Flash to pass not working

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

All:

I did a search, but am still not sure why my FTP is not working. As seen below, it appears that contacts # 3&4 have to contact for the flash to pass, while #s 1&2 get pushed up out of the way. #s 3&4 seem to contact, but no flashing. If I push the stalk forward, the high beams come on, but even if I short #s 3&4 with the stalk back, no joy. I tried cleaning all contacts with a small file- no dice. I am hesitant to buy a new switch until I am sure this is the problem. Any thoughts?

Many thanks in advance,

Paul.

Gator · 06-29-2008, 03:13 PM

My first thought is to put a volt meter or a test light on it to verify voltage where you want it.

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

Gator:

So am I correct in thinking #s 3&4 need to contact for the ftp to work?

Thanks,

Paul.

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

Fixed!

Thanks,

Paul.

Gator · 06-29-2008, 04:06 PM

Actually the #4 contact you reference is not a a conductor. Look closely and you will see the bottom of it (that looks like it's hooked to the white wire) pivots as you move the switch handle and the top of it has an insulator on it to prevent it from making contact with any of the other contacts. The contacts shown in your picture just put the headlamps in hi or low headlights. Look deeper into the switch past the outside contacts and you should see another set of contacts. That set is what gives you the flash to pass circuit. The white wire is the hot wire and it jumps inside the switch assembly to the bottom of the single contact that is lurking inside. On the back side of the assembly you will see a white/red wire and that makes contact when you pull the stalk back. Contact #2 & #3 gives you high beams. #2 & #1 gives you low beams. When you pull back on the stalk to the ptf position the low beams stay on and you just momentarily make up the little middle of the switch to flash the high beams. Let us know how you make out.

widgeon13 · 06-29-2008, 04:08 PM

Can you share with us what you did to fix this and let #3 & $4 to make contact.

gunlover05 · 06-29-2008, 04:10 PM

Have to say no one pays attention to the "flash to pass" like they used to...peo-le just think any lane is fine, and all prefer the left lane! the left lane is the new right lane, it seems....try that in Europe and you will get a ticket and the finger

rdrr · 06-29-2008, 04:13 PM

Yes, please let us know what you did. I have the same problem.

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

Hate to say it, but I'm not sure what I did! I cleaned stuff up with a file, then tried some electrical parts cleaner- fiddled with it some and it started working. Then it quit, then started working again- so I put everything back together, and it works fine.

As for the comments about nobody taking any notice of flashing, out here in the wild wild west, they still do- though I swear I have had people pull out in front of me just because I drive a 911. Most of the reason I wanted it fixed is because I'm selling the car- typical, just get everything right and she's gone!

Cheers,

Paul.

Gator · 06-29-2008, 04:28 PM

Probably had dirt on the inside contact. If it does it again your gonna have to bend that contact a little to make it contact better.

sundevil64 · sundevil64's Garage

this is an old thread I see, but I have to say in TX they actually pull off to the right shoulder to let you pass IF they are from here. If not, they are a pain. The left lane does in fact seem to be the new right lane. I see this as the fault of law enforcement. Any law that is not enforced is not really a law, it's just rhetoric.