1936 Packard 120 Headlight Switch short or wiring problem?

Posted by Doug120B On 2011/6/25 23:08:26

I have a 1936 120 Business Coupe & replaced the headlight switch with a rebuilt from Max Merritt because occasionally when pulling the switch through the various positions, the headlights would either go out unexpectedly and/or the ammeter would peg negative indicating a possible short.

The new switch initially seemed to fix the problem, although now the problems have returned and I think the first question is whether it is in the switch or the wiring.

It is hard to get the problem to replicate, although it does appear that at or near various 'stops' when pulling our or pushing in the switch - it has regular 'on' for the headlights (low beam only) and also 'country' (with high beams) - I can get it to peg the ammeter or the headlight and dash lights will cut out.

One possibility, since 2 switches have now had about the same problem, is that the momentary shorting or cutting out was a 'feature' in 1936 as opposed to a 'bug'. Or I got a bad rebuilt switch from Max Merritt, or the problem is not in the switch at all, but in the wiring.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Doug