Headlight Switch - Dimming Function Inoperative

Group 61
General Electrical Systems

Bulletin Number
61 18 96

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
November 1996
Product Engineering

SUBJECT:
Dimming Function of Headlight Switch Inoperative

MODEL:
Z3

Situation:
The dimming circuit portion of the headlight switch (that controls the illumination of the instruments, radio, and various switches) may fail for no immediately apparent reason and with no damage to the fuse.

Replacement of the headlight switch restores the function of the dimming circuit, but the failure can reoccur due to no cause being identified and corrected.

Cause:
Damage to the illumination circuit wiring, which can in turn damage the variable resistor in the headlight switch.

Correction:
If the above-described situation is encountered, check the wiring for the ashtray illumination and telephone pre-wiring (in the vicinity of the handbrake lever.)

If the wiring can be contacted by the hand brake lever, especially if the handbrake lever is raised, repair the wiring as necessary and reroute and secure it away from the lever mechanism.

Warranty Status: Information Only.