AirSpeed VW Community Forums

Technical => Electronics & Car Audio Forum => Topic started by: bwaz on July 29, 2008, 08:12:58 AM

Title: what's the life of a headlight switch?
Post by: bwaz on July 29, 2008, 08:12:58 AM
I've found recently that my dash lights when on were either off or on using the dimmer on the headlight switch. Now they're just off. I got another switch and tested it before putting it in and am finding a similar issue with the reostat. Either off or on when using the tester. A common issue on older electronics, or is there somewhere inline that changes that voltage, although can't understand that happening on our older cars?
b.waz
Title: Re: what's the life of a headlight switch?
Post by: BUSDADDY on July 29, 2008, 09:39:46 AM
The fine wire in the rheostat has broken or worn through, bound to happen after 30-40 years, the rheostat is in the switch at the dash end and it's the sole device for dimming the dash lights. No real fix other than a new switch unless you use an external rheostat and connect the dash lights to the parking lights.
Title: Re: what's the life of a headlight switch?
Post by: Bruce on July 29, 2008, 02:52:16 PM
It is usually corrosion on the bare wire of the winding.  Rotate it back and forth 20-30 times.