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(Answering my own question for others with the same problem).
The symptoms: The YJ (and a lot of other Jeep models) have an up down toggle switch on the dash When the switch was in the on position, the headlights would randomly flash on and then off about every 5-10 seconds, worse when it was raining or wet out.
The problem: The headlight switch was more than 20 years old and full of fuzz and corrosion.
The solution: Replace the switch, it's $20 new at most auto stores and requires only a Phillips head screwdriver.
Other potential (but less likely) solutions are:
- If you just installed fog lights or screwed around with other wiring, you may have created a short, find it and fix it.
- If its just when its cold or wet outside, it may be due to corrosion between contacts, possibly other than the main headlight switch. Try using a hairdryer on other questionable areas.
- It may be a problem with a circuit breaker that self-resets when overheating. Once it cools, it will reset and then the problem repeats itself. This is something someone suggested, but it didn't apply to me.
- Some people have reported a problem with the high beam switch too. I would mess with this only as a last resort.
What else can I help you with?
What would cause the headlights to flash on and off on a 1999 Buick Regal?
If the headlights flash on and off, there may be a problem with the bulbs or fuses. There may also be a problem with the battery connections or wiring.
Why would the headlights flash 3 times then the service light come on for a 2001 Chevy cavalier?
TRY CHECKING TO SEE IF YOU HAVE A HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHT OUT. tHIS WILL CAUSE THE PROBLEM YOU HAVE.
When the headlights are on there are no brakelights when headlights are off brakelights work what would cause this?
Bad ground on the brake lite circuit.
Your blinkers flash fast when the headlights are on but work fine when they are off what would cause this?
Not sure what Kind of car this is, but usually if the blinkers run fast it's because you have a bulb burnt out. I'd check your tailights first.
What would cause headlights dashlights to dim then brighten again?
Alternator
What would cause your brake lights to not come on with the headlights on If the headlights are off the brake lights are fine?
Possible ground issue at the taillights.
You just replaced both headlights on your 1995 Jeep Wrangler the fuses are working but the lights still don't work What do you need to do?
i would check the wiring for cracks
What would cause the headlights to be dim unless you pull in the lever for flash to pass on a 1996 Ford Aspire?
Dim headlights that brighten when you pull the lever for flash to pass may indicate a problem with the headlight switch or wiring. It could be due to a poor connection, corrosion, or a failing headlight relay that affects the power supplied to the headlights. Additionally, the issue might stem from a weak battery or alternator, failing to deliver sufficient voltage under normal conditions. Checking the electrical connections and components related to the headlight circuit would be a good first step in troubleshooting.
What would cause the headlights to go out on a 2006 Mitsubishi endeavor?
Check the fuses.
What would cause the headlights radio and dome lights to quit when headlights are turned on in a 1996 crown vic?
I would replace the headlight switch as Ford has had their share of these problems.
What would cause the car to keep running once ignition turned off if headlights were still on?
Headlights run off the battery not the ignition...
Why would the headlights of a 1988 Honda LXI be weak on dim and the bright lights only work on the right side?
A bad ground wire will cause dim headlights, or will cause lights not to work.
