Hey--I installed some driving lights (Harbor freight ones--they're like friggin spotlights) on my Dad's F-250 SD, and they were working fine, until last week when it started raining and sleeting, when I realized that 1 of the 2 of them wasn't lit up. I am going to check the wiring in the next few days for corrosion, unconnected wires, and the bulb to ensure it's not out, but is there anything else I can check? Also, what's the best way to waterproof one of those Y connectors (the ones that split one wire into 2...) Right now, I've got electrical tape about 4" on either side of each connectore going straight across each one. All grounds were working fine before, and the Left light is still lighting fine.


Thanks for the help.

 

I hate to say it, but Harbor Freight stuff is generally pretty low on the quality scale. That means your problem could be anywhere. I'd start by looking for a blown bulb or bad ground, but the Scotch Lock wire taps are always suspect. If they aren't the problem now, they will be at some future date.

 

I would suggest using heat shrink tubing to water proof the connections. Or use some split loom to at least protect them.
Also, I have to agree with 2stroked. Harbor Freight does have some cheap stuff. You might want to consider some higher quality lights.

Mike

 

Thanks for the tips. I realize that Harbor freight has cheap stuff, but I didn't buy it. (Although my driving lights are from WalMart and my reverse lights are Harbor Freight).

But, for some cheap lighting gear, they're hard to beat. Especially when you don't want to buy crazy expensive lights only to have them knocked out...

Where I live, there's hoodlums. My driving lights in the valance...which took me forever to install the lights alone (wiring was a snap)...one was knocked out a week ago. They were also WalMart stock, about $15. So, not as much of a loss. Had they been PIAA's...I'd have been friggin' pissed...

 

To buy a new reflector / lense part ?
Might cost about the same as a complete cheap set. Did this with my 520 SMR, Ion Crystal fogs on the push bar of my '95. Napa can order the parts, if you can't find them online. PIAA's web site provides the correct part numbers under each lamp kit, for everything in the kit.

 

Really...???!!!

To be more specific, it the left one was completely knocked out. Even the mount for the reflector/lens body was demolished. Whoever did this must know that I'm a detailer--meaning I'm a little cooky about keeping everything symmetrical, clean, etc... I might have to look into the PIAA's then (later on). For now, I'm going to relocate the one light to the inside of my toolbox for nighttime illumination, and probably get another pair of some sort of driving lights to go in the original location, just likely to be engineered better (for the mount--they shook tremendously) and probably higher quality lights.


This tip from you was EXTREMELY helpful. Thanks a million.

 

Don't meant to steer you away from your choice, stick by your choice, and most important the budget you set yourself to. That is something that cannot be avoided at times, but it is life.

If you look on PIAA's web site, for a specific lamp kit :
http://www.piaa.com/Lamps/Lamp-pages/510SMR.html

There is a table that shows the complete part number for the kit ( i.e. 5292 for the black driving lamp kit ) and then the table shows the remainder of the parts that make up the kit ( i.e. lens / reflector is 35202 for both black and chrome, it is not part of the housing ).

The other that might still do it, is KC. Back in the 80's you could order just the parts for them as well, and the lens was like the old Fox lamps, where the reflector and lens were assembled with a gasket. I don't know, I have not had KC's in some decades ( god, that makes me feel old !! ).

Just another thought, maybe even KC does the single part now, as well as Hella, Cibi

Just some Info, take it with what you have already spec' and budgeted.

 

SScully:
KC does sell some replacement lighting accessories. www.kchilites.com
Just FYI

Mike