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The case of the flashing lights

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05-03-2016, 12:58 PM
Richard_Muise
The case of the flashing lights
I noticed that the light on my speedometer and my head lights were flashing on the way home from our campout. Anyone have any advice on how to troubleshoot this.

Thanks,
Richard


R.P.Muise 1994 Breakaway/Cummins 5.9/Allison transmission/Spartan Chassis
05-03-2016, 01:36 PM
Steve VW
I'm not sure exactly how they are wired on the Breakaway but most of the headlight circuits depend on a thermal circuit breaker in the light switch to protect the headlight circuit from overload. Over time, it seems the circuit breaker becomes more sensitive and begins to flash the lights on and off.

This is one of the reasons some of us have rewired the headlight feed through a heavy duty relay, with the switch controlling the relay only. This allows full current through the relay (brighter lights) and the switch does not get hot.

Search the site for headlight switch and relays, lots of stuff here. good luck


9708-M0037-37MM-01
"98" Monarch 37
Spartan MM, 6 spd Allison
Cummins 8.3 325+ hp
05-03-2016, 02:25 PM
Rusty
I had the headlight switch overheat on my Breakaway early one morning. The switch and terminal melted. Both (from a '66 Buick Century, IIRC) were available at NAPA (The connector cost more than the switch). I drilled holes in the new switch to alleviate the trapped heat.

Shortly after, I installed headlight relays.


Rusty


MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP; built-to-order by Peninsular Engines:  Hi-pop injectors, gear-driven camshaft, non-waste-gated, high-output turbo, 18:1 pistons.  Fuel economy increased by 15-20%, power, WOW!"StaRV II"

'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP

Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers

Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering.
- Arthur C. Clarke

It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
05-03-2016, 03:19 PM
Kevin
Here is one page that may help. Some searches with headlights or headlamps may help you find more information on your headlight circuit being overloaded.
05-03-2016, 07:53 PM
Richard_Muise
Problem solved. I looked at the switch and saw two leads which were browned out. One was hanging by a thread and the other was less than half attached. Bought a new switch just in case (1994 Chevy van switch), replaced the clips on both wires and I was back in business.


R.P.Muise 1994 Breakaway/Cummins 5.9/Allison transmission/Spartan Chassis
05-03-2016, 07:57 PM
Rusty
Excellent! Thumbs Up Nice when it's simple!


Rusty


MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP; built-to-order by Peninsular Engines:  Hi-pop injectors, gear-driven camshaft, non-waste-gated, high-output turbo, 18:1 pistons.  Fuel economy increased by 15-20%, power, WOW!"StaRV II"

'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP

Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers

Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering.
- Arthur C. Clarke

It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields