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MG MGB Technical - High/low beam switch

On my 68 MGC (same as MGB) the high/low beam switch is failing (main/dipped beam). This is the stalk on the left of the column. In the high (main) beam position, everything works fine. But in the low (dipped) beam position, the headlamps don't light. Running lights OK.

If I jiggle the stalk (pull it towards me just a little) the low beams light up. It only takes the slightest pressure to make the circuit. But as soon as I let me finger off the stalk, the headlights go out.

Turn signals work, no problem.

Is it possible to repair this switch? Something a little more elegant than a bungee cord to the steering wheel. Or give up and buy new one?

Mark Palmer
S.M. Palmer

I had similar problem with 67gt that iam busy restauring, the stalk is very fragile the more i fidler with it the worse it gets ,and i cure the problem by getting a replacement.
alfredo

There isn't much to the switch and it doesn't sound like your's is too far gone. It may be possible to build up the contacts with a bit of solder. Worth a look.
Steve Postins

Yes, it can be fixed if it not too far gone. Every 6-9 months mine does the same thing. You have to take the switch off of the steering column. What seems to happen is the contact strip of metal needs to be bent up a little bit. Once you get the switch off, move the stalk back and forth so you can see how it works. It will make sense once you see it and then you will know which contact strip to bend a little bit. I believe it is a copper strip (going from memory here). Just need to bend it a little bit so it makes contact again. I will probably be doing this again myself as the last time I adjusted it was early in the summer!
Good Luck!
Craig.
Craig

Mark,
the same happened to the swith on my CGT. I found that the plastic under the stationary part of the low beam contacts had melted, causing the contact to sit "lower". You can build up the area by bending the contact up and adding a drop of quick drying glue.
Warning: this will only cure the symptom...the cause being too great a current passing through the switch.
Fitting relays will make your switch last MUCH longer.
HTH,
Rufus
Rufus Pool

Rufus, Craig, et al,

OK, I'll fess up ... I fitted halogen headlamps recently. The supplier swore that I would not need a relay, and I believed him. Soon after, the switch failed. So Rufus, I think you are correct, it is too much current for the switch to handle.

Will make your suggested repair and add a relay. And complain to the supplier for bad advice.

Mark
S.M. Palmer

This thread was discussed between 06/01/2005 and 09/01/2005

MG MGB Technical index

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