff.com/H4_Composite_Hea...p/7205.htm Duffs with headlights

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Ill...ht_Harness Wild Horses