Headlight switch replacement issues
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 817
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That's the major difference in the 1980 switch. The 1980 switch has one power feed for the headlights AND the marker lights. The 1980 switch takes this single power feed and splits it inside the switch to two different circuit breakers inside the switch. One circuit breaker feeds the headlights, the other circuit breaker feeds the marker lights.
On the later switches, they have the same power feed, but it only feeds the headlights. The later switches only have one circuit breaker inside. The later switches have 1 extra terminal, that is a separate power feed from the fuse box for the marker lights. So the later switches have separated the marker circuit out from the headlight circuit.
The only problem you may have is the circuit breaker inside the newer switch may start tripping, since it is powering the headlights and the marker lights together. Try it though, it may work fine.
On the later switches, they have the same power feed, but it only feeds the headlights. The later switches only have one circuit breaker inside. The later switches have 1 extra terminal, that is a separate power feed from the fuse box for the marker lights. So the later switches have separated the marker circuit out from the headlight circuit.
The only problem you may have is the circuit breaker inside the newer switch may start tripping, since it is powering the headlights and the marker lights together. Try it though, it may work fine.
I’ve turned them on before with no issue. I am also running a headlight harness kit that reduces the switch to feeding the sense side of the headlight relay (and marker lights based on your description). I think I did both the relay upgrade and switch at the same time, so wouldn’t have any data points suggesting if the one breaker can handle both circuits.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,248
That's the major difference in the 1980 switch. The 1980 switch has one power feed for the headlights AND the marker lights. The 1980 switch takes this single power feed and splits it inside the switch to two different circuit breakers inside the switch. One circuit breaker feeds the headlights, the other circuit breaker feeds the marker lights.
On the later switches, they have the same power feed, but it only feeds the headlights. The later switches only have one circuit breaker inside. The later switches have 1 extra terminal, that is a separate power feed from the fuse box for the marker lights. So the later switches have separated the marker circuit out from the headlight circuit.
The only problem you may have is the circuit breaker inside the newer switch may start tripping, since it is powering the headlights and the marker lights together. Try it though, it may work fine.
On the later switches, they have the same power feed, but it only feeds the headlights. The later switches only have one circuit breaker inside. The later switches have 1 extra terminal, that is a separate power feed from the fuse box for the marker lights. So the later switches have separated the marker circuit out from the headlight circuit.
The only problem you may have is the circuit breaker inside the newer switch may start tripping, since it is powering the headlights and the marker lights together. Try it though, it may work fine.
I think that the issue you have was a manufacturing defect because it's unlikely that the two position switch had that functionality designed out.
if I were you I would contact the company or the seller and notify them of the defect. It's likely they will ship a replacement to you or refund your purchase price. One defect that shows up now may indicate other issues so recommend you get a replacement.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,248
Every vehicle I have ever owned has had a two position headlight switch of the pull out variety. GM, Ford, VW, Jeep. Every one operated the parking lights on the first position and then added headlights on the second position. Are you telling me that Ford messed up that simple time honored way of doing headlight switches but only on the 1980 ford trucks?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 817
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I chalked up the switch issue to the difference Dave described (i knew 80 was different but didn’t know why). I rarely drive at night and have noticed no issue when I do. I do appreciate your concern. If I’m back in there, I may take another whack at a different switch. But I mainly posted to let others know my experience with that particular switch in a 1980 application.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 817
Likes: 27
Every vehicle I have ever owned has had a two position headlight switch of the pull out variety. GM, Ford, VW, Jeep. Every one operated the parking lights on the first position and then added headlights on the second position. Are you telling me that Ford messed up that simple time honored way of doing headlight switches but only on the 1980 ford trucks?
I agree it is not functioning per original design. I just haven’t cared enough to separate why from the possible. If I do track it down, I will post what the issue was.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,992
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From: Virginia
Every vehicle I have ever owned has had a two position headlight switch of the pull out variety. GM, Ford, VW, Jeep. Every one operated the parking lights on the first position and then added headlights on the second position. Are you telling me that Ford messed up that simple time honored way of doing headlight switches but only on the 1980 ford trucks?
Here is the post I am referencing to.
I have an ‘80 Bronco and bought a Standard DS-197 switch as a replacement. Amazon was correct in that it fit, but both first and second detent operate headlights and parking lights. Im not concerned enough with the functionality loss to try something different - just putting it here for future reference for 1980 owners.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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Is your post referencing the original thread starter's problem? We were talking about the poster saying he had a 1980 which has the different wiring scheme than the 1981-up trucks. He installed the later style switch into his early 1980 setup, and now his headlights AND his marker lights work on the 1st switch position as well as the 2nd switch position. This is because of the wiring design change they made starting in 1981.
Here is the post I am referencing to.
Here is the post I am referencing to.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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It is interesting that the OP's original head light switch had the same part number as my 86 original switch. Perhaps he didn't notice that with that switch he had the same operation with lights coming on in the first position? Maybe he looked up the replacement by part number and not year? There's still a mystery here methinks.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 817
Likes: 27
The OP has a 1984 truck. I am not the OP. I only mentioned my 1980 Bronco and the Standard switch to let folks know the outcome I experienced. It was supposed to be helpful but appears to have clogged up the thread.
The OEM switch did work properly now that I think about it. I replaced it due to the horn issue as mentioned. That’s when I noticed all lights came on at the first detent. I figure it’s the wrong switch, but it’s not worth replacing.
The OEM switch did work properly now that I think about it. I replaced it due to the horn issue as mentioned. That’s when I noticed all lights came on at the first detent. I figure it’s the wrong switch, but it’s not worth replacing.
Moderator
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Every vehicle I have ever owned has had a two position headlight switch of the pull out variety. GM, Ford, VW, Jeep. Every one operated the parking lights on the first position and then added headlights on the second position. Are you telling me that Ford messed up that simple time honored way of doing headlight switches but only on the 1980 ford trucks?
An EVTM is a MAREVLOUS tool to have, e.g. https://www.ebay.com/itm/25442088800...YAAOSw4A5Ytp~B
Lead Driver
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I did conflate the OP with the 80 Bronco owner...my bad. Mea Culpa.
But I looked up headlight switches for 80 trucks and there is a different switch for the 80. I think you got the right switch but if you're getting the headlights on the first position then there was a mfgrs defect in your switch.
The OP with the 84 is going to be good with the 8 blade replacement. The 8th blade is a dummy...kind of like me.
But I looked up headlight switches for 80 trucks and there is a different switch for the 80. I think you got the right switch but if you're getting the headlights on the first position then there was a mfgrs defect in your switch.
The OP with the 84 is going to be good with the 8 blade replacement. The 8th blade is a dummy...kind of like me.
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