1962 Cadillac Headlight Switch - No Dash Lights

[Dualskegs62]

It just crapped out. The dome light will come on when it's turned all the way counter clockwise but the dash lights stopped coming on. Is this something I may be able to remedy myself? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[P. Manoogian]

Depends on your level of competence and patience. Start by getting a fine file and filing the round contact on the tab that touches the resistor. These do come apart and are rebuildable.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Sounds like you have a broken resistor coil in the headlight switch.

It is found in the ceramic piece that is in the first part of the switch, and is rotated by the headlight knob shaft.

These do break, and in most cases, the best fix is to obtain a replacement switch.

Another way, but not really correct, is to install a rheostat in the dash and remove the dash light wiring from the headlight switch, and wire connect them to the new rheostat.

Bruce.

[Julien Abrahams]

Although unlikely it could also be the case that your dash lamps are simply kaput.
I would replace the headlight switch. I had a similar problem (my dash lights were like a disco while driving) and after replacing the switch, all was fine.

Julien.

[russ austin]

62-63 headlamp switches are small bricks of gold. Hard to come by new, at sane prices.

Its either the connector tabs on the ceramic block, a bad fuse, or a blown resistor coil.  I have repaired blown coils by soldering the break.

A work of caution. The resistor blows when the hot bar on the headlight switch shorts to a ground. That happens during removal/installation.  So it is best to disconnect the car battery before removing the headlight switch.

[Dualskegs62]

Thanks all. I'll be pulling it out soon and I'll check it out based on all of your feedback.

[cadillacmike68]

Sometimes the metal tab that slides along the resistor coil just gets loose or oxidized. Cleaning it might help.

[Dualskegs62]

Thanks!