Morris Minor Owners Club

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.

Has anybody removed the light switch recently?

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.

could it be a poor earth connection?

charlie_morris_minor wrote:could it be a poor earth connection?

Good point.... rewind... check this first, switch second..

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

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.

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.

Try the different terminals with a test light before you replace the switch

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.

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.

Well done.