[DML] Re: Headlight Switch

["content22207" <brobertson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The only time I have ever set a car on fire was when my DeLo headlight
master switch melted. It is a personal pet peeve of mine:

The master switch contains a grounded device (the internal
illumination bulb, which is what I suspect melts it long term), yet IT
IS NOT FUSE PROTECTED. Fuses come AFTER the switch. Compare to the
hazard switch circuit. Stupid engineering mistake. 

My master switch melted internally, shooting 12v straight down the
illumination bulb ground. Got so hot it set the switch on fire. I've
uploaded a pic of the switch and harness connector to #5939's photo
album. Also melted the bulb ground in several places under the console
(internal bulb doesn't use the bundle of ground wires next to the
radio but is grounded somewhere in back of the car).

I have since re-wired my entire external light circuit, adding a relay
for side and tail lights in the process (another stupid engineering
mistake -- while headlights are on relays, full side and tail light
amperage passes through the master switch). Substituted an internally
simpler hazard switch to activate them (just swap the push buttons).
Total load through my new switch is 30 milliamps, BTW. Of course I
omitted the internal illumination bulb (hazard switch too).

Whatever you decide to do with yours, I *HIGHLY* recommend at minimum
installing an inline fuse on the brown line into the switch.

Bill Robertson
#5939

>--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "gjl463" <gjlednicky@xxxx> wrote:
> Hi everyone, 
> 
> Greg here from Seattle!
> 
> When I purchased my Delorean this past December I noticed that the 
> parking lights did not turn on when pushing the headlight switch 
> once.  After pushing the switch a second time the parking lights and 
> headlights work as normal.  I have heard these switches are a common 
> problem.  This past weekend I removed the switch to look it over.  I 
> also viewed the photos in the 'techie stuff' file to review the 
> intricate workings of this switch.  As predicted, the plastic is 
> melted caused by overheating. 
> 
> I have tried purchasing one from the normal vendors, but the switch 
> is not available at this time.  I just wanted to check to see if 
> there was a known solution or update to repairing the switch?  Are 
> there any plans on making more new ones?  
> 
> Thanks for the help!




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