Basic light switch question

[Joseph Wayland]

I have a D15 with an apparent short somewhere. Trying to find it requires some basis knowledge I don't have. Question: I've been testing components with a multimeter using a 6-volt flashlight battery. For example, I removed the light switch and get a reading of 6 Volts when the switch is "on" but I also read 0.3 volts when the switch is "off". Shouldn't the "off" reading be 0-volts? Does this show the switch is leaking current & should be replaced?
 

[steve(ill)]

depends on the terminals your testing. Do you see a resistor on the back ? Most 6 volt systems without a voltage regulator on the generator, have a resistor on the switch. The resistor could be dropping voltage from one terminal to another.
 

[chalmersbob(Pa)]

A D15 is a 12 volt system with a regulator.
Remove the fuse and install a jumper with a light bulb in it, instead of the fuse. If the bulb lights with the switch off something is shorted before the switch. If it doesn't light, turn the switch on, the bulb should light but be very dim. If it is bright, you have a short between the switch and either the front or rear lights. Start disconnecting wires until the light is only dim. The last one that you disconnected is shorted. LOL Bob
 

[steve(ill)]

your right Bob, i was reading fast and thought he said he had a 6 volt.