3 way/position light switch in headlamp connections (1973/4)

Hi all,

just got a Roadster (built 11/73) and I'm trying to sort the lights. At the moment the headlamp switch has 1 off position and 2 main bulb positions. Tail light and pilot light never come on (I have checked the bulbs). Looking at the connections there are lots of terminals but only 2 wires connected which can't be right. Everything else works OK.

In spite of searching I cant find the correct wiring connection for this 3 way flick switch. All the wiring diagrams I can find refer to a 2 position switch - mine has 3 ways and this is confirmed in the 1974 Rider's Manual. The only thread on this switch that I can find insists post 71 switches are 2 way so is of no help. Loads on the key switch by the side panel but that's also not my problem -yet...

nice forum here - already learnt a lot

cheers

Pev

Re: 3 way/position light switch in headlamp connections (197

pev said:

Hi all,

just got a Roadster (built 11/73) and I'm trying to sort the lights. At the moment the headlamp switch has 1 off position and 2 main bulb positions. Tail light and pilot light never come on (I have checked the bulbs). Looking at the connections there are lots of terminals but only 2 wires connected which can't be right. Everything else works OK.

In spite of searching I cant find the correct wiring connection for this 3 way flick switch. All the wiring diagrams I can find refer to a 2 position switch - mine has 3 ways and this is confirmed in the 1974 Rider's Manual. The only thread on this switch that I can find insists post 71 switches are 2 way so is of no help. Loads on the key switch by the side panel but that's also not my problem -yet...

nice forum here - already learnt a lot

cheers

Pev

Click to expand...

Hi, welcome. An online workshop manual is available, complete with wiring diagram. Will that be enough ?

Re: 3 way/position light switch in headlamp connections (197

Original wiring on my 71 Commando used a 2 position toggle switch on the headlight to turn headlight on/off, the tail light was controlled by the key switch. There are 2 unused connections on this switch as well, and I've never been able to figure out their function or purpose. My 71 Triumph had a 3 position switch on the headlight shell that worked= off/ pilot and tail lamp/ main beam. Perhaps the Norton was supposed to be set up this way??

Re: 3 way/position light switch in headlamp connections (197

pev said:

In spite of searching I cant find the correct wiring connection for this 3 way flick switch. All the wiring diagrams I can find refer to a 2 position switch - mine has 3 ways and this is confirmed in the 1974 Rider's Manual. The only thread on this switch that I can find insists post 71 switches are 2 way so is of no help. Loads on the key switch by the side panel but that's also not my problem -yet...

Click to expand...

Whether your Commando has a two or three position switch, it only has one function, and that is to turn the headlamp ON-OFF when the ignition/master switch has been set to the 'IGNITION and LIGHTS', (4th key) position.
All other lights are controlled by the master switch. The lighting circuit is wired this way (with a separate feed to the headlamp) to prevent the headlamp either being left on or turned on when the master switch is set to the 'PARKING LIGHTS' (1st key) position but allows the headlamp to be switched off during normal running, if required, but leaving the pilot bulb on.

Lucas switches usually have a number stamped on them, the original '71-'74 Commando headlamp switch was type 34660 according to the parts books.
The Light selection switch information given in the owners handbook appears to be wrong. As far as I know, no Commando headlamp switches were wired to operate as described.

Re: 3 way/position light switch in headlamp connections (197

Thanks for the replies. It's interesting that there doesn't seem to be a clear guideline relating to this particular switch. As I said I've only just got the bike and the wiring is rather non standard - some of it in a good way, for example a new alternator and a solid state control box so it seems to charge nicely. The under seat key switch is also new (at least there's a recent receipt for a new one with the bike) and also apparently connected incorrectly as there is no parking only position and the headlight can be turned on by the flick switch in the shell whatever position the key is in.

Having said that I made up a connecting lead and inserted it between a double connector that the pilot light wire leads to and a terminal on the flick switch. I now have all lights available albeit not in the "correct" combinations of switch settings. If someone comes up with a definitive wiring guide that fits my situation then I'll try to get it all back to stock settings but right now I'm counting my blessings in having everything working and I'm inclined to leave well enough alone.

Thanks again for your replies.

Pev (in a very hot and sunny SW England) 8)

Re: 3 way/position light switch in headlamp connections (197

pev said:

If someone comes up with a definitive wiring guide that fits my situation then I'll try to get it all back to stock settings but right now I'm counting my blessings in having everything working and I'm inclined to leave well enough alone.

Click to expand...

All I think you can reasonably do under the circumstances is compare the wiring you have with the 1973 factory manual wiring diagram (there isn't any '74 diagram) and connect things accordingly so everything works.
http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Repai ... mmando.pdf

The alternative would be to rip the lot out and replace it with a new standard harness, or make up a harness from scratch to suit.

Re: 3 way/position light switch in headlamp connections (197

Thanks for the link to the workshop manual.

As there really doesn't seem to be a 1974 diagram I'll stick with my plan of just getting everything working reliably. I never use "parking lights" so as long as the lights works when the bike is running and it passes the MOT (UK roadworthyness test) I'm sorted. All seems good now.