Help! Light switch electrical problem

[03RedZ06]

Hey, First time posting, so I hope it comes out. I have an 81 4speed that I am working on. I am having trouble with the light switch burning out the spring that controls the dimming of the instrument lights. It seems like it is shorting out and burning the spring rather than popping a fuse. Anybody got any suggestion on what may be causing this problem?

Thanks

Paul

 

[bill81vette]

First,Welcome to CAC!!!
2nd be sure to Check out the l-81 registry if you haven't done so already...
now...how many switches have you gone thru?? or is it the same one and it keeps getting hot???
the spring is merely a resistor for the instrument lites.
I would think it is nothing more than a bad switch.....
have you tried to replace it????

 

[6880 Mike]

Short is probably correct. The rheostat springs will slowly die with age and light switch replacement can be expected, but if you've been through more than two switches, you've got a short.

 

[03RedZ06]

Multiple Switches

Glad to be a member of CAC. Yes I have already registered with the L81 registry.

I just smoked a brand new switch. When I first got the car I noticed that the instrument lights were working. So after checking all the bulbs and the wiring back to the fuse panel, it lead me to the light switch. I discovered that the spring (resistor) on the light switch was broken and figured that it was just from age. I ordered a new switch and installed it. At first the instrument lights didnt come on and I started checking the voltage coming from the lead going to the fuse panel. I had no voltage, I cleaned the connector and messed with the it for a while and I got voltage. The light on alarm started to sound and puff of smoke and the resistor was gone. So before I smoke another $45.00 switch I am trying to solve the problem.