Car is sending morse code thru headlights

[shadango]

So a couple times now I have notice when in park and idling ,my headlights blink off and on...just the headlights as I recall.....no rhyme or reason...and not all the time.

Sound like a bad headlight switch?  Thats all I can figure....both lights blink at the same time.

Any leads on QUALITY aftermarket replacements?

Airtex Wells and Standard Motore are what Rockauto is offering. 

Figuring I might replace the dimmer switch too at the same time.....just in case.

[xtopfuel]

I don't think switch is the issue, it's been a long time but I do recall issues with adequate amperage I think there's  a simple fix like replace a 12 or 14 gauge wire with 8 but honest can't remember

[JayBee]

This happened to me a few years ago when coming back from a cruise-in in the dark. I tried a number of things and in the end replacing the headlight switch with a used spare I had kicking around solved the problem. I wish I knew what was going on with the taillights but I imagine they were blinking too.

[Bullitt-]

Don't overlook the foot dimmer switch, I've seen several issues that ended up being in that area 

[shadango]

I wish I knew what was going on with the taillights but I imagine they were blinking too.

I don't believe the "parking" lights were blinking......as  I recall, it was JUST the headlights --  I was standing to the front of the car and could see the headlights and the parking lights.....so I don't think its the whole circuit of lights blink, just the headlights.

[duodec]

Incandescent headlights?  Or have you upgraded to halogens?

The headlight switch has a self resetting circuit breaker in it (to the best of my recollection).  Headlights that draw much more current than stock (or wiring issues) can make that breaker overheat and cut power.  Then it cools and switches back on.  It happened on my '71 when I installed 55/60W H4 headlights. I don't recall the on/off rate but it was more than a few seconds each on, then off, then on... The solution is to reduce the load on the switch, put in a headlight relay or kit, use the switch to drive the relay (only) and the relay to power the headlights.

Or maybe try a new headlight switch.  The breaker can become more sensitive with age.

[1 Wild R/T]

Add relays & never deal with it again...     Where's member Crackedback....

[shadango]

I have standard style headlights.....and the same switch for some time.

I ordered a new switch from rock auto but it doesn't look right to me....attached a pic.....can anyone conform this is right or wrong before I start tearing my dash apart?

[1 Wild R/T]

Wrong

[JayBee]

Ebay. Your's would be WITHOUT the white dot, like this one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Headlight-Switch-1970-1971-1972-1973-1974-Dodge-Challenger-Plymouth-Cuda-/311841329557?hash=item489b311195:g:ccAAAOSw44BYNglo&vxp=mtr

[734406pk]

Add relays & never deal with it again...     Where's member Crackedback....

   Absolutely get relays for your headlights. New cars have them for a reason. I have measured 3 volts drop on the headlight circuit with a new harness! Ridiculous!

[RCCDrew]

I think that headlight switch fits 74-93 dodge trucks.

[shadango]

  Absolutely get relays for your headlights. New cars have them for a reason. I have measured 3 volts drop on the headlight circuit with a new harness! Ridiculous!

So our cars dont have a relay anywhere?  That was my next thing to try.....

Cant believe how pricey the CORRECT switch is and how cheap the INCORRECT switch is....bought mine at rock auto, figured the picture was a stock photo.....I goit exactly what was in the picture....and they show the same thing at all the other parts places....how could everyone be so wrong?

I think I have the white dot on my current one....what was the white dot version in?

Also, I noticed that someone was selling a "rebuilt" one....can these be reliably rebuilt?

[JayBee]

I know the "white dot" was definitely 1970 (possibly '71 as well?). I've had and sold both over the years, no extras left.

[shadango]

Add relays & never deal with it again...     Where's member Crackedback....

I PMd him about the relay kit.....