Headlights blinking.

[pipefitter]

Every once in a while, the headlights on my '87 blink. I think all the lights probably blink but it's so darn quick, I can't say for certain. I've owned it since it was new and the switch has never been changed. They've always come right back on, but it's unnerving. Any ideas, or is this thing haunted?

 

[pipefitter]

I looked through the archives before I posted the question, and found posts referring to later model 4Runners. Mine is an '87 and the switch is different from what I saw when I searched. It's a bit more expensive as well.

 

[mikekfr]

Does it only do it when you're mobile, or does it do it sitting still as well?

 

[Scalded_Dawg]

Bunch of Virginians in here... :wave:

I would start with the wiring, especially if it's only in motion.
Turn the lights on and start moving/shaking wires around until you find the culprit. Probably a broken ground or something simple.

 

[Quatre Coureur]

My '88 also does this. Usually when I'm on the freeway, the headlights just go out. Seems to coincide with a dip or bump in the road. I'll flick to brights then back to get 'em back on. Fwiw when my blinkers self-cancel, they'll switch to brights. The stalk just seems flimsy compared to my '85 which has never had any of these issues.

 

[wallytoo]

the place to search, specifically, is RAD4Runner's build thread. in his thread, he describes the factory wiriing flaw in the headlight circuit, as well as a way to remedy it. i have performed the fix, so that my column switch wouldn't fail prematurely. it is a relatively easy fix. the only issue for me is that the high-beam indicator now is so dim it is nearly invisible, but it is lit. the headlights themselves (high and low) function flawlessly.

wally

 

[pipefitter]

Mikekfr, it seems to do it when moving. Last night it did it simply while driving, once when pulling into a friends driveway, and once approaching a 4-way stop. (that was a cluster...everyone thought I was signalling them to turn!) Anyway, (as Scalded_Dog suggested), I pulled the cover off the steering column and started looking for shorts as I dimmed the lights, used the turn signals etc. Quatre Coureur, your problem sounds like mine. Intermittent as hell. I will check our Rad4Runner's build, wallytoo. He has some good information on here, and has already helped me once. Thanks for all the responses, folks!

 

[pipefitter]

How can I find Rad4Runner's build? I can't locate it.

 

[wallytoo]

How can I find Rad4Runner's build? I can't locate it.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/133958-ruby-tuesday-rad4runners-mods-restoration.html

 

[pipefitter]

Thanks!