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Old 09-24-2021, 05:02 PM   #1
flatmotor40
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Default no headlight or taillight

Went to turn on headlights and nothing ,power to fuse but no light no park light or tail light it is a 40 switch in the car never had them on if I can remember since I built it they worked then but that was years ago.Too tired now to look at it will search tomorrow.Was going to try to go to the first show in4-5 years tomorrow but will pass now might have to use headlight to get home
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Old 09-24-2021, 05:59 PM   #2
ford38v8
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Default Re: no headlight or taillight

No lighting fuse in a '40, you have a circuit breaker. Check for power after the circuit breaker as well as before it. May also be a faulty dimmer switch.
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Old 09-24-2021, 06:27 PM   #3
drolston
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Default Re: no headlight or taillight

Some replacement headlight switches have a fuse mounted right to the top of the switch.
It is tough to get to with the switch installed. Needs to be at least 25 amps.
Check if you have that type of switch, and check the fuse.
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Old 09-24-2021, 06:52 PM   #4
Krylon32
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Default Re: no headlight or taillight

I try to have the headlight on my cars wired thru a circuit breaker. I remember one night back in 1985 when I was taking my fresh 32 roadster for a night drive and about 5 miles from home the headlights died and it was dark. Fortunately a neighbor saw my taillights and pulled over and led me home. Had a bare wire inside the bucket that blew the fuse.
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Old 09-24-2021, 07:03 PM   #5
ford38v8
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Default Re: no headlight or taillight

I take back the information I gave previously. Foolish me, I had assumed that your '40 was stock.
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Old 09-25-2021, 06:27 AM   #6
flatmotor40
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Default Re: no headlight or taillight

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It has the stock headlight switch but I've wire it with a newer fuse panel but will check dimmer switch.Have power to fuse panel.Late yesterday so will get at it today maybe.Haven't had time due to health both me and my wife though I lost her 3 weeks ago can't seem to get things started but it will come by and by.Thought I would try to go to this car show in Senoisa ga but I guess not now Thanks for info
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Old 09-25-2021, 10:20 AM   #7
Zeke3
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Default Re: no headlight or taillight

Sorry to hear of your loss, may the Lord comfort you. Maybe you should go to the car show without your old car this time.
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Old 09-25-2021, 11:21 AM   #8
Bill OH
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Default Re: no headlight or taillight

Sorry about your loss - an empty feeling. As a minister told me -keep busy - keeps your mind off of your loss!!! Fix your light switch and go to the car show and talk with friends. It helps!!!!
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Old 09-25-2021, 01:46 PM   #9
bbrocksr
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Default Re: no headlight or taillight

Dimmer switch won't affect the park lights or tail lights.
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Old 09-25-2021, 02:46 PM   #10
drolston
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Default Re: no headlight or taillight

If the lights haven't been used for years, some corrosion could have developed on the contacts inside the switch. First thing to try would be cycling the switch on and off a dozen or so times to see if that scraping of contacts will wear through the corrosion.

Or the contacts have worn over the years sp that the contacts will not self-clean with operation, the switch will have to be replaced.

This link shows the stock switch body for '40 & '41.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-FORD-01...S/283932381248

Before replacing the next thing to check is that voltage actually reaches the switch. The yellow/red wire at the left of the switch should be the hot wire from the circuit breaker, or in your case, from the fuse panel. With the switch still installed, jiggle that wire wire to be sure the connection is tight, and if corroded, to remake contact. If that does not fix things, then get a voltmeter probe onto that terminal to be sure voltage is reaching the switch. If not, check the wiring connectors between there and the fuse panel. Those bullet connectors can also get loose or corroded.

If there is voltage to the yellow/red connection terminal on the switch and still no lights, the switch must come out for repair or replacement. When you get it out, use the an ohmmeter to check continuity through the switch from the power terminal to the other terminal with the switch in its various positions. If it is the failure, it will show no continuity in any position. If it shows continuity, go back and check good clean connections at all points to the fuse panel.
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Old 09-26-2021, 06:35 AM   #11
flatmotor40
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Default Re: no headlight or taillight

Found fuse is be the problem Thanks will go for a ride today to visit my Mom.
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