Headlights flickering and flashing

joeplazek · 09-22-2011, 08:12 AM

1996 MONACO SIGNATURE SERIES and the daytime running lights are flickering and flashing. The main headlamps finally gave up after about 100 miles of this. Just want a place to start looking. The running lamps still work but the main lamps won't.

joe

sparkydog · 09-22-2011, 09:13 AM

Sounds like a ground wire problem. I would check grounds near the lights first, where they attach to the frame, could be corrosion, broken wire, loose terminal? Good luck

Skip426 · 09-22-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeplazek

1996 MONACO SIGNATURE SERIES and the daytime running lights are flickering and flashing. The main headlamps finally gave up after about 100 miles of this. Just want a place to start looking. The running lamps still work but the main lamps won't.

joe

If the headlights have quit working you'll need a new headlight switch; internal circuit breaker failed; . Are the headlight bulbs stock ? Many older systems won't tolerate high output bulbs. Check for melted wires or dis-colored connectors at the bulb connector , the headlight switch, and the DRL module. Get a wiring diagram for the coach and find out if there are relays in the system. No real 1/2 measures here you have to check everything, including the grounds as mentioned. But to start, the bulbs and the conectors on them. Good luck.

joeplazek · 09-23-2011, 09:38 AM

Ground wires are a possibility. I did crawl around under there last evening and found my alarm siren wire green and corroded off. No luck finding a ground problem yet but I will keep looking. Did start it up and the Day Time Running lights are working when they are cold and are not flickering so I believe its a heat problem. The DRL module (i have found it) is quite warm only after 5 mins or so of running. I am going to start at the switch and keep checking power out from there until I find something. I need to remove the drivers seat to get the panel off to get at the headlight switch (nobody builds these things with repair in mind do they??) I know the wiring and bulbs are still ok as the ICC switch still flashes the high beams. No sign of low beams although. The clearence lights still come on with the switch although and I am told its a separate side to the switch. Keep the input coming I know someone out there has had the same problem.

Paul R. Haller · 09-23-2011, 09:50 AM

I do not know the wiring on your Monaco but check the headlight relay if you have one. I have had them fail many times. Pull out your volt meter and start checking everything from the headlight switch to the lights. You will find the problem sooner or later. Keep us posted.
-Paul R. Haller-

joeplazek · 09-23-2011, 09:58 AM

Will do and thanks!!

joe

Skip426 · 09-23-2011, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeplazek

Will do and thanks!!

joe

Your welcome, Joe, keep trying and tracing, and we'll keep the ideas coming.
The DRL, module will get hot when it is operating, internally it is reducing (transforming ) to about 9 volts ( some units, your spec may be different)
To prolong bulb life. If you have found one wiring issue , your bound to find more, Good luck.

Running lights are fused externally, from the switch , headlights on an internal circuit breaker, Required by law to be a circuit breaker, so you don't just loose lights completely as you would with a fuse, ICC flash, probably has it's own power source, independant of the H/L switch.

joeplazek · 09-24-2011, 09:27 PM

Got a chance today to do some testing. Pulled the drivers seat and took the panel off. Can't believe the idiots at Monaco would not have made that panel the whole length of the control box but hey it's a motorhome and they are not kind to the repairer,,,LOL. Got to the headlight switch and what do ya know?? no power coming out on either high or low beam. When I went to take the switch out it crumbled in my hand into about 5 pieces,,, even the plug is melted somewhat,, found the problem!!! NOW,,, does anybody know what direction I should look for a switch?? I own a salvage yard here in Canada so tomorrow I figure I will take it in hand and drive around the yard and see what I can find but if any one has a little advice on where to start it would be appreciated.

Skip426 · 09-24-2011, 10:23 PM

If the control knob was on a tri-angular shaft, held in place with a spring loaded pin. First place I'd look would be early 70's Chev P/U. NAPA or Lordco should have the switch , the harness is another matter.
Hint... to check out the wiring, past the switch for shorts , get a 15 amp circuit breaker and jumper the wires with the breaker in line and check things out, before you loose another switch.
Switch should only have one output for head lights, power would then got to the dimmer switch or to relays for high and low beam, or if it's wired up like my F/L chassis one relay for L , one for right, low beam with the relays de- activated, high with them active.
When one relay on my coach stuck my lights did the flashing thing ; got to the problem before I lost the H/L switch. Good luck.

joeplazek · 09-29-2011, 11:54 AM

1995 Chev 3500 van had the switch and the the plug. Exact match. Learned a new thing too,, (the internet is a great tool) had to change the triangular shaft with the shorter version that came with my coach and had no idea how to remove the shaft. Push the spring loaded pin in and pull the shaft!! Thanks guys!!. Had to do a little massaging to the triangular shaft as mine was rounded for about the last half inch or so. Fits like a glove. Everything is good. Headlights high and low work great. I still have concern about the fog and driving lights on this thing and as they really dont work that well I unplugged them at the relays. Thought they may be the initial problem that caused my switch problem. They are always on and the switch made no difference to them at all. Relays not stuck but somethings up somewhere along the way. ANY THOUGHTS??

Skip426 · 09-30-2011, 11:49 AM

Joe, your really going to have to get a wiring diagram, to find the power source for the , fog & driving lights. Most applications, park lights on would provide power to the fog light switch. Then high beams would provide power to the driving light switch. When the switches are on then the relays power the bulbs. When wired up this way , you can have the fog lights on without head lights on; and the driving lights go off as soon as you hit the dimmer switch for low beam. If you have them stuck on , I think you'll find more melted wires some where in the coach.

Good luck.

joeplazek · 09-30-2011, 01:16 PM

You are correct and since I kind of inherited this coach from my Dad and Mom I am finding out more info as I ask questions. Seems they wanted their fogs on at all times and had a mechanic change this for them. I have found a monaco wiring diagram but just need to sit down and study it. I have headlights now so I am ready to go and will dig into these driving, fogs, when I get bored this winter. On to bigger and better projects now as the unit has a computer dash that is not working and I kind of like traveling with some engine and chassis monitoring.