dip switch question s2 1969

[mike alain]

Folks,  on steering column when I pull towards me on r/h rod, the lights go out,  when I have headlights on   low  or high beam, is this the way it is designed  or
is my switch defective?  Thanks

[jbcollier]

Is this an S2?  If so, there is just two positions to the original switch.  Up is low beam and down is high.  There are other switches on the market and some are three position.  Up is headlight off, middle is low and down is high.

[SilverBeast]

It sounds wired incorrectly to me.

I have a UK Special which I believe should operate the same way as it didn't get the Federal wiring/Steering Column changes.

There is a two position switch on the dash. Off - Sidelights On - Headlights On. The stalk on the column is up for full beam and down for dipped beam. If you pull it towards you it flashes full beam while it is held towards you, irrespective of the switch position on the dash.

[GavinT]

Agree with SilverBeast . . maybe a wiring problem so check the manual.

As noted by JB, the lighting stalk has a third position which is blocked by a piece of wood which is glued in (on my Type 54, anyway).
I'm not 100% sure of this but I recall the block of wood disables an "off" position used in some Triumph models.
Perhaps the little block of wood has fallen out?

[jbcollier]

The early switches all mount the same.  Sounds like someone fit a three position switch.  Easily done but not original.

[jbcollier]

Did some research and all the early switches have a main/high beam flash feature when the column mounted high/low stalk is pulled toward the steering wheel.  There is a brown wire to the switch to power that function.  Check your wiring to see if it is hooked up correctly.

[mike alain]

So, if I understand a few of you, it should flash when pulled toward me ( on low beam),  and lights should not go out when pulled.  so pulling makes high beam lights go on and does not change that the low beams are on.  (in other words no darkness when pulled).    time to pull the switch apart, must be a dirty contact after 50 years old. thanks for input guys.

[rtherr]

john

I have the three position switch. Up it is labeled off,  middle flicker, down smoke.

[SilverBeast]

john

I have the three position switch. Up it is labeled off,  middle flicker, down smoke.

I assume you've not been maintaining the wiring then. They work fine if looked after. 

[BobW]

My Type 54 has the three-position lever on the left side of the steering column and original wiring. With the headlights turned on by the switch on the dashboard:
up = parking lights only
centre = high beam
down = low beam.

Pulling the lever towards the driver turns on high beam for as long as the lever is pulled, regardless of the position of the switch on the dashboard.

[GavinT]

Hmmm . . . there seems to be a number of variations on the theme.
My Type 54 seems to agree with the manual, thus:

Three position switch on dash: (Diagram - #9. Side/Head Light Switch.)

Up = off
1st position = side lights only
2nd position = headlamps

On the steering column I have a two position stalk: (Diagram - #31. Headlamp Dip Control.)
(It's actually a three position stalk with one position blocked by a piece of 'factory' wood glued in with a red coloured glue)

Up = high beam
Down = low beam.
Pulling the stalk towards the driver flashes the high beams - (spring loaded when pulled in this fashion)


http://lotus-europa.com/manuals/s2work/m/index.htm#fig49

[mike alain]

Thanks for help,  took it apart(switch),  found the contact was bent back,  bent back to correct spot  and all works as you guys said,  I guess in the past someone just pull on it too hard.
Mike.