Headlight switch gets hot

[Erin]

For a while now my headlight switch gets hot when lights are on. A new problem I’ve noticed is between 0-5 seconds after turning truck on, the headlights don’t come on right away when I push the switch. After 5 seconds, they come on when the switch is pushed. Any idea the cause? 1994 K1500. Thanks

 

[GrimsterGMC]

Dirty terminals are causing bad connection, hence initial delay, then the extra resistance is causing heat to build up. It will only get worse until it fails so I suggest replacing it soon. Also, if you rewire your headlight to receive their main current directly from the battery, through relays, then you will only be drawing a very small current through the switch, and as an added bonus your lights will be brighter.

 

[GoToGuy]

You can do the wiring yourself if you good with schematics, or get the kit from " Painless Wiring " for direct relay control.

 

[Erin]

Dirty terminals are causing bad connection, hence initial delay, then the extra resistance is causing heat to build up. It will only get worse until it fails so I suggest replacing it soon. Also, if you rewire your headlight to receive their main current directly from the battery, through relays, then you will only be drawing a very small current through the switch, and as an added bonus your lights will be brighter.

That’s how my uncle set his up, so I’ll have to hit him up before long.

 

[Erin]

You can do the wiring yourself if you good with schematics, or get the kit from " Painless Wiring " for direct relay control.

Is that similar to what @5vortec7 sells?

 

[5vortec7]

Is that similar to what @5vortec7 sells?

It’s similar but doesn’t have the 4 high mod, still uses your small gauge stock wiring and taps into it using ez taps which rust out after awhile. My harness uses 12g wiring (delivering more current providing even brighter lights) and will last much longer since there’s no splicing, it’s plug and play. Shoot me a pm if your interested or have any other questions.

 

[4player]

I got the heavy duty wire harness from LMC for this problem as I went thru 4 or 5 headlight switches in my 94. After I put that in, its been fine for over 14 years now. It was really easy to put in, took maybe 45 minutes total. I also did the 4-hi mod when I did this.