Headlight Switch

All nice and pretty but still with some patina instead of new Omix shine. Notice the wire connectors insulators. Cracking and falling apart. Look like was originally some sort of rubber? Same on the connectors at regulator on firewall. Wire is a little stiff but not cracked. Most likely a Walcks wiring harness in the future. The letter identifiers for connections are H is headlights, R I'm assuming is for rear and the A is parking lights but what does the A stand for? Alternate?

 

You mean on the wires or on the switch? The switch looks fine. Refurbishing the wiring is trivial. Here is a helpful article about fixing wiring: BASIC WIRING 101, Getting You Started! - JeepForum.com
Clip the wire back to where it's sound and add a little wire if needed. I use un-insulated connectors, solder and two-layer (adhesive lined) heat shrink.

 

I would be happy to dress, splice and terminate some wires in pictures if anybody is interested. It'll probably have to be tomorrow.

 

Curious minds are still lurking-- Why is terminal #4 marked "A"? Could it be that the first on/pulled position equals A position (as in A to Z)?

 

Interesting Dave, I was not aware that there was dimming ability. In looking at the insides of the switch, I would be surprised if there was, but I'm gonna try it here is a little while.

 

Need some clarity here--what are you referring to? Ah! Perhaps you meant "dimming" ability for the dash.

 

Nope, it don't turn and when I was inside, I don't see any way possible it would turn as the shaft locks into the piece that slides in and out of the detents built into the case which gives you the 3 positions. Plus I see no method for electrical dimming in it either. I believe some one is mistaken, at least on the early ones.

 

Corrected...Sorry I one finger type on iPad very very fast and auto correct sometimes gets the best of me. It's the computer programmer in me that types so fast.

 

I wish to return my lights to the separate headlights and running lights function as it seems to make a lot of sense. In fact there does not seem to be any other option with the switch that is currently installed aside from all lights ON and all OFF.

Burning the front running/parking lights along with the headlights is superfluous, but if the parking lights are off (with the headlights on) either of the front turn signals would be more noticeable in the dark. They're already half hidden by the fenders when viewed from the side but if the left or right signal is the only amber light on the grill and it's flashing, then that makes my CJ and my intentions that much more noticeable....

There's been some past discussion about the proper headlight switches and how they're scarce now. Orignal style headlight switch

Is it true the current OMIX-ADA and Cole-Hersee switches lack this function?

For what it's worth, this link has photos of an OMIX-ADA switch that has been dissected to show the gory innards: Head Light Switch

^Plus another switch option^

 

No dimming on my 56/57.

I wonder if "A" might have meant 'Accessory.' But I have no evidence.

 

From what I've read, they just don't function for 50+ years like the original. Just saying.....

 

I'll let you know in 2067.

 

I'll be dust by then so won't matter to me, but maybe to my 2 year old grandson who loves going to check the mail in 'weeeeeee' as he calls it.

 

A might be Amber, which is the blue wire to the front parking/signal lights, which should be amber colored bulbs or lenses.

Cole Hersee has a switch with that function, but from my little auto parts store they were darned expensive. They had one like the pictured HL6049 for much less, on the shelf even. Its terminals are marked Batt, Head, Park, Tail, and Dash. Park is first click, Head the second, and Tail and Dash on both clicks