Main beam question

[Alan_GTC]

Hi -

Just completed replacement of all the front lights on my C - having taken them out to get to the blower motors, decided full replacement was in order owing to the condition of what I took off....

Now, the question - when I put main beam on initially only the two inners come on, but if you 'tap' the switch all four lights come on as main beam - my thought is worn / poor contact in the switch - any other ideas ? I've already messaged Mark (GTCSE8) to see if he still has stock of them as a precaution....

[scimjim]

Definitely sounds like the switch. IIRC the spot/fog light switch is the same 2 pole arrangement, so can be swapped for diagnostics?

[Alan_GTC]

Sorry, should have been clear, the switch in question is the main beam / indicator one, not the headlight switch.

The stalk feels a little slack, hence guessing the contacts are worn.....

[peter freeman]

There are two blue/white wires that come from the switch - one directly to the inner lights and the other to the main beam relay. I don't know off hand where the two wires come together but if tapping the column switch makes a difference then that's where to start looking.

[scimjim]

Yep - just been going through this with DJs 6b. The flash function powers the inners directly as Peter says, it also makes the main beam relay behind the glove box which powers the outers. Still sounds like a dodgy contact though - watch out for springs if you take the stalks apart

[ronnie]

I've just repaired the column headlight switch at the weekend after thinking it was front fuse panel wires that I had disturbed.

You can take the switch apart just like the main headlight and fog switch on the central panel.

A couple of (bent) rocker arm brass plates within the switch could be the problem area.
There are 2 tiny,tiny, very tiny springs within the plastic pins under the rocker

[ronnie]

Was the problem solved?

What was the fix?

[Alan_GTC]

Well, I found a Chevette column switch on fleabay so have bought that - awaiting delivery.

If I find it's in better condition than mine - ie. less slack in the switch, then I'll swap and see if the problem goes away. Then will look to refurb the old one so I have a spare.

That's the plan at the moment....