1969 seat belt light switch
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 459
Likes: 6
From: Fort Worth Texas
1969 seat belt light switch
I have the gauge cluster disassembled, and checking it all out. Today I replaced the bulb for the seat belt light, and hooked up power.
The light comes on when the key is turned on - as expected. The light goes out when the switch is pushed - as expected. The light comes back on when the switch is released - which is not expected?
This is without the PUSH button in, just activating the switch with my finger. Also car is not running, just key turned to power.
Is this an indication of a bad switch?
thanks
The light comes on when the key is turned on - as expected. The light goes out when the switch is pushed - as expected. The light comes back on when the switch is released - which is not expected?
This is without the PUSH button in, just activating the switch with my finger. Also car is not running, just key turned to power.
Is this an indication of a bad switch?
thanks
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 150
From: Forth Worth TX
There's a small coil in the switch assembly, IIRC when you turn on the key, the coil activates, pulling the contact and the light illuminates. When you push the button in, you cut power to the coil until the next key start.
This may also just be a "ground" problem. (I had a similar situation a few years ago, so I'm a bit foggy with the details.) The light would work/wouldn't work while I had the bezel loose and testing the switch. After fiddle farting around for an hour or so, I connected a test ground from the loose bezel to the car and everything started working as it should. With the bezel re-installed in the car with all of its fasteners, etc.., the normal/permanent ground is made by default.
FYI - I'll be moving to the DFW area in July/August.
This may also just be a "ground" problem. (I had a similar situation a few years ago, so I'm a bit foggy with the details.) The light would work/wouldn't work while I had the bezel loose and testing the switch. After fiddle farting around for an hour or so, I connected a test ground from the loose bezel to the car and everything started working as it should. With the bezel re-installed in the car with all of its fasteners, etc.., the normal/permanent ground is made by default.
FYI - I'll be moving to the DFW area in July/August.
Last edited by Revi; Jan 9, 2015 at 05:37 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 459
Likes: 6
From: Fort Worth Texas
There's a small coil in the switch assembly, IIRC when you turn on the key, the coil activates, pulling the contact and the light illuminates. When you push the button in, you cut power to the coil until the next key start.
This may also just be a "ground" problem. (I had a similar situation a few years ago, so I'm a bit foggy with the details.) The light would work/wouldn't work while I had the bezel loose and testing the switch. After fiddle farting around for an hour or so, I connected a test ground from the loose bezel to the car and everything started working as it should. With the bezel re-installed in the car with all of its fasteners, etc.., the normal/permanent ground is made by default.
FYI - I'll be moving to the DFW area in July/August.
This may also just be a "ground" problem. (I had a similar situation a few years ago, so I'm a bit foggy with the details.) The light would work/wouldn't work while I had the bezel loose and testing the switch. After fiddle farting around for an hour or so, I connected a test ground from the loose bezel to the car and everything started working as it should. With the bezel re-installed in the car with all of its fasteners, etc.., the normal/permanent ground is made by default.
FYI - I'll be moving to the DFW area in July/August.
Here's a photo. I see what looks like a coil, but there is no movement when power is applied. The switch is making contact at all times, when pushed it in breaks contact and the light goes out , but comes back on when released and recontacts....good point on the ground, I have one run to the chassis.
BTW... Welcome to Texas ....you will be coming at the hottest time of the year
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
When powered up, the points on the circuit make contact and send power from the left most (in the picture) stud to the right. This is what causes the light to come on, the circuit already has a ground. When you push the button, the electromagnet has just enough power to hold the contact set open until power is cut from the circuit. (key turned of) and then the process starts over again. If your magnet is not holding the points open you can tweak them and they will usually hold. We just fixed one yesterday.
Sorry for the late post, I started to post this two hours ago and for got to hit the post button..
Sorry for the late post, I started to post this two hours ago and for got to hit the post button..
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 459
Likes: 6
From: Fort Worth Texas
When powered up, the points on the circuit make contact and send power from the left most (in the picture) stud to the right. This is what causes the light to come on, the circuit already has a ground. When you push the button, the electromagnet has just enough power to hold the contact set open until power is cut from the circuit. (key turned of) and then the process starts over again. If your magnet is not holding the points open you can tweak them and they will usually hold. We just fixed one yesterday.
Sorry for the late post, I started to post this two hours ago and for got to hit the post button..
Sorry for the late post, I started to post this two hours ago and for got to hit the post button..
Thanks for the explanation. I am assuming that the area circled becomes magnetized and holds the points when they are pushed in. When my switch is energized, this doesnt seem to be magnetized, at least there is no attraction to a small screwdriver.
I am ordering the solid state replacement from you.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Yes, if the electromagnet is not working it will not hold the arm from the points. When you install the new one just re-use your studs and power wire.
