Headlight switch connections

Post by **sarahsparey** » 05 Nov 2008, 16:51

I've just bought a replacement headlight switch but the new one has extra connections on the back meaning I can't just plug it straight into the old connector that's already there.

The original had the usual X, 56, 56a+b 58 but the new one has three extra connections, namely 58L, 58R and 580.

If I remove the old back can I just connect the wires up to the pins directly? Or is there some fundamental difference that will cause me trouble.

Thanks.

Post by **Krisis** » 05 Nov 2008, 18:19

Plug it in, should be ok and then check all lights are working as they should, worse case scenario is you will blow a fuse

TTFN Kris

Post by **Syncro G** » 05 Nov 2008, 22:09

It'll work pritty well if you ignore the extra terminals. It sounds like a later switch for a van with parking lamps and dimdip (ie british RHD). You can conect your 58 wire to any of the 58/58L/58R terminals, they all do the same thing when on but are not conected to eachother when the switch is off, thus alowing left and right sidelamps to work indipendantly as they do on vans with parking lamps). 56D is for dimdip headlights, only live when switch is in middle position when ignition is on - ignore it.

You should have a 30 in there too, a 58b which is your diming dash lighting. You may have a 58e too which is the feed for the dash lamps - if so you may need to conect it to one of the other redundant 58's to get the dash lamps working.

You sure headlamp switch has a 56a and b terminal? Would have thought that was on a dipswitch.

Worth noteing all the wires won't have fuses at that stage in the loom and 30 is perminantly live so make sure everything is nicely insulated or you'll let the smoke out of your wireing loom.

Post by **sarahsparey** » 06 Nov 2008, 13:33

Thanks, I'll give it a go.

I just wanted to be sure as the reason I'm installing a new headlight switch is that I melted the last one after a botched attempt at replacing the fog lamp switch. (the previous owners have "customised" the wiring somewhat)

Post by **Krisis** » 06 Nov 2008, 15:53

coool customised aka BODGED IT ????
I had the same on mine but at least I know where most cables go now and I know where my dodgy wiring is

Have fun & ttfn
Kris