Headlights on sidelights off !!!

Discuss Electrical problems here.
Forum rules
By using this site, you agree to our rules. Please see: Terms of Use
Post Reply
User avatar
m1nej
Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Jun 28, 2007 11:18 pm
Location: North of middle England
MMOC Member: No

Headlights on sidelights off !!!

Post by m1nej »

George my 1966 Morris 1000 Has developed a slight problem. When I switch from sidelights toheadlights the sidelight switch off.
I haven't yet gone behind the dashboard to check the connections but before I do should I check any other areas. The light switch is the only original item inthis part of the electrics with everything else having been replaced with new; wiring, lamps , dip switch, fuses relays etc.

It might even be just a loose connection. But any ideas or experiences will be gratefully received. Due to commitments it is likely it will be Sunday before I hit the trail.
8009STEVE
Minor Legend
Posts: 1325
Joined: Sun Jan 30, 2005 11:15 am
Location: SOMERSET
MMOC Member: No

Post by 8009STEVE »

Has anybody removed the light switch recently?
Dean
Minor Legend
Posts: 2180
Joined: Fri May 30, 2008 9:41 pm
Location: Sutton Coldfield
MMOC Member: No

Post by Dean »

Sounds like something isn't wired up correctly or a dodgy switch. Maybe the switch is breaking up if it's still the original. I would definitely check here first.
My Minor:
A Clarendon Grey 1953 4 Door Series II.
MMOC - 66535


charlie_morris_minor
Minor Legend
Posts: 1989
Joined: Wed May 10, 2006 1:47 pm
Location: Aldershot
MMOC Member: No

Post by charlie_morris_minor »

could it be a poor earth connection?
Dean
Minor Legend
Posts: 2180
Joined: Fri May 30, 2008 9:41 pm
Location: Sutton Coldfield
MMOC Member: No

Post by Dean »

charlie_morris_minor wrote:could it be a poor earth connection?
Good point.... rewind... check this first, switch second.. :)
My Minor:
A Clarendon Grey 1953 4 Door Series II.
MMOC - 66535


mike.perry
Series MM Registrar
Posts: 10183
Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2005 11:39 pm
Location: Reading
MMOC Member: No

Post by mike.perry »

You should have the brown/blue feed wire on term 4, red/green side light wire term 1 and blue headlight wire on term 8
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
[sig]3580[/sig]
bmcecosse
Minor Maniac
Posts: 46561
Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:24 pm
Location: ML9
MMOC Member: No

Post by bmcecosse »

These switches can be wired up in a number of different ways - mine for example is connected to bring the headlamps on first - so I can 'flash' them ! I think it's even possible to have the rear lights stay on, and the front 'side' lamps go off when the headlamps are on. Danger with that is - if a headlamp fails, there then is no width indication on the car ie it looks like a motorbike at night from the front. For the tiny amps saving - the risk is not worth it.
ImageImage
Image
User avatar
m1nej
Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Jun 28, 2007 11:18 pm
Location: North of middle England
MMOC Member: No

Post by m1nej »

Well things didn't go to plan and I didn't get a chance to inspect the problem. But I'm hedging towards a new switch being required. In fact I might as well replace it any way.

bmcecosse you've open an interesting alternative, but how does that effect the MOT?

Thanks for the in puts. :lol:
mike.perry
Series MM Registrar
Posts: 10183
Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2005 11:39 pm
Location: Reading
MMOC Member: No

Post by mike.perry »

Try the different terminals with a test light before you replace the switch
[sig]3580[/sig]
bmcecosse
Minor Maniac
Posts: 46561
Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:24 pm
Location: ML9
MMOC Member: No

Post by bmcecosse »

It will just be the connections on the wrong terminals - don't rush into a new switch. My car is fine at MOT - all perfectly legal. It's just that the headlights AND the sidelights come on at first position - at second position - the headlights go out, leaving the sidelights on.
ImageImage
Image
User avatar
m1nej
Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Jun 28, 2007 11:18 pm
Location: North of middle England
MMOC Member: No

Post by m1nej »

Fixed it !
As I had the glove box out and in bits I replaced the switch, recrimped the connectors, grazed my knuckles, and discovered a knew yoga position. And the lights work after I took time in realising that it should be connected to No7 and not No.3.
ain't life grand.
8009STEVE
Minor Legend
Posts: 1325
Joined: Sun Jan 30, 2005 11:15 am
Location: SOMERSET
MMOC Member: No

Post by 8009STEVE »

Well done.
Post Reply