headlight switch(park lights)

[Droptop 500]

my question is does the park lights stay on when the switch is turned to headlights or do they only come on in the park position ? and how hard is it to change out the switch I have a 68 Dodge polara thanks everyone, also my side marker lights remain on in either position

 

[live4theking]

On 68 Chrysler's the parking lights go out in the half position. Some have changed them over. Personally I like it that way.

 

[mrfury68]

On my '68 Fury the front parking lights go off when the headlights come on. The side marker lights and rear parking lights remain on.

 

[Droptop 500]

Thanks for the info everyone I just couldn't remember how it went with oldtimers setting in

 

[CBODY67]

Usually, the side marker lights will be on in ANY light switch "on" position. "Park" lights will only be on in the Park Light position. Headlights will only be on in the normal headlight position. As designed.

Each forward light had its own function and position on the switch. Side marker and rear "running/tail lights" are on when the "Park" and "Headlights" are on. As designed.

The only issue with "Park" lights was whether they had either a clear lens and amber bulb, or amber lens with clear bulb . . . which are model year specific from about 'model year '62 or '63 onward.

CBODY67

 

[cbarge]

If you really want the front park lamps to stay on you can use a jumper wire at the back of the headlight switch from the rear park lamp to the front park lamp spades.

 

[MoparJim]

You learn something every day. I noticed when I bought my 68 Sport Fury back in 2004 that the parking lights went out when the headlights were turned on. I knew this was the case with 67 and earlier cars, but I thought they stayed on starting in 68. I just assumed one of the 3 previous owners had changed out the switch over the years. It was ordered as a dealer demo and the dealer who ordered it liked it so much he kept it for the 69 and 70 model years before selling it late 70. He got it back as a trade-in in 83 and kept it until 99 (possibly sold by his kids after he passed away). As a Chrysler dealer he would have had easy access to parts and I figured that a 67 switch was put in over the years. If 68 parking lights go out when the headlights are turned on then I guess mine is doing what it is supposed to and it probably is still the original switch. The car had 45,000 miles on it when I got it in 2004 and just turned over 59,000 a few days ago.

 

[Castle]

I am getting ready for my 68 newport to be put on the road for the first time.... should I have any tail light on, when the light switch is in the 1/2 position? I do have front parks, but the rear only has lights when the switch is all the way on, or when brakes or turns are activated.... I would think that in the 1/2 position, the rear would have something illuminated?

 

[ceebuddy]

I think Ma Moapr generally switched from "front parking lights out if headlights on" in 1968 models to "front parking lights stay on if headlights on" in 1969 models. That goes for 1968 versus 1969 B-Bodies, too.

 

[cbarge]

I am getting ready for my 68 newport to be put on the road for the first time.... should I have any tail light on, when the light switch is in the 1/2 position? I do have front parks, but the rear only has lights when the switch is all the way on, or when brakes or turns are activated.... I would think that in the 1/2 position, the rear would have something illuminated?

They should be on either in park and with headlights on.
Time to trace wiring........or check the switch

 

[Castle]

They should be on either in park and with headlights on.
Time to trace wiring........or check the switch

My shop manual wiring diagram doesn’t list “park” as a function of the rear lights.... the front lists both park and turn... it’s not too clear, to me.... but thanks.

 

[Castle]

They should be on either in park and with headlights on.
Time to trace wiring........or check the switch

 

[cbarge]

"Park " I was saying in layman's terms and may not be lireral in the FSM.
Anyways, since you have the wiring diagrams, rrom the headlight switch, follow the wires that feed the taillights' "park lamps".
Btw there is a fuse in the circuit for them and check it as well.
Check the tail lamp connector in the driver's kick panel for moisture and corrosion.
But I am leaning towards a bad headlight switch.
Hope this helps

 

[Castle]

"Park " I was saying in layman's terms and may not be lireral in the FSM.
Anyways, since you have the wiring diagrams, rrom the headlight switch, follow the wires that feed the taillights' "park lamps".
Btw there is a fuse in the circuit for them and check it as well.
Check the tail lamp connector in the driver's kick panel for moisture and corrosion.
But I am leaning towards a bad headlight switch.
Hope this helps

Thanks

 

[cbarge]

Black is park lamps in tail lights

 

[Castle]

Black is park lamps in tail lights

Thanks again for your help.... UPDATE: the problem with the rear parking lights is the switch.... I found that they will work if I move the switch just a tad past The half way position.... good enough to work until I can get it fixed.... I also chased down a side marker light and License plate light issue.... they all had bad grounds... cleaned up all the metal and now have good contact... the car is now ready to pass a NYS inspection!

 

[cbarge]

Switch is screwed to the back of dash panel. Have fun with that.
When removed read the part number on it I may have a good spare.
Do you live near Watertown NY?

 

[Castle]

I’m 35 minutes south of Rochester... I think Watertown is 3 to 4 hours from me.... ill happily pay for shipping, as well as whatever you need for it... I’ll see what I can do to get it out.... thank you.

 

[cbarge]

I’m 35 minutes south of Rochester... I think Watertown is 3 to 4 hours from me.... ill happily pay for shipping, as well as whatever you need for it... I’ll see what I can do to get it out.... thank you.

Ok. Just PM me when ready.
The toggle headlight switches may look the same but there are variations. Hence part number reference.
Having the switch in between detents is ok but switch can get hot and short out. Been there done that.
Cheers