Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) i smell smoke

[robertsalverda]

hey guys, i'm wondering if anyone has had this problem before. just started happening this week. when i turn on the headlights, i start to smell the faint odor of burning wires after about 15 minutes. it seems like the dash gets hot over the headlight switch. this does not look like an easy place to get to, so i figured i would ask around first to see if this might be a common problem with 98's. heck, maybe it is just the switch getting hot and this is normal because the smell is very faint but i just don't recall smelling anything before. any ideas, anyone? thanks

 

[BCaldwell]

Hi, If The 98 is anything like the older first gen trucks then I would be getting in there and taking a look at the hl switch the 1st gen trucks had a bad habbit of cooking the wires at the switch.



Bill

 

[Missouri Mule]

2nd generations had headlight switch problems do not remember years.

Symptoms point to switch going bad! Oo.

 

[NIsaacs]

Do you have your dash lights on dim? That will cause excess heat when the reo-stat (sp) warms up. It is a resistor type coil, kinda like the coil in an electric room heater. I always use the dash lights on brite, this bypasses the resistor. The Ford light switch has a short life span also. I have always blamed the resistor for some of the short life if it is used.





"NICK"

 

[DSiemens]

I had that problem once. Do a search using CAJM 8190 . No more burning wires.



Dan

 

[WDaniels]

Your headlight switch is melting. I didn't see your truck signature but it has been an ongoing problem with the 2nd gen trucks. Mine has been replaced 5 times. Go and get the repair kit for TSB 819 or 918 I think. The kit is about 45 bucks if the dealership will sell it to you like mine did. It has a relay in it to reduce the load on the headlight wire.

WD