1966 Headlight rollover circuit

[Richard E.]

Is there a fuse or circuit breaker in the circuit of the headlight roll switch? After replacing the roll switch I get no motor response at all and no indication on the ammeter when activating the roll switch up or down. The switch appears to be seated in the connector properly. Because the circuit appears completely dead it seems a power feed or ground must be interrupted. If anyone can furnish a simple schematic showing the wiring connection points and power feed / grounds to trouble shoot the circuit I would appreciate it. Thanks much.

[Larry M.]

Re: 1966 Headlight rollover circuit

Switch is fed by a 20 (or 30) amp circuit breaker. It is located on the driver side very close to the headlight dimmer switch just off the floor. You can check to see if it is getting power to and from the circuit breaker by checking the voltage (12 volt) at the breaker terminals.

The power wires to the headlights go thru the bulkhead electrical connector blocks, and if they are not fastened down correctly or work loose it will prevent power from getting to the headlight motors.

Check for voltage at the circuit breaker, and also check for power at one of the headlight motors themselves when activating the switch (probably need a helper to do this).

I did not do this, and rebuilt the switch..............only to later find the bulkhead connector was the problem all along. Don't repeat my mistake.

Larry

[Richard E.]

Re: 1966 Headlight rollover circuit

Thank you Larry. I see a small metal enclosure with two stud terminals fastened near the passenger vent and floor courtesy light. Looks like one terminal has two red wires attached and the other terminal has one red wire attached. I expect this is the breaker. If this is it, I should get full battery voltage when connecting a volt meter between either terminal and chassis ground?
Does this relay just pull straight out of the holder (toward steering column)? I didn't want to pull hard on it. This must be a self resetting type breaker?

Also, do you recall which bulkhead connector the motor wires pass thru (engine side connector or fender side connector, maybe both)?

Thanks much for your assistance.
Rich

[Larry M.]

Re: 1966 Headlight rollover circuit

Thank you Larry. I see a small metal enclosure with two stud terminals fastened near the passenger vent and floor courtesy light. Looks like one terminal has two red wires attached and the other terminal has one red wire attached. I expect this is the breaker. If this is it, I should get full battery voltage when connecting a volt meter between either terminal and chassis ground?
Does this relay just pull straight out of the holder (toward steering column)? I didn't want to pull hard on it. This must be a self resetting type breaker?

Also, do you recall which bulkhead connector the motor wires pass thru (engine side connector or fender side connector, maybe both)?

Thanks much for your assistance.
Rich

That's it.................check for 12 volt at each terminal versus chassis ground. It is auto reset.

I think it is the OUTBOARD bulkhead connector (closest to driver fender). Both forward and reverse motor wires go thru the same connector. You may be able to confirm which one by the color of the motor forward and reverse wires at the bulkhead connector block itself. I believe they are 12 gage dark green and 12 gage yellow wires.

Larry

[Richard E.]

Re: 1966 Headlight rollover circuit

Very good Larry, I will check this out first chance I get. (By the way if others might be following this thread I mistakenly noted the breaker was near the "passenger" vent, I meant the drivers side vent)
Thanks again.
Rich

[Larry M.]

Re: 1966 Headlight rollover circuit

Very good Larry, I will check this out first chance I get. (By the way if others might be following this thread I mistakenly noted the breaker was near the "passenger" vent, I meant the drivers side vent)
Thanks again.
Rich

I knew what you meant

Larry

[Ronald W.]

Re: 1966 Headlight rollover circuit

Also check for corrosion at the bulkhead connector. They may be connected properly but corrosion can act as a break in the circuit. That was my problem. Cleaned up both sides of the connector and that got my motors running again.