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Smoke! Lights? Help!

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Old Oct 5, 2003 | 11:25 PM
  #1  
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Default Smoke! Lights? Help!

Hey all,

Driving my 911 and got a horrible burning smell, lights looked dim and my high beams were stuck on, than smoke from under the dash!

Killed the lights and the smoke promptly stopped...

One of the switches fry?

Thanks!
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Old Oct 6, 2003 | 10:42 AM
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You guessed it. The switch on the dashboard is likely DOA.
Now, others should begin posting on how you can mod the system with relays, easing the load for the switch.
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Old Oct 6, 2003 | 10:45 AM
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You think it's the dash switch? I have a feeling it may be the turn signal/high beam stalk, from where the smoke came out and the smell.

Anyone?? anyone??
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Old Oct 6, 2003 | 01:55 PM
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Did the smoke come from the steering column or under the dash. The high beam and turn signal switch is on the steering column and is about an hour job to replace. If it's from under the dash, I don't know - it may be the pull out switch that activates the lights.

Good luck!
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Old Oct 6, 2003 | 02:15 PM
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Looked like the steering column, I can smell "burnt" around the column/stalk.
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Old Oct 6, 2003 | 03:02 PM
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The switch is fairly easy to replace. You can get a switch from Vertex Auto for about $80.00. The process is fairly easy (I did it about a year ago or so). I don't have my book with me, however I believe the proceedure is in 101 projects.

Good luck. Really it is easy. You just need a fairly large wrench for the steering wheel retaining nut - I can't recall the actual size.
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Old Oct 6, 2003 | 03:16 PM
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Thanks, already ordered the part.
I guess I have my plans for Saturday now...
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Old Oct 8, 2003 | 01:57 PM
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The high beam switch is not a difficult job...just a bit tedious. The toughest part is wiring the new switch into the back of the old low beam switch. Get yourself a snap ring pliers to remove the retaining nut that holds the low beam switch in place. Remove the low beam switch from the dash, and replace the wires from the high-beam switch one-by-one.

Also, do a search here and on the Pelican board for "sucro." Marcus Sucro sells a headlight relay kit that will help prevent your new switch from getting cooked. It's only about $20, and it's money well spent. The kit comes with everything you'll need, including detailed installation instructions.

Good luck.
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Old Oct 9, 2003 | 10:42 AM
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I hope this note isn't necessary, but ...don't forget to disconnect the battery for this job! Lots of current goes thru the light switch in the dash, and touching a hot wire to ground can have profound impact on your main harness, or even worse, your car!
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Old Oct 9, 2003 | 11:10 AM
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Originally posted by jlkline
I hope this note isn't necessary, but ...don't forget to disconnect the battery for this job! Lots of current goes thru the light switch in the dash, and touching a hot wire to ground can have profound impact on your main harness, or even worse, your car!
Will do! Heck with my luck I would zap myself!
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