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Old 11-09-2016, 11:50 AM   #1
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Strange headlight behaviour. Headlight switch or ignition switch?

Here's what happens:

1. Headlight switch in off position
2. Start car
3. Both headlights, left side marker, and left tail light illuminate
4. Turn headlight switch to on position
5. Right side marker, and right tail light illuminate

Everything should be off when the headlight switch is in the off position. Why does some stuff come on when I start the car?

This just started happening yesterday.


Last edited by lskolnick; 11-09-2016 at 03:07 PM. Reason: Spelling mistake
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Old 11-09-2016, 12:10 PM   #2
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Considering that the headlight switch is the main control device, I would try replacing that switch first - plus its a bit easier to change out than the ignition switch. Without having a single line diagram, I don't know if the ignition switch has separate contacts to power up the light switch, so I would go with the suspecting the light switch.
You can try using contact cleaner on the switch internals to see if that makes any difference, but as both switches are prone to failure, you might be wasting your time......
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Old 11-09-2016, 05:26 PM   #3
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+1 on switch.
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Old 11-10-2016, 07:12 AM   #4
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I had a similar issue...take the headlight switch out and spray with an electrical cleaner this most likely solve your problem...it did for me
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Old 11-10-2016, 10:29 AM   #5
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Yes, clean the headlight switch first. You want to spray the electrical contact cleaner inside the switch (the internal contacts, not on the contacts on the back) while turning it back and forth.

Sounds like it may have broken internal bits, though. You will probably have to replace.
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Old 11-10-2016, 07:14 PM   #6
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I haven't been able to find the thread. But there is a pic of the inside of a worn out switch here somewhere. There is a whole lot of things going on inside of them. Lots of tiny bits to wear out and come unglued.
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Old 11-11-2016, 01:39 AM   #7
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Clean it, then try it with a second hand one on ebay. If it fixes the problem, just buy a newer one if it goes again as you know you won't be wasting your money.

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