[C1] Where to find a GOOD headlight switch?
05-06-2019, 03:07 AM
#1
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Where to find a GOOD headlight switch?
I just replace my second headlight switch in my 57 and still no working dash lights? Are all the new ones junk?
05-06-2019, 06:33 AM
#2
Team Owner
The repros are bad but mainly in regard to the thermal cutout causing the headlights to flash as its weaker than the originals....the dash light functions work in my experience - are you sure its the switch ? Some checks with a multimeter should tell you...
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mike coletta (05-06-2019)
05-06-2019, 11:43 AM
#3
Intermediate
I replaced my switch on my 65 coupe a couple of months ago with a reproduction switch I bought from a Corvette parts house. i couldn't get a quarter mile from the house before it stated cutting in and out with the brights on. I reinstalled the original switch and ordered a NOS switch. I haven't installed the NOS switch yet and I'll probably keep it as a spare. I did install headlight relays and it made a big difference in brightness plus took a load off the switch. Not sure that is your problem but something to think about. I know the new switches are causing a lot of problems.
05-06-2019, 11:51 AM
#4
Team Owner
Check your headlight switch connector plug to make sure one of the wires isn't pushing up out of the connector when you connect it to the switch. I'm not sure about the 57, but I believe it's the same type connector as used later.
05-06-2019, 12:06 PM
#5
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On a 57 all of the wires are individual spade plugs, no larg connector.
05-06-2019, 01:20 PM
#6
Team Owner
Buy this one, take it apart and clean and lube it....BOOM, done!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1957-C...-/252378759862
Or this one (but pricey):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1957-C...75.c100623.m-1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1957-C...-/252378759862
Or this one (but pricey):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1957-C...75.c100623.m-1
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 05-06-2019 at 01:23 PM.
05-06-2019, 01:55 PM
#7
Team Owner
in that case, you need to measure the voltage coming out of the switch going to the dash lights and if you don't have it there measure it coming in. If it's coming in but not going out you have a bad switch. Check those individual connections very closely to make sure you have the dash lights plugged into the correct spade.
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dcamick (05-07-2019)
05-06-2019, 01:56 PM
#8
Team Owner
You are rotating the switch counterclockwise to turn the dash lights up in brightness, correct?
05-06-2019, 04:08 PM
#9
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05-06-2019, 07:10 PM
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I am no help....However, I replaced my 61 headlight switch because of dash dimming issues and I purchased my replacement from Ecklers with no trouble since replacement was made last year......
05-06-2019, 07:41 PM
#12
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mike coletta (05-07-2019)
05-06-2019, 08:36 PM
#14
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05-06-2019, 08:38 PM
#15
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05-06-2019, 09:23 PM
#16
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I am going to have my mechanic look into the wiring on the switch as I think it is unlikely to get two bad switches in a row. The second one worked for the dash lights for a while so maybe there is something that is burning them out. Supposed to start raining tomorrow for a week so likely it won’t happen for a while.
Last edited by 68hemi; 05-06-2019 at 09:23 PM.
05-06-2019, 10:27 PM
#17
Melting Slicks
If he is burning up switches I would suspect the load is high and the switch is getting hot. $5 says the switch **** gets hot after an extended period of driving. Why.. all the power for the headlights goes thru the switch. Heat is a killer for the rheostat for the dash light circuit. Been down this road on early 80's Monte Carlo SS's.
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Lotsacubes (05-07-2019)
05-06-2019, 11:13 PM
#18
Team Owner
The only way that rheostat for the dash lights won't work is if the coiled wire that comprises it opens up....
I haven't heard of that happening because the load for the headlights was too high (which is what the relays mitigate)...but the rheostat can be quickly checked with an ohmmeter...
I haven't heard of that happening because the load for the headlights was too high (which is what the relays mitigate)...but the rheostat can be quickly checked with an ohmmeter...
05-06-2019, 11:54 PM
#20
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The only way that rheostat for the dash lights won't work is if the coiled wire that comprises it opens up....
I haven't heard of that happening because the load for the headlights was too high (which is what the relays mitigate)...but the rheostat can be quickly checked with an ohmmeter...
I haven't heard of that happening because the load for the headlights was too high (which is what the relays mitigate)...but the rheostat can be quickly checked with an ohmmeter...
Neither of the rheostats looked to be burned. Maybe it is the ground?