Headlamp Position Indicator

[James S.]

Hello All -
My headlamp indicator light stays on when I'm driving, when I have the headlights on. I'm quite sure its not suppose to, correct? Would anybody know why? any advise? has this happen to anybody else? any suggestions for a fix or to look for?

1974 L82

Appreciate any help,

Respectfully,
Jim

[Floyd B.]

Re: Headlamp Position Indicator

James,

There is a switch attached to the headlamp actuator linkage on both sides. When the actuator and linkage fully deploy, it opens the switch and turns off the lamp. If either switch does not open and the lights are on, the lamp in the dash is illuminated. The switches are made of plastic and not overly durable. Broken/failed switches are a very common malady in C3's. However, before assuming that the switch is bad check the connection. Each switch is connected to the front-end electrical harness via a two-contact rubber connector that is design to keep dirt, water and other crud out of the connection but it's a harsh environment. The connectors feed a white w/ green strip wire (the source) and a black wire (ground). The insulation on these wires will fail in time. Also note that the headlamp linkage and actuator must FULLY deploy into the "lamps up" position to depress the little button on the switch. If your actuator or the vacuum line is leaking, it won't raise the headlamp all the way up. This is exactly what the circuit is designed to tell you. If this is the case you will need to find the source of the vacuum leak. There are several rubber seals, dust boots, rubber bellows, etc. in the actuator that will fail and become the source of a leak. Most of these parts can be replaced.

If the switch does turn out to be the problem, all of the repro catalog vendors sell them for under $25. If you have more questions after looking at all the above possibilities, update your post here and someone will continue to help you.

Best of luck

-Floyd-

[Alan S.]

Re: Headlamp Position Indicator

Hi James,
Floyd's info is right on.
Here's a picture of the switch. (I just happened to have posted this for someone else in the last couple of days).
I'll caution you too about how fragile the switch is.
The switch and connection is shown in the AIM UPC 12, Sheet A2. That location is from the 71 AIM; I'll bet it's close by in your 74 AIM!
Regards,
Alan

[James S.]

Re: Headlamp Position Indicator

Gentleman - super information and photo !!! Thanks so much for your expertise. I will follow up. I love this place!

[Mike F.]

Re: Headlamp Position Indicator

If you find a broken switch, you can un-plug it and the headlamp indicator light will function normally using the "good" side.

[James S.]

Re: Headlamp Position Indicator

If you find a broken switch, you can un-plug it and the headlamp indicator light will function normally using the "good" side.

Thanks Mike , good advise! Jim

[Terry M.]

Re: Headlamp Position Indicator

Thanks Mike , good advise! Jim

See my post in the other thread on this subject.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?95124-1973-head-light-console&p=622715#post622715

[Mike F.]

Re: Headlamp Position Indicator

See my post in the other thread on this subject.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...715#post622715

See my post in the other thread on this subject.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthrea...715#post622715