Replacement Headlight Switch

[SaxMan]

While I was busy yanking the seat and the speedo cable, I figured I'd replace the headlight switch, which had some "dead spots" require that you jiggle the switch, particularly with the parking light setting. I got one of the new switches, and followed the instructions on wiring. Despite trying different combinations, I could not get the parking lights to come on in the intermediate setting. Here's what I get following the instructions:

1. Off
2. Off
3. Headlights On / Cluster On

The only other successful combination of wires ended up with this result:

1. Off
2. Headlights On / Cluster Off
3. Headlights On / Cluster On

While I seldom, if ever, use the parking light setting, I'm more annoyed that it doesn't work than whether or not I actually use it. Am I missing something?

 

[nomad]

Don't know about the new switches but wouldn't be surprised if they don't have a middle spot. You can very carefully take the original rocker switches apart and clean them up. Often that is all they need.

Kurt.

 

[smaceng]

From your 2nd combination of wiring tries it may work if you switch the wires for the headlights and the cluster:
that should give you:
1. Off
2. Cluster on
3. Headlights and cluster on

Just as it should be.

 

[SaxMan]

I took a breath, went back out into the garage and decided to approach the problem logically. I wrote down each combination of wires and terminals and the results that I obtained. Within 2 changes, I hit on the proper 3 position combination of Off / Parking Lights/with cluster on / Headlights with cluster on. I'm kicking myself a little bit, because this is what I should have done in the first place. When all else fails, try approaching the problem logically. :rolleye:

 

[JPSmit]

I took a breath, went back out into the garage and decided to approach the problem logically. I wrote down each combination of wires and terminals and the results that I obtained. Within 2 changes, I hit on the proper 3 position combination of Off / Parking Lights/with cluster on / Headlights with cluster on. I'm kicking myself a little bit, because this is what I should have done in the first place. When all else fails, try approaching the problem logically. :rolleye:

Hmmmm logic, why didn't we think of that. :congratulatory: On the other hand when was Lucas ever logical?