Electrical Problem

[sadecoco]

I experienced a problem with my headlights going off while driving. I determined the problem was in the switch on the dash. I replaced the switch and lights worked fine for a short while. Then the light switch began to smoke as I was driving along with my lights on. I took the two switches apart and found the the plastic in switch was melted and caused because the switch was overheating. I need to get this problem corrected but am not sure what type of repair shop to use. Has anyone exprericed this problem? If so what action did you take.

2003 Itasca 34 ft chevy engine

[sadecoco]

I experienced a problem with my headlights going off while driving. I determined the problem was in the switch on the dash. I replaced the switch and lights worked fine for a short while. Then the light switch began to smoke as I was driving along with my lights on. I took the two switches apart and found the the plastic in switch was melted and caused because the switch was overheating. I need to get this problem corrected but am not sure what type of repair shop to use. Has anyone exprericed this problem? If so what action did you take.

2003 Itasca 34 ft chevy engine

["007"]

sadecoco welcome to irv2
Sorry to hear of your problems. Is the switch rated to handle the current that will be going thru it?
Some MFG'S add to many items to switchs such as ignition and light switchs that will cause problems. Do you have other lights that are controlled by this switch and fail when switch fails?
Enjoy the forums and do post often.
A good automotive shop may help you out or give the model #'s of switch and someone can compare theres to yours for correction.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by sadecoco:
I experienced a problem with my headlights going off while driving. I determined the problem was in the switch on the dash. I replaced the switch and lights worked fine for a short while. Then the light switch began to smoke as I was driving along with my lights on. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>The switch is a Winnebago part and the loads that are connected to it are also setup by Winnebago. The best facility to service this issue would be your Winnebago dealership.

Thank you for your "First Post". I hope we get to see you here often.

[John-D]

The problem is one of two:

1: you have a short, Inspect the wires to the best extent you can all the way from the dash to the headlamps, You may also need to check the tail and towed lights, Look for any evidence of heat.

2: If it is the headlights (And not the tail lights) you may wish to install a head-light relay

This relay works something like this.

Battery---Self resetting breaker---Relay--Lights

Your switch now activates the relay, perhaps a quarter of an amp. The lights get their power via a more direct route via the relay and are thus brighter. DO NOT FORGET THE BREAKER

[RV Wizard]

sadecoco, welcome to our website and forum. Glad to have you join us. You have gotten some good info and I might add that you look for loose connections as this will also cause arcing and burning up the plastic of the switch. If we can be of any further help please let us know. Hope you have a great summer.