12 volt conversion with stock light switch problem

[oskarkat]

Today while I was driving the truck, the lights kept going out. It has the stock switch assembly and I think over the various other noises I could hear a click from the switch when they went off. After a few min the lights would come back on. Is there some type of overheat/overload built in? I didn't do the 12v conversion but it looks like they just spliced into the stock wiring, fairly neat job. Any advice?

[randyscycle]

The three lever switch has a thermal circuit breaker built into it. That would explain the click you hear.

Sometimes they just get old and stop working, other times there is a poor ground that will cause too much resistance and trip the breaker. I'd have a good look at all the grounds, and I'd also take a peek inside the light housings if they are stock. Sometimes the seals leak and water can find its way into the lights, rust the sockets and cause some pretty poor connections as well.

[brute4c]

Your 3 lever switch is probably bad. I have had 2 do the same thing...inside the switch, there is a strip of metal that is moved by the unlock lever...sometimes it appears, this strip of metal comes loose and falls into a place inside where it can contact 2 live points inside the switch...circuit breaker pops with an audible click.

I was able to knock mine a couple times and get the piece to move and then the circuit breaker resets and things are ok until it happens again.

Change out the 3 lever...

[randyscycle]

What Jon said.....and don't bother trying to take it apart and fix it. With all the little pieces in there, you'll be frustrated beyond belief in a few minutes......

[brute4c]

What Randy said...been there twice...not worth it.

[oskarkat]

Thanks guys! Best place to get a switch?

[brute4c]

Ebay...

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trk...All-Categories

[oskarkat]

Thanks! I did a search but I didn't know what I was looking for.