Headlights are messed up

[Big SW]

I just got my 86 licensed and inspected a couple days ago then when coming home last night my headlights quit and just flickered on and off. I checked and there is no bare wires grounding out and I just put in a brand-new switch from Oreilleys. The new switch was also getting pretty hot to the touch when the light switch was on brights, but the lights weren't on. any ideas? thanks!

 

[Dmack]

Dimmer switch?

 

[rusted nuts]

I just got my 86 licensed and inspected a couple days ago then when coming home last night my headlights quit and just flickered on and off. I checked and there is no bare wires grounding out and I just put in a brand-new switch from Oreilleys. The new switch was also getting pretty hot to the touch when the light switch was on brights, but the lights weren't on. any ideas? thanks!

Stock headlights??,,,, Why did You replace the headlight switch???

 

[Ricko1966]

You should double check me, but I believe your headlight switch has a circuit breaker built in. My first guess is you have a dead short on a head light power wire tripping the breaker,breakers are thermal so its creating heat.

 

[clintC]

i had this same type problem a couple years ago....new dimmer switch, when on high beam wires got to smoking at the switch , pulled the brown or green at the melting plug (if i remember correctly, can't check at moment because driver door is "blocked" by tent pole while i install new motor), problem went away with 1/2 the lights (daytime work truck in the city = "not a priority to fix"....I'm about to relocate to rural Co and need to fix the problem....any tips on where to find a replacement dimmer switch connection plug (as i figure this is were the problem originated) Thanx in advance

 

[RustyPile]

Electrical connectors of all types and configurations can be found on the HELP rack at your local automotive parts store.. Probably corrosion caused the wires to get hot at the connector. it causes resistance and that causes heat to build up.. You'll need to cut the wires back to good insulation. Might also need to add "pigtails" to get the length back. Don't use crimped butt splices.. Strip, twist, solder and heat shrink tube to insulate joints.

 

[SirRobyn0]

What @Ricko1966 said could be a possibility, I'd advise a second look over the wiring. Does the running lights also flicker off? But what @RustyPile said is also likely, not only at the headlight switch but also the dimmer wiring could be doing it. This is nothing to play with, if it's dead short or a poor connection the wiring could heat up and start a fire. I had this happen on my 77 Cadillac. Dimmer switch shorted out and by the time I was able to get off the highway I was stomping the carpet out.

Of course you know the importance of good working headlights so like Nick said if any wiring repairs are needed solder and shrink wrap. If you don't know how to solder you really should learn, there is no repair to wiring stronger or more long lasting than solder. Second best is NON-insulated crimp connectors and then shrink wrap over that, but never the color coded (red, blue, yellow) ones that you just crimp and leave. They like to pull apart over time and have no barrier for moisture intrusion.