Trying To Get Lights Working!

[Bob M.]

I finally got around to installing my new wiring harness from VWoM. It looked great and installed fairly easily. However, when I tried using my light switch, only the dash lights and blackout marker lights would turn on. I don't think the harness or my installation is the problem. I suspect it's the 3-lever switch itself. Prior to installing the harness, I drove around for years (just on my property) without any lights whatsoever, so I've never used the switch until last night. So, my questiions are:

1) Is there something simple here that I'm overlooking before I replace the switch?
2) Is there a way to easily trouble-shoot/fix the switch, or is it one of those components that you just have to replace?
3) When the BO marker lights were on, only the l/h rear marker light came on......shouldn't the r/h rear marker light have come on as well?

Even though the lights still don't work....at least my horn does now!

Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Joe Gopan]

Recheck the mounting bolts for your tail lights, loosen them and retighten. There should be 3/8" toothed washers on those bolts.

[D Pizzoferrato]

Make sure the lower left lever is not in Park

[Warren Duchesne]

I have had switches that have sat up and not used quit working when put back in service . This has worked for me on several occasions . Hold the unlock lever down and work the switch vigorously thru the whole range 10 to 20 times . Warren Duchesne

[wilfreeman]

Have you checked for voltage at the headlight connectors? Maybe a ground problem? Just a thought.

[Bob M.]

Well, between adding a couple star washers, ensuring good ground connections, vigorously working the switch, and installing a bulb, I've gotten the BO headlight/markers and the headlights to work. However, I still can't get the brake-lights to work. When I switch to the stop-light position, nothing comes on; the service light does not illuminate, and the brake-lights don't work when depressing the brake. When I switch to service light position, the headlights and service light illuminates, but the brake-lights don't work when depressing the brake. Is there something simple I'm overlooking? Does it matter which connectors attach to the two-pronged brake switch at the master cylinder (they're both #75). I feel like maybe the switch is bad, since the service light does illuminate on "service light", but not on "stop-light".

Comments?

[wilfreeman]

If you think the switch is bad (very possible), connect the 2 male wires together with a connector - if the brake lights come on, the switch is bad. You can use a regular cj brake light switch with 2 male terminals in the place of the military one - just slide the connector over each male terminal. When I did this it didn't last very long for some reason, but it will work in an emergency.