Community Forums

TLGPE · 11-21-2017, 08:39 AM

This one seems strange to me, but maybe it's common. My headlights work fine, but the tail lights will not come on. This is a 2005 KSDP. I have the usual problems with the crappy connections to the light bulbs, and I'm working on replacing those, but the power is simply not getting to the back of the coach. After a long search, I have verified that the wire from the headlight switch really does get to the connector in back, so now I need to know why the wire at the switch is not getting power when the switch is on.

The switch is "special", I'm sure, with the reading lamp powered through that switch, (WHY?) so probably a simple aftermarket switch may not work easily.

I'm sure this makes no sense to anyone here, but do you have any thoughts or suggestions?

Tom

Winemaker2 · 11-21-2017, 08:43 AM

Sesparate fuse?
Not sure about the KS but do know even autos w separate L&R headlight and hi beam fuses.

Mr_D · 11-21-2017, 08:50 AM

That type of switch was very common some years ago. Should be easy to find at good uto parts store. But I don't think thats the problem, look for a fuse.

Wborst · 11-21-2017, 09:40 AM

I had a intermittent problem with my headlights on my 2003 Mountain Aire. Wiggling the knob with the switch on would make them go off and on. I replaced the switch and all was well. The switch was one used in a early 70s Chevrolet pickup. Cost around $15.00. I would replace the switch. They are prone to failure.

Bill

TLGPE · 11-21-2017, 04:46 PM

Thanks for the replies. I'm sure it's not a fuse. The switch itself has power and lights the headlamps when the switch is on. In the same body of the switch the tail light wire does not get power when the switch is activated. That wire goes directly to the tail light. It's got to be the switch itself.

Thanks, Bill. I'll start checking for replacement switches, but since they incorporated the map light into that switch, it's not going to be an easy swap.

I'll try Comnet to see how much they they gouge me for.

Thanks,

Tom

"007" · 11-21-2017, 05:24 PM

No tail light works or just one side.
They multible from other lights and the metal bar is ground which will get corroded and crappy with lights the same mounted on bar.
If all taillights do not work the switch looks like the problem after using some contact spray cleaner to clean switch.
You could put some sealant along top of light lens to keep water out of cavity.

TLGPE · 11-21-2017, 05:42 PM

Thanks, 007. I am in the process of replacing all of the sockets in the right tail light and will do the left one soon after. The new sockets are the more modern wedge type.

Right now only the tail lights themselves are not powered by the switch which I am trying to replace.

Tom

Mr_D · 11-21-2017, 05:47 PM

Take the old switch to NAPA and match it up. There are many of those switches used in older cars pu trucks. You're way overthinking this if it is in fact the switch.

Wborst · 11-22-2017, 06:35 AM

The reading lamp works from the switch as if it was a dome light in a truck. My Mountain Aire has the same setup.
Bill

Randy125 · 11-22-2017, 07:55 AM

Tom try removing the wire on the switch that goes to rear of coach and supplying that wire with 12volts and see if tail lights come on and if so it might just be the switch.

TLGPE · 11-22-2017, 02:22 PM

Thanks. I've done all that. It really is the switch. I called Newmar; they said it's a Spartan part and gave me the Spartan number. I called and ordered the switch; it's about $29 plus UPS shipping. I should have it in a week or so.

Thanks for all the replies. I'll get it changed out and report just for closure.

Tom