pop up headlight malfunction | FerrariChat
Buy

pop up headlight malfunction

Discussion in '308/328' started by ragtop1, Apr 22, 2008.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. ragtop1

    ragtop1 F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 11, 2006
    5,258
    Ontario
    Full Name:
    Larry Warren
    #1 ragtop1, Apr 22, 2008
    I remember reading a thread to repair the pop up headlight switch. To repair the problem, gently pull out the plastic knob to reveal the inner mechanism. Just as I was told one of the wires to the copper contacts fell off. I re-soldered it and pushed the two copper contacts together and to my delight the headlights popped up. However when I put the little ball bearing back on the spring and slid the plastic knob over the inside mechanism, the switch rotation won't make the two copper contacts meet. Did I loose something when I pulled it apart? or did I put the little ball bearing in the wrong place?
     
  2. zff

    zff Karting

    Nov 1, 2003
    146
    Hawaii
    Full Name:
    Ken
    #2 zff, Sep 16, 2008
    Last edited: Sep 16, 2008
    I had the exact same headlight switch problem on my 308. (I didn't trust my soldering job, so I backed it up with a tiny strip of electrical tape wrapped tightly around the connection.) Same result: squeeze the contacts, headlights go up -- put the knob back on and rotate, nothing.

    I searched this board, but the post above is the only one I could find that described the exact same problem. The answer is so simple, I had to laugh at myself for getting so frustrated. I'm making this follow-up post so future searchers will find the answer.

    The switch is supposed to be normally closed. You shouldn't have to squeeze the contacts to turn the lights on, if you pull the knob off, the contacts should be touching and the lights should be on. The knob only functions to separate the contacts, turning the lights off. If you have to squeeze the contacts together to turn the lights on, the contacts have been bent. Just bend them back so they're touching.

    ..and be glad you were able to find this post, and not have to feel stupid for failing to see such a simple answer right away.




    I can't believe how rinky-dink some of this 80s-era Ferrari electrical stuff is.
     
  3. ragtop1

    ragtop1 F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 11, 2006
    5,258
    Ontario
    Full Name:
    Larry Warren
    #3 ragtop1, Sep 17, 2008
    Thanks for the reply, I eventually figured it out also, after spending a lot of time taking the knob off & on a 100 times. To be honest, I just started bending that cooper contact until it finally worked. Trial & error method works for me. lol

    good post zff
     
  4. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
    5,856
    NoNJ/Jupiter FL
    Full Name:
    Steve W.
    #4 FasterIsBetter, Sep 17, 2008
    Very interesting bit of information. Thanks for posting, guys! I have to tuck that one away in the "when I need it" file for future reference. I had problems with the column switch unit and ended up removing it and sending it off to Verell for overhaul. He did a great job and the unit works great now. Fortunately, I have not had problems with the headlight pop-up part of it, but with these cars, I'm convinced it is only a matter of time.
     

Share This Page