For What Its Worth
Light switch and front running lights on a 66
Use all advice at your own risk.
The standard wiring on a Chevy II up through 67 turns off the front running lights when the light switch is pulled to full on. Is there a way around this so your car is like "modern" cars with running lights always on? Maybe for a 66 and newer.
First see the picture below. This is the stock style switch as I tested it for a 66. This switch has been replaced, but it should match the original.
- Terminal 1 Main power in for headlights, un-fused. This supplies power to terminals 6 & 7.
- The Dome light Ground is grounded when the switch is turned full CCLW.
- Terminal 6 goes to the dimmer switch/head lights. Power when switch is full.
- Terminal 5 Fused power in. This supplies power to terminals 4,3 and 2. Connected when switch is 1/2 & full
- Terminal 2 gets power from terminal 3 via the resister/rheostat in the knob. Dash Lights
- Terminal 4 Rear running lights
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- Terminal 7 is the front parking lights. Powered only when switch is 1/2 way out.
To get full time front running lights, move the connector from Terminal 7 to terminal 3.
WARNING It works in my case easily since I am using LED front/rear and the current load is much less than stock. If still using stock style incandescent bulbs, you may be adding more load to a fused circuit. DO NOT put in a higher amperage fuse if the fuse blows after the change. Put it back to the way it was or get a relay to power the front running lights. The wiring may not be designed for the higher load and a larger fuse could melt wires or cause a fire.
Light plug stock configuration. Notice the location of the purple wire.
(Sorry for the blur, but I am not going to tear it apart again for a picture)
Light Plug wiring after moving the purple wire. (Purple wire is front running lights on a 66)
Happy Motoring,
VHubbard. Last update Nov 28 2009