I'm stumped - headlights/ signals

[JPSmit]

So, I've mentioned this before but it is driving me nuts. I turn on my headlights and turn on my signals and my headlights turn off. This happens mostly with the left signal. It doesn't seem to happen with high beams. The headlights are on relays. I thought it might be a ground issue as the relays and the signals were on the same bolt. Took the relay grounds and put them on another bolt - dielectric grease all around. It's better, now it only happens 1/2 the time. Usually it goes away when I wiggle the switch. I suppose I may be answering my own question with that last bit of information, but, it doesn't really make sense. If it is the switch, can it be dismantled? repaired? any other ideas?

thanks all

 

[ecurie_ecosse]

You could always try to drive in daylight,JP.
Without turning,of course. :wink:
Not sure you can do much with the switch,perhaps a spray with an electronic contact cleaner would be helpful.

Stuart.

 

[nomad]

If they are the rocker type switch, I have had success in carefully dismantling them. The grease can get old and hard and keep them from doing there job. Its also not hard to break them!
KA.

 

[bthompson]

+1 on taking the switch apart. The innards are simple and robust, since they're designed to carry full voltage. Clean out the old grease, polish the copper contacts inside, and smear some new dielectric grease in there. Just cleaning the gunk out worked wonders for my switches.

 

[Guest]

Ehh, I think you problem might be in the multi function switch ( GM for high beam/blinker switch). Better do them both, but start w/ the light switch.

 

[JPSmit]

Sorry, I should clarify, I can't imagine it being the light switch since:

1. it works and

2. It has nothing to do with the signals.

The switch I am referring to is the stalk on the left of the steering wheel. That is what I have to jiggle

 

[Guest]

That's the one I think you have a problem in. tear it down and see but be careful.

 

[Bayless]

"A gentleman does not motor about after dark." Joseph Lucas.

 

[Morris]

I bet the problem is with the high beam switch which is a 2 position open contact switch in the turn signal assembly. I think when you turn left, the light contact is being broken. Diassemble and clean those contacts and you should be good to go.

 

[sparkydave]

Agreed, you might have to dig into the turn signal switch. Mine had a flaky contact that started going out and I had to hold the lever just right to keep the low beams working one dark night.

 

[Morris]

Ha! I had a similar experience Dave.

 

[JPSmit]

Anyone torn theirs apart and have advice or pics to share?

 

[Guest]

Anyone have advice to share?

Yes, be carful.

 

[JPSmit]

Anyone have advice to share?

Yes, be carful.

carful? carful? only seats 2.

 

[Guest]

e

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Replacement switch is relatively inexpensive. You could always swap the wiper switch as they are one and the same.

 

[JPSmit]

well, tonight I got to it - managed to get enough space to get the cover off the switches by taking off the three bolts holding up the steering wheel and flexing it slightly. Got the switch off and gave it a good cleaning. Didn't seem to be any real issue except that it was all a little greasy. Cleaned, sanded contacts, dielectric grease and everything went back together great. Works a charm. had a long test drive and so far so good. woo hoo.

Longest thing to figure out was that there are three power sources.

1. Light green/ brown - signals

2. Blue - headlights/ high beams

3. Purple - flash headlights (pulling lever toward you)

after that everything was easy.

 

[JPSmit]

so, tonight was grey's anatomy - time to hit the garage. Was experimenting with my high mount brake light project and realized I had no brake lights. Prince of Darkness strikes again (teach me to make fun of him in the pub)

bypassed switch, got lights working, greased and reassembled. Problem must be the switch, except I pulled the switch and it works. :madder: so, will clean and lube and check adjustment.

progress report tomorrow or so.

 

[DrEntropy]

By: "works", you mean you put a VOM across it to test it?

 

[JPSmit]

By: "works", you mean you put a VOM across it to test it?

Not VOM there - just continuity tester