Did my headlight switch go?

[dave73chally]

The lighting for my speedhut gauges is wired into the yellow wire coming off the dimmer switch. The middle setting on the headlight switch turns on my gauge lighting and running lights. Top most setting turns on my headlights. All was working perfectly for the past 2+ months.

Today driving the car I noticed the left turn signal indicator on my gauge bugging out a bit when it wasn't on. Not sure if it's related at all but figured I'd add the detail. Parked the car, got back in now my headlight switch in the middle position doesn't turn on my running lights or gauges - does nothing. Switch at the top most position turns on my headlights only - no tail lights, license plate light, dash lights. When I toggle from the middle position to the top most, in between both will turn on my dash lights, running lights in front and rear  and license plate light. Switch won't stay locked into this position so that's no good. Where should I start?

[dave73chally]

Also, when the switch is in the position between middle and top - there is a faint humming coming from the switch. Only hear the humming when in this position.

[marc70challenger]

Mine had something similar. It was bad ground.  Did you test that?

When I diagnosed it, I simply took 10ga wire and found spot on metal frame/box that the switches attach to behind dash. Not to hard to get to. Twisted wire on that and wrapped other end around e-brake mount. All worked fine.  Then I just essentially made that the solution.

Also. I found the headlight switch was loose too. PIA but I could tighten it with some patience and assorted tools to get at it without pulling anything off or down.

[dave73chally]

Mine had something similar. It was bad ground.  Did you test that?

When I diagnosed it, I simply took 10ga wire and found spot on metal frame/box that the switches attach to behind dash. Not to hard to get to. Twisted wire on that and wrapped other end around e-brake mount. All worked fine.  Then I just essentially made that the solution.

Also. I found the headlight switch was loose too. PIA but I could tighten it with some patience and assorted tools to get at it without pulling anything off or down.

Havent tested anything yet. Going to pull it tomorrow, need to replace a gauge anyways so may as well. How does the switch ground? From a wire on a terminal or through its mounting?

[marc70challenger]

Havent tested anything yet. Going to pull it tomorrow, need to replace a gauge anyways so may as well. How does the switch ground? From a wire on a terminal or through its mounting?

From my understanding and feedback/what I've learned here, all the stock/OEM light switches are suppose to ground through their metal tray/box mount through that mounting to the dash ... and dash to body.  So you can see the issues. Lol.

Ever since I almost torched a car installing a simple radio - I over engineer grounds. Lol

I just read through your build thread. Love how you tackled so much on your own - and weren't afraid to just OJT some stuff!  What I'm trying as well ... think that's more than half the fun! 

good luck!