Replacing headlight switch (Which one to buy?)

[gadawg31]

Hello everyone, I am replacing my headlight switch on my '79 CJ5 ; however there seems to be two different OEM replacements. Since my switch was gone when I bought my jeep, I have no way of knowing which one to get. The website states if mine had a copper strap across two terminals I should get that one, if not then I should get the other. Any one had this problem and if so, how did you determine the correct one. Thanks.

BTW, I am looking at Morris 4x4 parts website.

JD

 

[Torxhead]

For electrical stuff, I try to get the "Echlin" brand of parts that N.A.P.A. sells.

 

[Peanut Butter]

Here is a scan from the parts manual. The original part number is: 575 1098. You should be able to use that number at a good parts store like NAPA for the right one. Hope this helps. Rod

 

[gadawg31]

Thanks guys for the information; however I am still in the original situation or not knowing which of the two components I need. Here is the "note" that is placed online when ordering this part:

Note: 1979 Models was the change year for this switch. This switch does not contain a COPPER STRAP between two terminals. If your switch in 1979 contained a COPPER STRAP made across two terminals, please use Part# 5450558 and see our picture there for what the strap looks like."

Peanut Butter, that scan shows a pretty good picture of the wiring and appears to be very close to mine. I am just wanting to double check with anybody that has already run into this problem, so I am not buying and returning a part. I will check with Napa as both of your suggested, but I have not been very lucky with parts houses. Thanks.

JD

 

[Hedgehog]

More than a little likely both will work just fine. One switch was little more than a refinement of older technology. Getting the perfect switch is for the perfectionist restorer who has to have every component exactly the way it was from the factory.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Thanks guys for the information; however I am still in the original situation or not knowing which of the two components I need. Here is the "note" that is placed online when ordering this part:

Note: 1979 Models was the change year for this switch. This switch does not contain a COPPER STRAP between two terminals. If your switch in 1979 contained a COPPER STRAP made across two terminals, please use Part# 5450558 and see our picture there for what the strap looks like."

Peanut Butter, that scan shows a pretty good picture of the wiring and appears to be very close to mine. I am just wanting to double check with anybody that has already run into this problem, so I am not buying and returning a part. I will check with Napa as both of your suggested, but I have not been very lucky with parts houses. Thanks.

JD

I have a brand new switch in the box in my shop I can take a pic of.. or if you want to pay the shipping Ill send it to you.

 

[gadawg31]

Ok, I think I have run into a snag with the light switch. I was able to get a switch from Jimbos76cj; however I don't think it will work. My original post was asking about the differences with the two switches and I still don't know. I do know that from my research that the main difference with the switches is that one has a brass jumper and one does not. The switch that I got from jimbos76cj, does not appear to have the jumper. The only thing I can think of now is to buy the one witht he jumper and test it out. If that one does not work, then I don't know. Also, I have ground everything it seems, but I still can't get certain electronics to work. My fuel sender is still reading all the way full, which tells me that it is grounded out, but I can't find where it would be grounded. I have traced the wire from front to back and I am afraid that the light problems may be involved as well. Any help or suggestions are greatly welcomed. Thanks.

JD

 

[IOPort51]

Will the plugs match up?? If so, go for it. I doubt you can do any damage.

 

[gadawg31]

IOPort51, yes the plugs appear to be identical. I ordered one this morning, so hopefully by the end of the week I should know something. I also ordered a new fuel sending unit, since a buddy told me that the contact winding could be grounding itself out. I am definately not an electrical wiz, so that is why I have been scouring the site for any type of info. Thanks for the advice.

JD

 

[Peanut Butter]

The headlight switch should work independently from any other component. That being said, if other things are not working, you may have a short in the harness. Check all of your fuses first. A good short should blow a fuse. Next go by a cheep volt/ohm meter. You can put it on the DC voltage reading and see if you get 12 or more volts from all of the connections, with the exception of the ground of course. Do you get parking lights, headlights, no lights............? Rod

 

[gadawg31]

Sorry Peanut Butter for the delay in my response. I got tied up in work and had to put the jeep on the back burner. To answer your questions, I do get headlight, no parking lights, brake lights work, turn signals work. I tried a new switch and I seem to be getting the same results. I need to troubleshoot some more and line up all my problems. The way work is going and sports with the kids, it doesn't look good for the near future. The ole girl will have to sit for a while, but thanks for all the input and advice. I will be back soon with more info/questions.
JD