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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / 40 headlights not working

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Discussion Topic: 40 headlights not working

russ40standard

09-15-2018 @ 2:54 AM

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Working my way through the funky wiring put in place by unknown previous owners. My tail lights & brake lights work correctly, but headlights do not work. I did many searches on this web site and found references to "circuit breaker". Where is this breaker located on a 1940 2-door standard? There are several unidentified electrical gadgets strewn about under the dash. Yeah, I should rewire, but I only want to "fix" the headlights right now.
Thanks for any suggestions.

deluxe40

09-15-2018 @ 9:23 AM

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As you sit in the driver's seat the circuit breaker is directly ahead of you, high on the inside of the firewall above the steering column. There should be two components mounted on a small board. The big one on the left is the circuit breaker. The one on the right is the ignition resistor. Under the hood you can see two studs with nuts coming through high on the driver's side.

russ40standard

09-15-2018 @ 11:19 AM

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Well, as I suspected, there's a large electric wiper motor displacing the circuit board where you described, and what appears to be the former components of the circuit board are now separated and wire-tied to a conduit running through the area....secure but ugly.

What looks like the left side module has two wires attached to its terminals. One red and the other red with a black stripe. The switch has to be ON to get a voltage reading, and both terminals read 12 volts. The right-side unit has 2 terminals with a conglomerate of yellow and yellow striped wires attached to the terminals. Both terminals read 12 volts and the switch does not have to be on.

I'm suspecting these two modules are ok since they pass 12 volts through them. I guess my next step is to look at the foot dimmer switch for the headlights. I think this has to be done from the underside of the car, or try to find the wires that came off the dimmer switch inside the engine compartment.

Thanks for the assistance. It got me started when I was stumped.

ford38v8

09-15-2018 @ 1:30 PM

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You're on the right track by checking the dimmer switch. Follow the voltage till you find the break.

Your description of what you found is an excellent example of why anyone considering the purchase of a modified car needs to have a solid background in auto mechanics, as only the previous owner knows what he changed and what parts were used, making diagnosis and repair a real nightmare. Even something as seemingly straightforward as changing from 6v to 12v can be done in so many different ways that "Only the Shadow knows."

Alan

russ40standard

09-16-2018 @ 1:53 PM

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You're very right Alan. Working with a partial 6v to 12v conversion that included (1) a right-hand tail light that was added, (2) turn signals that were added by a 10-year-old, and (3) convoluted wiring in general has proved challenging. I added a 12v to 6v converter for gauges (which didn't work with 12 volts), wired the electric wipers that were already installed, figured out and on my way to repairing the hot air heater system, and fixing the turn signals that cross over into the original headlight system wiring incorrectly. I bought this car based on the cosmetics (paint, upholstery, new glass, bumpers, trim, tires, and whatnot), expecting some repairs and fixes would be needed. I seriously underestimated the number of items would need some attention, which I now believe is "everything"....well, almost. Fortunately, there is professional help available locally to take care of the problems that are beyond my capabilities.

Russell

ford38v8

09-16-2018 @ 2:31 PM

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Russell, do not rely on "Professional help". They will jury rig your car further than it is now, while possibly also causing extensive repair. Instead, put your trust in Flathead Ford enthusiasts who work within the original Ford specs.

Alan

russ40standard

09-18-2018 @ 8:27 AM

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Alan,

Wrong choice of words on my part. By "professional" I meant someone who is an expert and enthusiast with extensive knowledge of antique/classic vehicles, and has the equipment to work on same. I don't expect a modern car mechanic, regardless of qualifications or skill, to be familiar with the inner workings of a 78 year old vehicle. Sorry for the misuse of a word that was meant as a compliment.

Russell

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