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M_a_c_k
New User
Aug 22, 2015, 10:00 AM
Post #1 of 8
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78 Lincoln Headlights
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I have a Ford 78 lincoln continental 460 big block. When turning on the headlights the low beams work, but when switching to high beams it doesnt work. My father replaced the switch to no avail. I have heard there is a relay somewhere but would like more info before proceding. Any help would be wonderful. -Mack
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 22, 2015, 10:37 AM
Post #2 of 8
(2121 views)
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Re: 78 Lincoln Headlights
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Super high chance it's still at that floor button switch if new than the plug to it. Those catch all kinds or wet yuk and can fail any which way. BTW it's FORD as the parent company, Lincoln is it's own division all made in the same factory but really are just Fords with more toys, longer, heavier and most parts are identical to any full size Ford.
Check that plug and wires at that switch with a test light if needed. Power get to it if any light work so it just isn't powering for high beam,
T
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M_a_c_k
New User
Aug 22, 2015, 6:00 PM
Post #3 of 8
(2109 views)
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Re: 78 Lincoln Headlights
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Ok I pulled the trminal plug off the dimmer switch for the high beams and cleaned them up. Now the low beams dont work at all, and the high beams did shut off on there own. Should I replace it, I do have a 79 lincoln with a bad transmission I can use for parts.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 23, 2015, 12:58 AM
Post #4 of 8
(2102 views)
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Re: 78 Lincoln Headlights
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That pretty much proves that's the area of trouble. Simple switch really common to many years of cars but the fit common to at least the Fords for many models and years.
Look for the trouble with plug and wires to it. Splice in properly as needed and really solder wires, shrink wrapped and seal with liquid electrical tape on top.
A Note for many or all sealed beams: The high beam is a second filament inside a low beam bulb powered separately so one could work and the other not. High beam bulbs when separate such as this car only have one. Switch deals with that, the plug sends on the power. It's plenty old enough to look for any rubber sealing thru the floor that makes this subject to more troubles than just this. You don't want road water coming in thru there either.
Use grease on connections that is water proof as seen fit. The button is now new but had to take those out to spray lube those inside while upside down. Any make they were similar but doubt all fit. I never recall buying a new switch rather take them out and lube them up never to be a problem again. It's older now so the plug/wires would be no surprise as the problem,
T
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M_a_c_k
New User
Aug 23, 2015, 2:37 PM
Post #5 of 8
(2082 views)
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Re: 78 Lincoln Headlights
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Took the dimmer switch out of my other 79 and ground off the corrosion. It worked, except one of the dims is burnt out. I will seal for water when the weather improves and head to napa tomarrow for a bulb. Thank you for your help, I highly appreciate it. Will update when I get another bulb in.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 23, 2015, 3:28 PM
Post #6 of 8
(2075 views)
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Re: 78 Lincoln Headlights
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Seal wiring even at bulbs with silicone electric grease for corrosion. The outer bulbs of 4 round hide-a-way bulbs in this or any four sealed beams will be both low beam only and have a "bright" filament - chances are higher blow the low filament as most people use them more.
If you care and use the car a lot at night these bulbs can seem quite dim compared to most good newer ones. Check out not only Halogen bulbs but ones that claim "Extra-Vision" for example by Sylvania or I the same as "Performance" by Sylvania. Tons brighter and a bit more costly. I suggest doing all four for better light. Same look and fit just better lighting.
To avoid confusion with this car call it the full size Continental. The script on rear quarter and dash that say's Town Car was actually an option package almost all had. They did make smaller "Continentals" also ( things were mixed up for a while) that might be 4 square sealed beams - I just forget?
Depending these are still in stock at larger parts outlets in your choice or next day at worst. Bring an old one in should end any confusion and save time for something that silly,
T
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M_a_c_k
New User
Aug 27, 2015, 9:23 PM
Post #7 of 8
(2019 views)
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Re: 78 Lincoln Headlights
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Well I replaced the dimmer switch with one from my 79, it was caroded so I ground and cleaned it up and the healights started to work way better but still flashed on/off like the breaker in the dash switch was opening/closeing. So I replaced it with the original switch, what happened is the brand new dimmer switch my father put in was bad (made in taiwan sticker) so not figureing a new part would be the problem he replaced the dash switch with problems as well. Headlights been working good so far.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 27, 2015, 10:10 PM
Post #8 of 8
(2015 views)
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Re: 78 Lincoln Headlights
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Sad but true, the old OE one was probably better metals all thru it. Said I don't recall replacing but rather lubing them up if anything. As said the button was also a mushroom like shield so to lube best if out and upside down.
The "made in Taiwan" sticker isn't thrilling for electrical aftermarket parts to me. Bad out of the box stuff too common. Hey it gets wet down on floor so needs to be well made.
Virtually ALL so called US cars had floor button headlight dimmers and not sure now if even all different one company to another now as they were NOT a huge problem.
Good luck with old or if need be another new one,
T
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