Lights keep going off and on

[trobbins]

I am having a problem with my headlights. They keep going off. I put on a new switch last year but the problem is still there. Any suggestions? This is on my 63 GP.

[Larry]

I know how frustrating (and dangerous) that can be. I had a '66 Fairlane GT while in the Air Force whose lights would just up and quit. About the time your heart came back out of your throat, they would come back on. I too replaced the switch. Then one night while fortunately on an open stretch with a well-lit sky, they went out. I didn't panic, but felt up under the dash to the switch. As I fiddled around, a metal clip for something in the dashboard dropped into my hand-- and the lights came on, never to quit again.

I doubt that will be your solution, but I have a couple of questions. Do they go off and remain off for a period of time? How do they come back on... by themselves, with pounding the dash...?

Do they just flicker? If that is the case, check if the ammeter flutters at the same time. If so, it is probably voltage regulator contacts.

Also, have you checked or replaced your dimmer switch? That bugger can cause all sorts of headaches if it isn't clean or working properly.

I guess the obvious would be good wires that aren't shorting somewhere.

Please keep us posted.

[trobbins]

I talked to a tech at Performance Pontiac. He said that my switch must be bad.

[GrandpaDave]

Hey guys - had the same problem on a 76 Plymouth wagon years ago, it ended up being one of the wires going to the dimmer switch (in the plug that plugs into the dimmer). The mechanic told me that most dimmer switches are in series with the headlights - if the dimmer does not work, neither do the headlights.