Hey gang, I have an original ignition switch in my 52 chevy. I just converted to 12 volt/alternator. y When I re-attached my wiring, the headlights go on only when the truck is on -- but its my understanding that if the wiring is hooked up correctly to the ignition switch, the lights should go on even when the truck is off. My Classic Parts wiring harness directions say that the line from the headlamp switch should attach to the battery terminal of the ignitiion switch. I have three posts on my ignition switch. One is supposed to be the battery terminal, one the accessory terminal, and one the ignition terminal. How can I be positive which is which, so I can hook this headlamp switch line up properly to the battery terminal of the ignition switch. I assume this matters, right? My diagram tells me the ignition terminal is lower center, and the battery terminal is upper left and accessory terminal is upper right. In truth, I have tried the headlamp switch line on both the upper left and upper right, but in both cases, although the lights work when the truck is running, they don't when it is off. Any help on this appreciated!!! Thanks, Eric
You need to revisit the instructions again. The headlight switch does get its power from the ignition switch. More visa-versa. The battery wire goes to the lights first then the ignition. Lights are hot all the time. Chris
There are certain circuits that are hot always. The headlights, parking lights, taillights, stop lights, dome light, instrument lights and horn are all supposed to work with the ignition on or off. They should all be routed through the ammeter and the ammeter should show a discharge when any of those circuits are on. That way you know if something is discharging the battery. If all of those work except for anything routed through the ignition, find the "always hot" post on the ignition switch using a voltmeter or multimeter.
