Headlight switch question

[fireguyfire]

I’m in the process of re wiring my 1940 1/2 ton, and the original switches and cables were gone when I acquired the truck. I have since bought replacements from a parts truck.

Following the FSM wiring diagram, and playing with the headlight switch it appears that the panel light switch will only receive power if the headlight switch is on.

Can anyone tell me if that is correct?

[wallytoo]

for the later pilothouse trucks ('48 to '53), that would be incorrect.  the panel lights come on independently via the dash switch.  i don't know for your earlier truck what the factory disposition was.

[fireguyfire]

There is a separate dash light switch on my truck which gets its power from a pigtail from the headlight switch, which then delivers power to the 3 dash lights.

While testing that pigtail lead from the headlight switch for continuity, it only delivers power when the headlight switch is pulled fully out to its second setting. I’m just curious if this is correct

[47 dodge 1.5 ton]

 Mine is set up for panel lights separate through the ignition switch. I doubt they were that way originally. If your headlight switch is 2 step, I think I’d go that way. You can use your other switch for something else like a backup light.

[lostviking]

Checking the wiring diagram in the shop manual, that everyone should own...the panel light switch is fused by the 30A fuse on the main light switch, but like the brake lights it does not require the light switch to be on. There is a common bar, B and R on the switch, which feeds them both. Since the brakes must work whether the head lights are on or not, the panel lights can also be turned on without the head lights. I'd just go check, but my battery is out while I repair my truck.

[Merle Coggins]

On my B-series truck the headlight switch needs to be on, or in the park lamp position, to get power to the Panel switch. 

[Young Ed]

2 hours ago, Merle Coggins said:

On my B-series truck the headlight switch needs to be on, or in the park lamp position, to get power to the Panel switch. 

That's how my 46 is too. I never touch the panel light switch. 

[lostviking]

I'm married, so I've been wrong before. That was how it looked from the wiring diagram. I do bow to people who know for sure. I was guessing that what looked like a connection in the diagram actually was one. I thought my brake lights worked with all the switches off, but again, no battery to check it right now.

 

Thanks for setting me straight.