I'm getting my factory lights all working. I have a question about how the switch works. I have been able to get the marker lights to come on when I pull the switch to the first stage and the signal lights work as well. When I pull the switch to the second stage the headlights come on and the signal lights work but the marker lights stop working. I am wondering if that is a normal function or if I should be taking my switch apart to see whats wrong. Any information on how this switch works would be muchly appreciated.
I'm getting my factory lights all working. I have a question about how the switch works. I have been able to get the marker lights to come on when I pull the switch to the first stage and the signal lights work as well. When I pull the switch to the second stage the headlights come on and the signal lights work but the marker lights stop working. I am wondering if that is a normal function or if I should be taking my switch apart to see whats wrong. Any information on how this switch works would be muchly appreciated.
Yep X 3 your thinking of the 'newer" cars where the park lights come on when H/L are on!!! Didn't do that back then. As long as tha tail lights are on when H/l are on everythings "Fine"!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Some times I wake up GRUMPY, but today I let her sleep in !!!!!!!!BLACKSTOCK Ont.
Yes, and what used to be called "Parking Lights" can now serve as Daytime Running Lights if you are interested in being a bit more visible on the road.
The switch is working correctly. When you turn the knob this will also adjust the dash lights from completly off to very bright. Do not play with the switch if everything is working correctly. With age the switch becomes very fragile and will literally fall apart sometimes upon removal. There is a small spring that controls the tension on the adjustment for the dash lights and sometimes this spring gets streched and breaks. If you find a parts car available get the headlight switch as a spare.
To remove the switch there is a small button on the top of the switch you press down on and pull the headlight control knob out. Then take off the screw and round moulding. The next step is gently handle the switch and lower it to remove the attached wires 5 or 6 of them each at its own location.
The switches were used on 55 and 56 Pontiacs only and are very expensive to buy new old stock. They are priced at $165 and up when I do find them.
Prices have gone up! I bought mine NOS (less the rod and knob) for $89 in 2008.
FYI, here are how the wires hook up (pictures uses an old switch):
Wire colors:
Power = red
Park lamps = purple
Taillights = dark green
Headlights = yellow
These colors are different than US Pontiac, and also different than Chevrolet, really a mixture of both. Just another uniqueness of our Canadian Pontiacs, eh?
Dave
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
Dave, do you need a white knob for the headlight switch? I was sorting out some parts and came across a couple of 56 parts with the white knobs, door handles etc. I will deliver in Dec if you need it.
Dave, do you need a white knob for the headlight switch? I was sorting out some parts and came across a couple of 56 parts with the white knobs, door handles etc. I will deliver in Dec if you need it.
Al
Thanks Al, but no, I converted everything over to black knobs, to better match my black and silver interior. (Including window cranks, some of mine were missing, so I went with new reproductions with black knobs.) (Wiper control was missing, I replaced the whole thing, motor-cables and all, with Raingear system which came with black knob.)
But if you have a spare 55 black knob that is in good condition, that would be wonderful - I had to use my original badly chipped and cracked knob, painted with that special paint which adheres to plastic - it is servicable but looks pretty crummy upon inspection, although the black paint hides it somewhat.
Thanks,
Dave
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod