Dip switch
Forum rules
By using this site, you agree to our rules. Please see: Terms of Use
By using this site, you agree to our rules. Please see: Terms of Use
-
millerman
- Minor Addict
- Posts: 769
- Joined: Mon May 26, 2003 9:50 pm
- Location: S E Wales
- MMOC Member: Yes
Dip switch
Any thoughts on moving the dip switch to steering column or facia perhaps using a similar switch to the headlamp flasher we used to fit many years ago.
The gearbox cover on my Type 9 gearbox makes dipping the lights awkward
The gearbox cover on my Type 9 gearbox makes dipping the lights awkward
- Bill_qaz
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 2161
- Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2022 7:31 pm
- Location: Oxfordshire
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Dip switch
Anything is possible,dependant on your ability and budget. Later bmc type indicator switch with dip and headlamp flash maybe. 
https://board.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php ... lk#p711567
Maybe useful info
https://board.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php ... lk#p711567
Maybe useful info
Last edited by Bill_qaz on Fri Feb 27, 2026 10:10 am, edited 1 time in total.
Regards Bill
- geoberni
- Minor Maniac
- Posts: 5197
- Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2017 11:19 am
- Location: North Leicestershire
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Dip switch
You've identified a need, due to your gearbox, and anything is possible; the question around it is what is practicable for your situation.
Remember that unlike the momentary action of a Headlamp Flasher, the Dip Switch has to be a Changeover Switch.
Unless you're going to 'over engineer' it with a relay, it needs to be capable of taking the current of 2 headlamps, depending on what headlamps you have fitted.
It needs to be fitted in a position where you can readily reach it, perhaps frequently if you're the sort of person who jumps to Full beam as your default lighting, some are, some aren't.
You'd need a SPDT (Single Pole, Double Throw).
If you have halogen headlamps, it'll need to be rated around 15A.
If you've on LED headlamps, it should require far less.
Latching push button are quite rare in the heavy current spec you require, so you'd probably have to get a toggle switch, but they can be quite firm to operate due to the heavy current construction...
Therefore, you might have to go the relay route, which wouldn't be my preferred route since it has the potential for a relay failure to leave you with headlamps stuck on full beam, but practicality might dictate that solution.
I did a quick search and found that the Headlamp Dip Switch for the Jaguar E-Type is a Toggle, but no retailer I found actually gave a tech spec.
You might like to make enquiries.

Remember that unlike the momentary action of a Headlamp Flasher, the Dip Switch has to be a Changeover Switch.
Unless you're going to 'over engineer' it with a relay, it needs to be capable of taking the current of 2 headlamps, depending on what headlamps you have fitted.
It needs to be fitted in a position where you can readily reach it, perhaps frequently if you're the sort of person who jumps to Full beam as your default lighting, some are, some aren't.
You'd need a SPDT (Single Pole, Double Throw).
If you have halogen headlamps, it'll need to be rated around 15A.
If you've on LED headlamps, it should require far less.
Latching push button are quite rare in the heavy current spec you require, so you'd probably have to get a toggle switch, but they can be quite firm to operate due to the heavy current construction...
Therefore, you might have to go the relay route, which wouldn't be my preferred route since it has the potential for a relay failure to leave you with headlamps stuck on full beam, but practicality might dictate that solution.
I did a quick search and found that the Headlamp Dip Switch for the Jaguar E-Type is a Toggle, but no retailer I found actually gave a tech spec.
You might like to make enquiries.
Basil the 1955 series II


- Bill_qaz
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 2161
- Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2022 7:31 pm
- Location: Oxfordshire
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Dip switch
If you want to wire a dash toggle switch, you could try these people. They sell through fleabay. 15amp rated and various configuration. My requirement was on/ off/ momentary .
Regards Bill
- Mr Spigot
- Minor Fan
- Posts: 408
- Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2021 2:44 pm
- Location: Eastbourne, Sussex
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Dip switch
There is a very useful guide on Youtube for doing just this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDcHTCp1txE
1960 2 door 'Mostyn' - 1275 Midget engine - WOI 577 - owned since 1990
1952 MM convertible 'Mawdie' - 918 SV engine - MWD 305 - owned since 2023
1952 MM convertible 'Mawdie' - 918 SV engine - MWD 305 - owned since 2023
-
alfie austin
- Minor Friendly
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 10:46 pm
- Location: East Manchester
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Dip switch
Hello,
Yes I’ve moved the headlight dip switch (I found it rather difficult to squeeze my size 12s into the space to operate in the original floor mounted location) - so I removed the switch from the mounting and simply fixed it under the dash on the right…. I find it very convenient (and before some joker comments about contortionist, it easily operated with a quick thumb press !)
Kind regards.
Yes I’ve moved the headlight dip switch (I found it rather difficult to squeeze my size 12s into the space to operate in the original floor mounted location) - so I removed the switch from the mounting and simply fixed it under the dash on the right…. I find it very convenient (and before some joker comments about contortionist, it easily operated with a quick thumb press !)
Kind regards.
- geoberni
- Minor Maniac
- Posts: 5197
- Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2017 11:19 am
- Location: North Leicestershire
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Dip switch
If it works for you, why not.alfie austin wrote: ↑Fri Feb 27, 2026 11:27 am Hello,
Yes I’ve moved the headlight dip switch (I found it rather difficult to squeeze my size 12s into the space to operate in the original floor mounted location) - so I removed the switch from the mounting and simply fixed it under the dash on the right….
CDE8295C-FC9E-4DFA-8C9D-D23F4F1CC8D4.jpeg
I find it very convenient (and before some joker comments about contortionist, it easily operated with a quick thumb press !)
Kind regards.
Personally with experience of my SII, I'd have thought it could be a bit hard to operate with a thumb press.
Having taken mine apart to service it during the pandemic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCTcLwJVuDs
Yours looks like the latter one, I suspect it has a different internal arrangement.
The early one is very positive mechanism with quite a firm spring.
Basil the 1955 series II


- svenedin
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 4644
- Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2014 9:27 am
- Location: Surrey
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Dip switch
A neat solution to this problem which looks tidy is to use a new indicator assembly shroud from Dorset MMOC like this (scroll down): https://dorsetmmoc.co.uk/wordpress/special/
And also change the indicator assembly to the later type incorporating headlight dip and flash like this: https://www.morrisminorspares.com/elect ... al-p829879
Stephen
And also change the indicator assembly to the later type incorporating headlight dip and flash like this: https://www.morrisminorspares.com/elect ... al-p829879
Stephen
1969 1098cc Convertible “Xavier” which I have owned since 1989.
Stephen
Stephen
-
millerman
- Minor Addict
- Posts: 769
- Joined: Mon May 26, 2003 9:50 pm
- Location: S E Wales
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Dip switch
Thanks all for taking the time to reply replies
I was very impressed with the YouTube suggestion but I have a spare dip switch so will give Alfie austin's suggestion a trial
I was very impressed with the YouTube suggestion but I have a spare dip switch so will give Alfie austin's suggestion a trial
-
mike1864
- Minor Fan
- Posts: 428
- Joined: Tue May 17, 2011 10:06 pm
- Location: Hertfordshire
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Dip switch
I find the main problem with the floor-mounted Dip Switch is when you're on winding country roads, and need to change gear and dip headlights at the same time. By definition, you can't be dextrous with your left foot.
For me, such motoring is now an uncommon scenario; so I'm in no hurry to move it. And if I did, I'd have to warn other drivers of my car (and Mr MOT) of the new - possibly unusual - location.
For me, such motoring is now an uncommon scenario; so I'm in no hurry to move it. And if I did, I'd have to warn other drivers of my car (and Mr MOT) of the new - possibly unusual - location.
- svenedin
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 4644
- Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2014 9:27 am
- Location: Surrey
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Dip switch
Yes that is exactly the problem I have too. Not just winding roads but winding and hilly roads (Surrey Hills). I would find a column mounted switch so much easier but the urge to maintain originality is too strong and I would miss the glowing green orb (the indicator arm pilot lamp)mike1864 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 28, 2026 4:11 pm I find the main problem with the floor-mounted Dip Switch is when you're on winding country roads, and need to change gear and dip headlights at the same time. By definition, you can't be dextrous with your left foot.
For me, such motoring is now an uncommon scenario; so I'm in no hurry to move it. And if I did, I'd have to warn other drivers of my car (and Mr MOT) of the new - possibly unusual - location.
Stephen
1969 1098cc Convertible “Xavier” which I have owned since 1989.
Stephen
Stephen
- Mr Spigot
- Minor Fan
- Posts: 408
- Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2021 2:44 pm
- Location: Eastbourne, Sussex
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Dip switch
If you use the indicator/flasher stalk from a Maxi, you can have the best of both worlds - an indicator stalk which flashes and has a green orb on the end! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDcHTCp1txE
1960 2 door 'Mostyn' - 1275 Midget engine - WOI 577 - owned since 1990
1952 MM convertible 'Mawdie' - 918 SV engine - MWD 305 - owned since 2023
1952 MM convertible 'Mawdie' - 918 SV engine - MWD 305 - owned since 2023
- svenedin
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 4644
- Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2014 9:27 am
- Location: Surrey
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Dip switch
Clever but beyond my capabilities and my car is positive earth too and I don't think the electronics involved would like that.Mr Spigot wrote: ↑Sat Feb 28, 2026 5:19 pm If you use the indicator/flasher stalk from a Maxi, you can have the best of both worlds - an indicator stalk which flashes and has a green orb on the end! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDcHTCp1txE
Stephen
1969 1098cc Convertible “Xavier” which I have owned since 1989.
Stephen
Stephen
-
moggiethouable
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 1402
- Joined: Tue Jan 17, 2012 12:30 pm
- Location: North East England
- MMOC Member: Yes
Re: Dip switch
Now that's lateral thinking.alfie austin wrote: ↑Fri Feb 27, 2026 11:27 am Hello,
Yes I’ve moved the headlight dip switch (I found it rather difficult to squeeze my size 12s into the space to operate in the original floor mounted location) - so I removed the switch from the mounting and simply fixed it under the dash on the right….
CDE8295C-FC9E-4DFA-8C9D-D23F4F1CC8D4.jpeg
I find it very convenient (and before some joker comments about contortionist, it easily operated with a quick thumb press !)
Kind regards.
Nice one, I like that.
Happiness belongs to the self sufficient