Headlight Issue

PNWGirl · 02-27-2013, 09:59 PM

I have a 1990 Itasca Suncruiser and have an odd situation going on.

My headlights (low or high) come on great when the MH is not running. However, as soon as you turn over the engine they go out.

Has anyone had this happen and if so what was the culprit?

Thanks!

Sheila

Clifftall · 02-28-2013, 06:06 AM

My Bounder has driving lights that don't go on till the trans is in gear. I'm not sure about the on / off switch for them as I don't travel at night

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Cliff

Dunner · 02-28-2013, 10:13 AM

Turn over or start? It takes a lot of amps to crank an engine over. Once started, they should be bright(er).

FIRE UP · 02-28-2013, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner

Turn over or start? It takes a lot of amps to crank an engine over. Once started, they should be bright(er).

That's what I was going to ask. You see, many vehicles are wired so that just about "EVERYTHING" cuts out when in the cranking stages. But, when the engine is actually running, then, all the systems that operate in that phase are powered up. That would include headlights too. But, not all are wired that way.

And, let's make sure that it's not "Daytime runners" too. You see, many vehicles are wired in such a manor that, the engine can be running and, even put into gear but, the day time runners will not come on 'till the parking brake is released. Now, is the OPs rig wired in that manor? Who knows.

Has his problem done this before or, is it new? Need more info to try and help here.
Scott

Dunner · 02-28-2013, 02:09 PM

Well, I beat you to it

Not that they don't exist, but I have never owned or seen as car/truck that would turn off the headlights when attempting to start. They may appear that way if the battery is low, though.

PNWGirl · 02-28-2013, 06:29 PM

Thank you guys, for taking the time to respond to my question.

I do not leave anything, including lights, on when I start the engine (even on my cars).

I don't know how long this issue has been going on as I normally do not travel at night. Was going to get gas when I realized that the headlights were not on.

My rig has a pull button to turn on the headlights.

I had left the headlight button 'on' and when I got home and turned the engine off I saw the headlights come on.

I tried turning them off, then starting the engine and turning on; nothing.

I tried turning the lights on, while engine was off, then turning the engine over, with lights still on-- as soon as the ignition was turned all the way over, to start the engine, the headlights turned off.

It is the weirdest thing and really hoping that one of you guys know what is going on here.

Thanks!

Sheila

Dunner · 02-28-2013, 08:29 PM

You make my head hurt.

Never heard of anything like that, but it was a good explanation of the problem. What happens to the parking lights when you turn the key to start with only the parking lights on?

Pls let us know what you find out.

PNWGirl · 02-28-2013, 08:32 PM

Not sure about the parking lights. Will check in the morning.

Really appreciate you guys!!

Sheila

stink · 02-28-2013, 08:37 PM

Sounds to me like a problem in the fuse box. Behind the box are a number of buss bars that power up fuses. If a corrosion problem has set in maybe the ignition feed curcuit is drawing all available juice to power up ignition controlled curcuits. This may cause a drop in voltage to the headlight curcuit. Or just a relay as many coaches use relays to protect switches. Mine has a relay for EVERYTHING Hate it

Dunner · 02-28-2013, 08:48 PM

What protection do headlights use? Pretty sure it is not a fuse, as (pardon the pun) that would leave you in the dark. Circuit breaker or just an un-fused relay?

stink · 02-28-2013, 08:51 PM

Dunner, depending on the chassis, fuse box manufacturer there is eather a fuse or curcuit breaker in the panel and most headlamp switches has a curcuit breaker built in.

Dunner · 02-28-2013, 09:11 PM

Sheila, with the engine running and the headlight switch on, see if you can reach your hand under the dash and wiggle the wiring loom near the switch. Don't worry; not enough voltage to hurt you. Take off all jewelry.

What happens if the ignition switch is switched to just the run position with the lights on? Or with the ignition on, then the lights switched on?

Dwallace · 02-28-2013, 09:34 PM

I believe our Itasca had that problem as well. As best I can remember the problem was in the dimmer switch.

skigramp · 03-01-2013, 11:26 AM

this sounds like a problem with the ignition switch ... or the light switch .. or a connection to one of them