How to connect instrument panel light?
 

Hallo und guten Abend.

The one light on my (oval speedometer) panel only lights up when the light switch is set to level 1 on the right.
Presumably I have to solder it differently to the distributor housing under the steering gear?
Anywere knows how?

Thank you in advance!

Re: How to connect instrument panel light?
 

A 1928 may be different, but my 1929 has the single light unit wired directly to the ammeter stud.

The unit is a combination light unit and switch, and operates independent of the main headlight switch. You push and rotate the knurled portion of the light unit to turn it on or off.

Re: How to connect instrument panel light?
 

why woudn't it go on the discharge side of the ammeter?

Re: How to connect instrument panel light?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1634762674

Wiring Diagram for Model A Ford - 1955cj5

Re: How to connect instrument panel light?
 

Ammeter should read only battery current. Same reason ignition coil was moved to the generator side, FSB 11/29.

Re: How to connect instrument panel light?
 

It could get power on either side but the loads are all on one side in the final design. It's getting harder to define one side of an ampere meter from another since many aren't marked anymore. It depends on the polarity of the little magnet in there. It it indicates a discharge while functioning normally, a person has to swap the leads for it to indicates a charge.

Re: How to connect instrument panel light?
 

Thank you all for the good advice and the drawing of the helpful circuit diagram!

The cable for the panel light was not connected to the ammeter (Left / Right?), but to a separate red cable from the lower light switch in position "R I".
Also the lighting for oil pressure and water temperature.

But the panel light is always on with "R I". I can only twist the opening for the light slot by twisting the sheet metal cap. Pushing in is not possible.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/data:...AAAElFTkSuQmCC

Re: How to connect instrument panel light?
 

Connecting the dash light wire to the tail light wire at or near the main switch body will bring the light on anytime dim/bright or park lights are on. It sounds as if your wire is connected incorrectly at the main switch.

JLC

Re: How to connect instrument panel light?
 

It looks like Werner's dash light is different than the one we are used to and that is why it is wired to the tail light. If Werner has a modern ignition switch that supplies power to the ignition system then he could wire the light to that. Or he could install the usual light that turns on by turning it, or he could install a separate switch somewhere and wire it to the load side of the ammeter.

Re: How to connect instrument panel light?
 

Apparently the PO wanted the instruments to be lighted with the low beam headlights (red/black wire). It would make more sense in this case to connect them to the taillights (black wire) so they would light with any lighting selection, as John notes above. The original light should be switched off by rotating the cover, which can get quite hot.

Re: How to connect instrument panel light?
 

Guten Abend!

The ignition switch is an original version with pop function.
But I have discovered that the two sleeves of the lower part of the instrument lamp are rusted together in the "on" position and therefore no longer move.
Clamping it to the cable for the rear light is a perfect idea, I have to find that now. (Then I can also connect the lightings for the oil pressure and water temperature there.)

Thanks everyone for the particularly helpful tips!

Re: How to connect instrument panel light?
 

That's the way I wired mine. That way I have the dash light on every time I need it, and it goes off with the rest of the lights when they are not needed.

Re: How to connect instrument panel light?
 

as mentioned above, i want to share the best way i have found to connect your dash panel light.

run a separate wire from your tail light wire directly to the dash panel light. when you turn on your lights, any of them, the dash light comes on. and you don't forget to shut it off that way.

may be helpful for some.

Re: How to connect instrument panel light?
 

I see you did the heat shrink treatment on your wire lead,,,, I did the same thing here too:)