Head light switch short?

D

dkfixer

New member
I think there is a short in my headlight switch. It may just be worn out. How do you check it? Is it repairable or do they need to be replaced.
 
First check that the poorly-designed headlight connections are not shorting out against the headlight shell bodies. Those plastic connection spools look good on the design board, but in the real world, they allow wire connections to become disconnected and short out. Remove the lens and rim and examine where the wires enter the headlight shell. If you see nothing amiss there, take the headlight junction sockets out of the back of the headlight shell. Make sure the wires to the headlight and from the light bulb sockets are connected to each other and not touching the headlight body. Do one headlight at a time, checking with the light switch whether that particular headlight is at fault. If the light is bright in the still-connected headlight, you'll know the problem is with the connections in the disconnected headlight. Also make sure that the adjustment screw in the center of the headlight shell is not screwed in too far, creating a short against the back of the bulb terminals.
If these wires and connections check out o.k., then be suspicious of the light switch. If it is no good, usually the rotating wheel has separated from its pivot base. That should be obvious when you separate the two light switch housing halves.
Marshall
 
Check also for oil leaks from the steering box in to the switch if all other checks are OK and if the steering box has the lower accessory tube (2 tooth) box.
 
The switch at the bottom of the steering column contains 90% of brains for the Model A electrical system. The remainder is the key, coil and distributor.

I needed to rewire my 31 Town Sedan and was amazed at how wimpy the repop switch assembly is.
 
I believe my problem is in the the switch at the end of the column because I need to disconnect both headlights to get the added fuse to keep from blowing out. My tailings also will not go out when moving the light switch. Is it better to just replace the switch or try to repair it. Car is new to me and has had it replaced before.
 
Are you sure it's the tail lights staying on and not the brake lights? Brake
lights staying on is a common problem.

Bob
 
I know it isn't the brake lights staying on. I have already eliminated that. the head lights and tail lights will stay on no matter where the light switch is until the fuse blows. Also the tail light gets really hot. Definitely a short somewhere.
 
dkfixer said:
I believe my problem is in the the switch at the end of the column because I need to disconnect both headlights to get the added fuse to keep from blowing out. My tailings also will not go out when moving the light switch. Is it better to just replace the switch or try to repair it. Car is new to me and has had it replaced before.
Click to expand...

Repro switches are not very good. Try to repair your original, or find another good original. Bert's in Denver will likely have one.

It also helps to put your location in your avatar info.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top