Driver side running lights not working

[Tubeframe]

Hi

My drivers side running lights front and back don't light up in a 81 SC. Everything else works. Initial investigation found that there was no supply voltage at either light front or back driver side. Any thoughts on why supply is not making it to the lights?

Thanks

[Canada Kev]

I don't know if each side is fused individually, but you should check that first. Another thing to check if that doesn't pan out, is the back side of your headlight switch. It's easy to take off.

If the knob is the same as mine (1987), just pop out the little plastic 'icon' in the rubber knob with a little screw driver or similar, unscrew the hut underneath and pull off the knob (don't lose the washer inside). There's a little round plastic nut over the switch shaft with two little divots in it. Use a pair of needle nose pliers with the tips in the little holes to turn it off. After this, carefully pull the switch through into the space under the dash from behind. That whole thing will take you about two minutes once you have the tools in your hand to do the job.

Lying on the floor with the switch in your hand and a flashlight held between your teeth you can check the power at each of the nine (I think) terminal pins on the back side. It should look something like this:



Two of those pins (58L and 58R) are for the parking lights. You can guess which one is for the driver's (left) side. This pic shows a diagram that tells you when that terminal should have voltage. If none when the knob is pulled out to the first or second notch, then your switch is FUBAR. If pin #58 has nothing on it, you can put the wires from your 58L to that pin and your lights should work then. You should notice from this diagram that pin 58 has juice at the same times that 58L and 58R have it. If you change anything on the switch, be sure to document it and keep a note in your records for yourself or a future owner.

[Tubeframe]

Thanks

I back feed current to the circuit and it lit the lights so the switch must be the culprit. I will your instructions and check it out.

Thanks again, Cheers

[86 911 Targa]

Well done Kevin.

Here's a litle more help.

Gerry

[Canada Kev]

One thing I got incorrect in the switch removal bit, is that after you pop odd the plastic cover on the knob, and remove the nut inside, the knob does not just pull off. It also threads off IIRC. Just turn it with your fingers. It's not tight.