Headlight

D

dccis9@hotmail.com

Junior Member
Hello Ford Rodders, When I pull the headlight switch for park lights Dash lights are on np. But when I pull it out for Headlights I lose Dash lights. Do I need a new Switch. Thanks Dennis Cator
 
Dennis, Its not the best idea to label us as Rodders because most of us are not really in that category. As stated above we need more info about your car. Maybe your dash light wire is connected to the park light terminal which does go off when the headlights are pulled on. Regards, Kevin.
 
I'm not so fussed about labels, creating labels tell me more about you, then about me.

As mentioned, vehicle yr. I turn a knob on my steering wheel to put lights on. Believe that was till 49ish (better minds will say).

Not to be that guy... but there used to be a sense of protocol here when asking questions, we would give a description of the vehicle (yr/make/engine), then a description of the issue. Sure helps anyways....


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We'll see. The first couple of posts on these boards can be kinda scary. It's easy for a new guy to get spooked.

Let's hope this guy has a backbone so we can help him.
 
Looks like he/she may have a 41 ford with 53 motor... if his/her other posts are a clue.


I always wish the best to every poster and try to help. (not that I do). But you have to at least give info to be helped too. Scary?? haha... I don't think that is offensive either. No big whoop




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Very sorry for my previous title HR I Always admired the knowledge on this site and Love Hot Rod America the ingenuity and the industry resulting from it. The Ford is a 1948 Deluxe Coupe. Thank You
 
dccis9@hotmail.com said:
Hello Ford Rodders, When I pull the headlight switch for park lights Dash lights are on np. But when I pull it out for Headlights I lose Dash lights. Do I need a new Switch. Thanks Dennis Cator
Click to expand...

I know it might be a pain, but take the light switch out of the car and spray it down with this, then put the switch through it's paces a few times to clean the contacts. Hope it helps.
 

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dccis9@hotmail.com said:
Very sorry for my previous title HR I Always admired the knowledge on this site and Love Hot Rod America the ingenuity and the industry resulting from it. The Ford is a 1948 Deluxe Coupe. Thank You
Click to expand...


Dennis .....Don't sweat the "rod" reference. Several of us here could be called "Traditional HOT RODders". Just don't mention "Street Rodders" hereabouts!

OK, there probably ain't nothin wrong with your light switch. Mac VanPelt has been kind enough to allow us to reference the drawings on his fabulous site. Lots of folks could figure-out some of these problems if they could read & understand an electrical schematic. Below is a drawing of the circuits and electrical
components in your 1948 Ford. THE PRINT & WORDING MAY BE EASIER TO READ IF YOU CLICK ON THIS LINK BELOW.

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/...pics/Flathead_Electrical_wiring1946-48car.jpg


https://www.fordbarn.com/attachments/473321/


I ain't too smart, but the way I see this drawing, the light switch has TWO feeds powering the LIGHT switch. One feed sends power to the switch when you have pulled the knob out to the FIRST detent. By doing that, power is sent ONLY to your PARKING lights, and to the tiny light in your IGNITION SWITCH (so ya can find the hole on a dark night). At this point, I have to ask you if you are SURE that ALL OF YOUR INSTRUMENT LIGHTS are on when the PARK LIGHTS are on? There is nothing in the drawing indicating (to ME) that INSTRUMENT LIGHTS, other than the ignition switch, would be illuminated with the parking lights illuminated.

So, when you pull the light switch KNOB out to the second position to turn your head lights on, that FIRST POWER FEED no longer powers the parking lights, nor your ignition switch light. The schematic shows that the light switch now sends power to your lighting RHEOSTAT, which should power your instrument lights ....IF the rheostat is partially or fully rotated to the right.

FIRST of all, verify whether or not you DO, IN FACT, have instrument lighting with park lights on.

SECONDLY, rotate rheostat to right with headlights on. If rheostat works, you should now have dash lights with headlights. That RHEOSTAT switch should look something like this image below. Rheostat should be located on bottom lip of dash.


51A-13740-B.jpg



Please let us know your results. DD




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Yes when the park lights are on the dash lights are on including speedo and clock and all gauges. Ill try that black riosta switch of which you speak. Thanks V8Coopman Tubman and the team at Ford Barn. Hope Ya'll dont mind the terminology.
 
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