Help with LED in Generator Switch!

[John24RLS]

Hi Guys, I recently replaced the panel that holds the Generator On-Off Switch. So I had to unplug the wiring from the back of the switch. After reinstalling the switch the LED light in the switch does not work. The generator starts and runs fine but no LED light. Checked the 3 fuses in the generator access panel and all were good. I’ve included the wiring diagram for the switch. Is there a way to test the LED light in the switch with a 12 volt battery? For instants the ground would go to pin 7 but which pin would take the positive lead to test the LED? Pin 8 is for the internal light that comes on with the head lights. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I can get a new switch from REV if I can figure out if the switch is bad.

[vito.a]

John, what year and model is your coach?
Regardless, these are Carling Contura series II or III switches. Unfortunately, these early switches do not have LED lights and tend to burn out.
Some guys have taken the switch apart and replaced the original incandescent light with an LED.
Others have just replaced the switch.
Link to Carling web site:
https://www.carlingtech.com/rocker-s...-series-ii-iii
Link to Amazon Carling switches:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=contura+s...l_66m034ii19_e
Northwest RV Supply also has switches. Look at Contura II or Contura III:
http://www.nwrvsupply.com/category/25.html

Two links on replacing the bulb:
https://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/car...nt-308066.html
https://www.thehulltruth.com/marine-...-switch.html#b

[Mile Marker 42]

Originally Posted by John24RLS

Hi Guys, I recently replaced the panel that holds the Generator On-Off Switch. So I had to unplug the wiring from the back of the switch. After reinstalling the switch the LED light in the switch does not work. The generator starts and runs fine but no LED light. Checked the 3 fuses in the generator access panel and all were good. I’ve included the wiring diagram for the switch. Is there a way to test the LED light in the switch with a 12 volt battery? For instants the ground would go to pin 7 but which pin would take the positive lead to test the LED? Pin 8 is for the internal light that comes on with the head lights. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I can get a new switch from REV if I can figure out if the switch is bad.
Attachment 317735
Attachment 317736

You can buy the bottom body which includes the bulbs, and use the top part of your old switch. You most likely have a bad bulb. I buy stuff from these guys: https://rockerswitchpros.com/

[JJTL]

There are a thousand variations of the Carling rocker switches. Independent lights, dependent lights and so on. So without knowing the exact part number of the switch you have, it’s a bit of a guess. Based on your wiring diagram, if both the lights are independent then pin 8 is for the upper light and I believe pin 6 would be the positive for the lower light. In this case the lower light looks to be connected to the hour meter. This meter likely gets powered when the generator is on (which then counts the hours), which they are using in this case to power the indicator light showing the generator is running.

So in short, I would apply 12v power to pin 6 and see if that works. If it doesn’t, the lower light in the switch body is likely bad. If the light does work, then I would check where the hour meter gets power and if the hour meter is working.

All the best!
Josh

[BobJones]

Originally Posted by John24RLS

Hi Guys, I recently replaced the panel that holds the Generator On-Off Switch. So I had to unplug the wiring from the back of the switch. After reinstalling the switch the LED light in the switch does not work.

I believe LED lights are polarity sensitive. Is it possible the connector is on backwards (ie, flipped) ?

[John24RLS]

Sorry, 2004 Monaco Knight.