My Willys 3A and 3B Community

TECH FAQ SECTIONS => Electrical Systems => Topic started by: Chris P on April 18, 2020, 03:48:56 PM

Title: Main lights switch
Post by: Chris P on April 18, 2020, 03:48:56 PM

Hi folks,
I was up to reinstall the light switch on my 3B but looking at the parts manual I see my switch has no circuit breaker.
I am posting some pics for your reference. I can see "New Era" stamped.
Do you think this is an original switch or aftermarket? What's the risk of going without circuit breaker? Over heat of wirings?

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49789827476_b2b547a7aa_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49790153062_f797fa55d5_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49789292298_e1b25e0484_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49789282288_2d9758b2a0_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49789282273_7135bfb708_b.jpg)

Thank you and stay at home!

Title: Re: Main lights switch
Post by: Rus Curtis on April 18, 2020, 04:56:41 PM

Chris,
Initially, I wanted to jump in and say I've never seen a light switch without a breaker attached to the rear of the housing.  Then I pulled out my Parts Manual (PM) and flipped over and noticed the image used is very similar to yours. I'd never taken notice of that before.  It does have what looks like a circuit breaker attached to one of the terminals vs. all the other images of light switches I've seen (see attached image below from Mechanics Manual I downloaded a while back).  In the PM it's listed as a Cole-Hersee - but I have no way of verifying the image of the light switch is in fact a Cole-Hersee or if that image was added to represent a different switch.

There are members here that have long memories and in-depth knowledge that will help with this.

What I will say is these jeeps don't have a fuse panel like modern vehicles.  What they did have is that circuit breaker on the back of the switch that would open in case of a short.  And oh by the way, yes, I have popped mine a few times and they do work. 

So, I'd suggest either using a switch with a circuit breaker or adding a fuse to be safe.

Title: Re: Main lights switch
Post by: Chris P on April 25, 2020, 08:18:30 PM

Hi Rus, good catch. I was talking to my father in law and he actually mentioned that it was likely that the circuit breaker is installed in one of the four screws. Now this picture confirms it. Will take a look at some shops to check if I can find something similar.

In any case I can use it as is but with the risk of overheat.
Regards,