Panel & Sidelights

[Chrisalis888]

Hi folks,

The dash panel lights (dim/bright) have ceased to function on my series 2, as have the sidelights. I’ve pulled and checked all fuses, which are all sound. Electricity is a dark art to me, and when it’s not a bulb or a fuse I start to have palpitations. However, the sidelight rocker switch seems to have no internal contacts, as there is no friction when you switch it on and off. I suspect it has failed and have ordered a replacement. This would obviously stop the side lights and numberplate light from switching on, but does this also prevent the panel lights from working? I can’t remember if the panel lights only work once you have switched on the side lights, but as they are all on the same fuse I’m hoping it is the failure of the side light switch to put power into the circuit that is the problem.

All thoughts welcome, and I should add that when turning on the headlight switch the side light switch turns down at the same time, as usual.

Thanks to all of you helpful people, Chris

[JerryL770]

Look for Covebtry Auto Components Ltd and order their Wiring diagrams for the Series 2 E-type. They are very clear and straight forward being broken down to different services.

The rocker switches are easy to repair as long as parts are not destroyed by long use. Simple to get them apart with a small screwdriver. Take care, 'cos bits are spring loaded and can fly out. However, a new one will fix that problem too

Panel lights are on a separate switch, the one to the right of the main light switches. Is it switched off?? Or is it faulty too. During my car's rebuild, I stripped all my switches and cleaned them internally. They had some kind of lube on the contacts which was dried up and effectively insulated them so half my switches didn't work. They did after cleaning and switched better€ too.

[Chrisalis888]

Thanks Jerry,

Yes the panel switch works fine, still with the two position clicks, but I gather from my local classic specialist these lights will not come on unless the sidelights area on, so I suspect I am narrowing the problem down to the broken side light switch.

I have a workshop manual which confirms side lights, panel lights and numberplate lights are all on the same circuit, so I guess that makes sense.

Will see if I can mend the side light switch or order a new one using your reference, thank you very much!

Will post the results here once completed, want to get it all working before I set off to the Members Meeting on Friday!

[Chrisalis888]

Sorted, Classic IT style solution, removed and replaced all the fuses and all is normal..... at least until the next time. I