'34 tail light issue

[1934]

When I put the cowl lights on the tail lights work, when I put the dim lights on the tail lights work, but when I put the brights on the tail lights don't come on. Any ideas? Everything used to work fine. (The brake lights function as they should). Thanks, Doug.

[petehoovie]

When you "put the brights on", did you check to see if the headlight were really 'on'???

[Willit Stop]

You might check the contact switch at the bottom end of the steering column. Just swing the bail to the side and it should pull off.

[1934]

Yes, the brights come on but no tail lights.

[1934]

Originally Posted by Willit Stop

You might check the contact switch at the bottom end of the steering column. Just swing the bail to the side and it should pull off.

The problem could very well be in the contact switch. It's a repro and I remember thinking that the quality was a bit sketchy when I installed it a few years ago! The steering box leaks a bit and maybe some oil is getting in the switch housing and interfering with the contact. I will take it apart and see. I have a NOS light switch from a '38. Does anyone know if it's the same as the '34? Maybe I can just put it on?

[koates]

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Hi there, On the 1934 Bakelite switch contact plate there are nine brass contacts. The 1938 onwards contact plate has six brass contacts. They are not interchangeable. The six terminal switch uses a separate floor dimmer switch for changing low/high beam. Regards, kevin.

[1934]

Thanks for your input guys. I will take the light switch apart and see what's going on. I have a couple of original switches and may change the repro for one of those.
Doug.

[1934]

I took the light switch housing apart and everything looked clean and dry inside, (no oil from the steering box). I put it back together and now all the lights are working properly! Gotta get lucky sometimes. Thanks again for your responses.
Doug.