C2 Headlight Motor Switch

[David J.]

After a long period of inactivity (nearly 20 years), my C2 roared to life last weekend without hesitation. Amazingly, almost everything worked like the day I shut her down and put her in storage. The one problem I am having involves the dashboard headlight motor switch. The lights rolled right out with a touch of the switch but will not roll back. It is the original switch. Before I remove the switch, what recommendations do you have for getting it fully functional? Thanks.

[Donald O.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Switch

After a long period of inactivity (nearly 20 years), my C2 roared to life last weekend without hesitation. Amazingly, almost everything worked like the day I shut her down and put her in storage. The one problem I am having involves the dashboard headlight motor switch. The lights rolled right out with a touch of the switch but will not roll back. It is the original switch. Before I remove the switch, what recommendations do you have for getting it fully functional? Thanks.

1. Remove the switch
2. Check the switch operation with a DVM (digital volt ohm meter) across the contacts, 12vdc goes in one and out the other to two to either raise or lower the headlight buckets. If you have a short across only one set of contacts, ie only the UP - and you need a short here - its time for repair
3. Disassemble the switch - CAREFULLY. There are metal clips that hold the switch together
4. With the switch apart clean the contacts in the switch. I use an old fashioned ink eraser and denatured alcohol.
5. When reassmbling the switch, apply a light coat of dielectric grease to the contacts
6. Check the switch with the DVM again to verify repairs
7. Re-install the switch back under the dash, plug in the harness and you should be good for another 40 years of service

This assumes that the problem is the switch. The problem could also be the wiring from the switch , through the bulk head connector, and to the motor. Your DVM or a 12v trouble shooting light can tell you if there is power getting to the motors.

Don

[David J.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Switch

Thanks, Don. This is exactly what I needed to know.

[Bill I.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Switch

Dave, that's an amazing tale. Surely you must have done some prep before starting. Please fill us in on what you did. RE: headlight s/w, think it's in the contact, clean, and should be good to go. Drive Baby, Drive. Bill.

[Norm B.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Switch

Dave,

When you take the connector off the back of the switch use a short length of 14 guage solid copper wire, like house wire, to jumper between the terminals on the connector. The centre one is hot, each of the outside ones function for either up or down. It's a quick and simple check to make sure they are working before dismantling the switch. Treat the connector gently, it's not the most robust thing.

One other thing to watch for, which I experienceed, is that the clips that hold the switch together may be weak and actually allow the backing plate of the switch to move out a little away from the body of the switch itself. If that happens there is not enough tension for the contacts to meet.

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Switch

Proper installation of the switch is resting ON the bottom lip of the dash from behind and above with the bolts going through the dash into the switch. There is a notch cut out to accomodate this.
Several of the Flight Judged cars at Novi had the switch incorrectly bolted outside of the dash.
HaND

[David J.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Switch

I want to thank everyone for all the great information.

[David Z.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Switch

David

Probably a little late but for your files if nothing else. Attached is a OPDF file showing the inner workings of the headlight switch from my 65. This one is a bit beat up as the previous owner had actually JB welded the connector to the switch. The intact switch is the new replacement.

Dave Zuberer

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Switch

Note: The replacement has the chrome toggle that is longer than those in production and are subject to a judging deduction.
HaND

[David J.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Switch

If anyone is having the same problem as I am, David Zuberer's detailed photos of the disassembled switch are incredible. Thanks, David, for sending them along.

[David D.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Switch

David

Probably a little late but for your files if nothing else. Attached is a OPDF file showing the inner workings of the headlight switch from my 65. This one is a bit beat up as the previous owner had actually JB welded the connector to the switch. The intact switch is the new replacement.

Dave Zuberer

Dave...Great pictoral and info. Thanks, this is what I need more of.
David

[David Z.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Switch

Thanks to both Davids. Glad they are of help.
Mike, thanks for the tip on the length of the toggle.

Dave Z