Headlight question

[uncleaud]

47 Saratoga. Headlights won't turn on unless the ignition key is on. Is this normal or the result of previous owner creative wiring?

 

[Plymouthy Adams]

lights should be able to turn on static...odds are a PO wiring change as you surmise.....should not be a tough fix given you a flexible enough person.....

 

 

[Ivan_B]

Do you really need the lights without ignition, though? I sometimes forget the keys in the ignition... The lights, radio, etc., is a given

With the PO mode, at least if you get the keys out, everything is off.

 

[Plymouthy Adams]

lighting is a safety issue if you are forced to park along the road at night.....you do not need to burn out the points with the key on.  Too bad these cars were not set up like the Porsche for parking along a street.    

[SteveR]

13 hours ago, Plymouthy Adams said:

lighting is a safety issue if you are forced to park along the road at night.....

Here in England if parked against traffic you are to use parking/running lights as long as you are parked at night time. Not many people do this and to avoid not having a flat battery, just turn your car around and park normally with the lights off.

[Sniper]

14 hours ago, Plymouthy Adams said:

lighting is a safety issue if you are forced to park along the road at night.....you do not need to burn out the points with the key on.     

That's what the accessory position of the ignition switch is for. Powering everything but the ignition system up so you do not burn out your points.