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    #1

    Headlamp delay relay

    Quick question. It looks like the delay feature of my headlights is a bit off. It used to to that when I rotated the inner knob to the left all the way against the stop, the delay was very short, maybe a second or so and all the way to the right was a long delay (e.g. 15-30 seconds). Now it seems when I rotate the inner headlight knob to the left (not turning it off, but on minimum delay setting), the delay is long. Would this be the headlamp delay relay or would it be the headlight switch itself?

    thanks,
    RT
    95 DGM Impala SS, 383, LT4 cnc heads, LT4 matched intake, Holley 58 mm t/body, GM 846 cam, GMPP 1.5 rr's, F-body MAF, BH OBD I PCM, LT4 knock module, K&N cold air, Edelbrock headers, Flowmaster exhaust, BBHP #73 6-speed, 4:10 gear, sloted and drilled rotors, Z28 cluster
    96 Buick Roadmaster Limited Wagon, mostly stock
    77 Ford F150, 400M auto, longbed
    98 Suburban LS 5.7L Vortec, stock
    90 Grand Marquis, stock
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    #2
    I'm fairly certain that the delay is determined by a variable resistor in the switch assembly. I believe the ceramic deal with the coiled wire (kind of looks like a spring) is what makes up that variable resistor. As you turn the knob, the position that the contact arm touches the coiled wire determines how much resistance the circuit sees which determines the delay.

    That's how I think it works, I'm not completely certain since I haven't actually looked into it.

    The '91 MGM I bought last month has the same problem you're describing but I've been too lazy to address it.
    Last edited by VicCrownVic; 05-07-2016, 07:42 AM.
    Vic

    ~ 1989 MGM LS Colony Park - Large Marge
    ~ 1998 MGM LS - new DD
    ~ 1991 MGM LS "The Scab"
    ~ 1991 MGM GS "The Ice Car"

    Comment

      #3
      I believe you are right. Probably the variable is dirty or worn out.
      86 Lincoln Town Car (Galactica).
      5.0 HO, CompCams XE258,Scorpion 1.72 roller rockers, 3.55 K code rear, tow package, BHPerformance ported E7 heads, Tmoss Explorer intake, 65mm throttle body, Hedman 1 5/8" headers, 2.5" dual exhaust, ASP underdrive pulley

      91 Lincoln Mark VII LSC grandpa spec white and cranberry

      1984 Lincoln Continental TurboDiesel - rolls coal

      Originally posted by phayzer5
      I drive a Lincoln. I can't be bothered to shift like the peasants and rabble rousers

      Comment

        #4
        I've got contact cleaner, I'll have to try cleaning it before replacing it since all the other functions of the switch work.
        Vic

        ~ 1989 MGM LS Colony Park - Large Marge
        ~ 1998 MGM LS - new DD
        ~ 1991 MGM LS "The Scab"
        ~ 1991 MGM GS "The Ice Car"

        Comment

          #5
          Its possible that you can replace just that part if you can get it out to examine it. Not totally sure what that actually looks like. Its one of the various features I don't have, so I've never had to study why it doesn't work.
          86 Lincoln Town Car (Galactica).
          5.0 HO, CompCams XE258,Scorpion 1.72 roller rockers, 3.55 K code rear, tow package, BHPerformance ported E7 heads, Tmoss Explorer intake, 65mm throttle body, Hedman 1 5/8" headers, 2.5" dual exhaust, ASP underdrive pulley

          91 Lincoln Mark VII LSC grandpa spec white and cranberry

          1984 Lincoln Continental TurboDiesel - rolls coal

          Originally posted by phayzer5
          I drive a Lincoln. I can't be bothered to shift like the peasants and rabble rousers

          Comment

            #6
            The potentiometer is serviceable according to the shop manual. You remove the switch, remove the knob, and unbolt the nut holding the switch to it's bracket. But at that point you might as well get a new switch, or a separately mounted potentiometer for the delayed exit system.

            Comment

              #7
              Hit it with some Faderlube.
              1990 MGM: $50 E7 heads, HO cam, Holley SysteMAX lower intake, HO upper intake with an Explorer TB. LSC ECM. Lincoln logs into stock dual exhaust. K&N drop in air filter. Wide ratio AOD, 2400 converter with a 3.08 one tire fire out back. Car is less slow now. Then there's the '92 Beater. Dual 2.25" exhaust with shiny tips. Rumbles nice. Super slow. Burns oil too.

              Comment

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