Courtesy lights won't shut off !
When I close the doors the courtesy lights under the dash at each side of the door and the one in the back behind the convertible top stay on, on my 64. I may be wrong but after it was painted reciently and the car was put back together is when I noticed it. The switches in the door jam got painted and cleaned them off and there still on. HELP could one of you experienced give me some advice?
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Re: Courtesy lights won't shut off !
Bob, there are only 2 things that will cause that problem.
1. the headlight dimmer for the cluster is turned all the way CCW.
2.One of the 2 switches is not breaking when the doors are closed. -
Re: Courtesy lights won't shut off !
First, make sure someone didn't turned them on at the headlight swtch. If that is not the case, start looking at the jamb switches. You said you had to clean paint off the switches. Did you remove them to do it? Maybe a wire has come off in the jamb and gotten grounded. Chip.Comment
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Re: Courtesy lights won't shut off !
That's not unusual... The door jamb switches are 'self -learning'.
That means the plunger shaft is retained in the holding nut via interference fit and it can slide INWARD to 'learn' the exact geometry of a specfic door gap. At the factory, the freshly produced switch had its plunger shaft ALL THE WAY to maximize overall plunger shaft length.
The switches were installed and the doors slammed shut. That pushed each switch back the 'right' length for that specific door gap.
When you remove switches OR remount doors (perhaps re-shim), you really need to re-set the switches to their fully extended length to 're-learn' the specific gap dimensions of the particular door they're installed in...Comment
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Re: Courtesy lights won't shut off !
Robert,
I guess it could be done, but I have not tried. They are not very expensive and I think you can get repros with correct markings on the button if you need it for judging. If you are not worried about judging, you can probably get them at any parts store. I would screw them out first and make sure that is the problem. Once you get them out and the wire ends past the metal in the mounting hole, the lights should go out or you have other problems. If you leave the battery hooked up, expect some sparks as you pull them out. Chip.Comment
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Re: Courtesy lights won't shut off !
Bob, the switch plungers have to be pulled out with a pair of pliers and this will extend the plunger out, to reset you just close the door and they'll retrack to the correct length.
But I would try just pushing the plunger in with your finger and see if the lamps go out. you may need a extra hand for the other door.New England chapter member, 63 Convert. 327/340- Chapter/Regional/national Top Flight, 72 coupe- chapter and regional Top Flight.Comment
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Re: Courtesy lights won't shut off !
would you know how to reset the switches?
Yes...
Oh, you meant to ask can I tell you how I do it!
Fabricate a 'sandwich' fixture that will let you pinch/hold the lower contact disk of the switch contact in a conventional vice WITHOUT pinching/crushing the cylindrical plastic leaf contact holder that's captive to the bottom of the switch plunger. Screw up here and you'll turn your factory original switch to 'dust'...
Now, with the switch safely and firmly clamped in the vice, install a deep socket of appropriate diameter over the upper stage of the plunger and GENTLY tap the interference fit hex fastener down the plunger shaft to the original position. A 'touch' of penetrating oil on the plunger shaft helps to overcome years of oxidation growth!Comment
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