Hey guys, tell something please, am I only suposed to have headlights when the engine is running?

 

I ask because thats how it is.

 

'85 wagon, EA82, tranny swap from AT to 5spDR

 

 

If this is correct, I don't think I like it. My guess is something wrong.

 

Pyro

Yep, they should also work with the key all the way on, and the motor not running, but otherwise that is it, mine are on all the time, just turn it on and go.

 

Never have to worry about leaving them on......I drive with my lights on all the time extra safety.

My son's 80 EA81 does not do that, and I am forever telling him to turn off his lights, not sure if that is common to the EA81's of from him doing all the stuff he has done to it.

Well thats what I expected, the lights to on when the key is on acc or engine running of course.

 

So what could be causing this?

 

Pyro

This is so you wont run the battery down if you leave the lights on with the ignition off. Ignition off, lights off.

This is so you wont run the battery down if you leave the lights on with the ignition off. Ignition off, lights off.

 

Thats what I just said but deleted it.... I think he's saying they are now only on with the engine runing?

 

Pyro pls clarify !_!

Ok, I apologize for not being clear, and now I'm confused. Maybe.

 

Heres the deal.

 

The lights are only on when engine running. The will not come with key turned to accessory.

 

Now I get that I can't run the battery down by leaving the light on accidently without the engine running, but I'm still not clear how it's SUPPOSED to be.

 

I think I am hearing opposing oppinions.

 

Pyro

with the key in the run position, even if the enigine is not, the lights will be on, this is of course not an option on earlier subies, up to i think 83. Those you need to turn the lights off on your own.

Engine does not have to be running to turn on head lights.

 

Ignition switch does need to be on to turn on head lights. Either in Acc. or with engine running.

 

There are a few grounds that go from car to tranny; were all replaced when you got the new tranny in? I'd say check fuses, but wouldnt that kill them totally? Thats my only ideas right now :-\

Ok, I got it. And here's the stupid problem. The ignition switch is so worn that ya can't tell the difference from acc and run. I checked my donor car, the 86, and theres a sort of "bump" you can feel between the two. Not in the 85. But if you get it turned all the way, and stop in exactly the right place, lights come on. Weight of keys on ring will sometime flop the key in switch back just enough to turn the lights off. So I'll get a detatchable key snappy thingy (hillbilly technical term) so that thers only the one key in the switch. Other than that, just have to finesse it. But it works, once you get used to it.

 

Or maybe I could swap out the ignition switch, but then I'd need a seperate door key, sounds like PIA.

 

Probably live with it like it is.

 

Thanks for the help. I feel silly not having figured this out quicker.

 

Pyro

Thanks for the help. I feel silly not having figured this out quicker.

 

Pyro

Bah don't feel silly. Those that would think you silly for asking are not worth your time to worry about. What matters is you figured it out