bench testing a light switch

[Loren in WI]

Is there a way to bench test a light switch?

 

[kevinj54]

Yes, it is called an OHM METER

 

[Janicholson]

If you want to load test it you need to have all the components on the bench. Battery. switch, three lights. and wire. It ia easier to do it on the tractor. Jim

 

[Janicholson]

If you are buying one, an Ohm meter will at least tell you if it might work. See the diagram Page 3 for light switch. If yours is a 3 position switch that is not the correct rear view. Jim

 

[mkirsch]

What do you want to test?

You can check connections with a multimeter set on Ohms. Identify all the terminals on the switch. Put the black probe on the power (+12V or +6V depending on the tractor) and touch the red probe to the terminals that should be hot in each switch position.

Ohm meter should read 0 ohms in all positions but Low beam. There you should get a number.

 

[Loren in WI]

I want to test the high and low charging. I just ussually change it if I cant make one work.

 

[Janicholson]

Easy to test. With the ohm meter set to RX1 touch the body of the switch where it is shiny at the mounting threads with one probe, and the end of the resistor that attaches to the F terminal with the other. If the gen control is good it will read about 2 to 3 ohms in the L position, and no resistance in all other positions. Jim

 

[Janicholson]

Just because the switch reads good doesnt mean the electrical box is grounded to the post, ot the post grounded to the frame. Rust is a good insulator. Jim