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Topic: what controls the hood light? (Read 1768 times) previous topic - next topic

what controls the hood light?

I had always thought it was a mercury switch like whats in the trunk and hoods of later birds but I got one today and can't seem to get it to turn off at any angle so apparently its always on? So if there is no switch in the socket, what tells the light to come on? I would troubleshoot this myself but my car never had a factory hood light so I have nothing to base it on...
--Steve
[thread=28690]1988 Cougar V6[/thread]
2012 F-150 3.7L
2011 Mustang 3.7L

what controls the hood light?

Reply #1
I think its a mercury switch. I never actually gave it much thought. If it is not mercury or a leveling ball. I think mercury is outlawed actually. Use a Chevy light. They are definitely a level on off unit.
I spend money I don't have, To build  cars I don't need, To impress people I don't know

HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY!!

what controls the hood light?

Reply #2
well I know the later model ford ones are level too. I'll probably just go grab the one from my recently junked 96, which as fate would have it, I installed into that one myself too.
--Steve
[thread=28690]1988 Cougar V6[/thread]
2012 F-150 3.7L
2011 Mustang 3.7L

what controls the hood light?

Reply #3
So nobody knows? I'm still wanting to know, more for curiosities sake at this point...
--Steve
[thread=28690]1988 Cougar V6[/thread]
2012 F-150 3.7L
2011 Mustang 3.7L

what controls the hood light?

Reply #4
Take your broken light apart and look inside. I'm guessing a mercury switch as well.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

what controls the hood light?

Reply #5
Their you go . Yank that one off your spare car and then you are golden.

Vinnie i think we all use the word mercury and i also do it. But i think the stuff is banned for some time now. But you got me thinking so i am going to bust one open and take a look. Thanks
I spend money I don't have, To build  cars I don't need, To impress people I don't know

HAVE YOU DRIVEN A FORD LATELY!!

what controls the hood light?

Reply #6
Tom, let me know what you find.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

what controls the hood light?

Reply #7
it doesnt come apart. The more I look at it, the more I think its just a socket on the end of a wire. I think its part of an older design that must have worked similar to the interior lights where the doors close on the switch?
--Steve
[thread=28690]1988 Cougar V6[/thread]
2012 F-150 3.7L
2011 Mustang 3.7L

what controls the hood light?

Reply #8
As a light replacement, some of the older trucks at the yards have a leveling hood light with a reel up extension cord built into them. Very practical but some may not like the bulky look under the hood.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]88 t-bird: 5.0ho, gt40y, crane 2031, fms 1.7, paxton@5#, aod wide ratio, tci stall, performer rpm upper, 70mm bbk, pro m 60, 42#s, 3.73 7.5" posi, jba shorties, borla, upr x. 13.4 @ 104mph. cbaza, moates, tuned by decipha

what controls the hood light?

Reply #9
Quote from: t.birdsc;366191
As a light replacement, some of the older trucks at the yards have a leveling hood light with a reel up extension cord built into them. Very practical but some may not like the bulky look under the hood.

I have one of those in the garage. I've been thinking about installing it on the Sport. Not sure if I will, just thinking about it.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

what controls the hood light?

Reply #10
I already have a replacement light I pulled off my other car but I'm still curious about how this one works...
--Steve
[thread=28690]1988 Cougar V6[/thread]
2012 F-150 3.7L
2011 Mustang 3.7L