light relay

[R.Smith]

I have a relay going bad in my 70 f250. It's mounted under the dask on the passenger side kick panel beside the glove box. I can hear it clicking on and off and when it does, the dash and headlights flutter. My problem is, I've been to O'Reilly's, Auto Zone and Advance and no one seems to have it or even know what it is. Anybody have a name for this thing so I can at least know what to ask them to look for? Thanks

[Art]

I know these trucks quite well, and do not recall ever seeing anything resembling a relay there. From your description, it might be a circuit breaker. Sure sounds like something added by someone. Is it possible to post a picture of it?

When you say the lights flutter, are they going on and off or are they just dimming and getting brighter again?

[R.Smith]

Turns out it's the horn relay. I assumed it was a light relay because it was causing the lights to flutter. Why? It was full of water! Got a new one from O'Reilly's for 20 bucks.

[Art]

The horn relay is near the starter relay on the right inner fender under the hood.

[R.Smith]

Whatever it is, it's the same type of relay as the horn relay. The truck runs fine without it but, when I turn the lights on, they're very dim and flutter. They also brighten when I increase the rpm's.

[rwilly]

It has 3 heavy guage wires coming off it?
I believe that is the relay for your camper lights and cab clearance lights. It only comes on the 350s and the Camper Specials?

The one on my truck was no good, I put a replacement in and now the clearance lights work, it makes a "click" when I pull the lights on, but that is normal.

I had to get mine from a parted out truck, they have them at Greensales (or whatever it is called), but they want $40.00 for them. I got mine for $10.00. They are not available anywhere else that I know of.

[R.Smith]

That's what it is. I called the local dealer and they said there was one in Indiana...for $60. It's a relay for the camper and big truck marker lights. My problem now is that the lights will work fine for a while and then, for no apparent reason, start fluttering and the tail lights (running, not brake) go out.

[68RGR]

Unless you are really concerned with keeping your truck original, any 12v relay will work so long as it can handle the current for the lights.

Just check the specs on all the bulbs, add the current requirement for each and get a relay with enough capacity to handle the current. Or, when it's working, get an ammeter and measure the current.

You may not be able to find a relay that is plug and play but you shouldn't have any problem finding one that will work.

One more thought - If it is clicking on and off, it could be that there's a problem with the 12v from the light switch to the relay coil. A bad connection could explain the intermittent issue.

If you need a relay, check out item 181114952670 on eBay. I have no interest in the item but it is a 30 amp relay for $1.99 delivered. And, the seller is in Kentucky.

[R.Smith]

I have a 12 vote horn relay that should work. problem is, this relay was installed at the factory for marker and camper lights. I have none of that so, it really does nothing...unless it fills up with water and shorts out. I think my problem is either connection, short or ground related. I just have to find it. That it's random and sporatic doesn't help much though