Frigging light switch - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**swervin ervin** · 08-02-2003, 04:45 PM

Rant on.

I replaced my light switch back in January with a piece of crap GP Sorensen from Advance. I knew better, but did it anyway. Well, everyone knows how you turn it to the right to turn off the dash lights, etc. Turn it to the left to turn on the dome light. There is a little flat spot to where your dash lights are at their brightest, farther to the left and the inside lights come on.

Well, the GP Sorensen, the flat spot is just about not there. You can not even feel it unless you are really paying attention.

I go out a few minutes ago to start up the 85. Nothing. Not even a click. Interior lighs work though. As a matter of fact, they are even on with the damn door closed. Yep, you guessed it, left the interior lights on. This is the second time I've done this. All because of the junk GP Sorensen light switch.

Thanks goodness for battery chargers. Some of the best money I've every spent. Anyway, come Monday this light switch is history. I'm going to the dealer and buy a new GM switch.

Another to add to the list of why not to buy junk from Autozone or Advance.

Note to self. Self, don't buy any more junk from Advance.

Rant off.

87 STEPPER · 08-02-2003, 05:24 PM

Yeah shame on you mike

**N2TRUX** · 08-02-2003, 07:27 PM

Mike, the sad part is you never know. It seems like one part you buy may work well, and the next is junk. Hmmm? Kinda sounds like I'm describing LMC rather than Auto Zone.

We have PEP boys here, and I try to buy as much from them as I can. They "seem" to offer better quality parts, and sometimes you even get a counter guy that knows his chit.

I hate it when I walk in to Auto Zone with a light bulb in my hand, and they ask what year car is it for? 2wd or 4wd? Auto or standard? GRRRR!!

It's a freakin 1157 bulb you IDIOT. What isle are they on? Then you get the

look, followed by 2 door or 4 door?GRRRRRR!

Makes ya wanna smack em!

C&C Chevy · 08-02-2003, 08:02 PM

I've been burnt by the local Pep Boys before, so you never know..

BigRed · 08-02-2003, 09:38 PM

Sorry to hear about the bum part Mike! I don't go to Pep Boys unless it's for accessories. I always go to O'Reilly's (formally Hi/Lo) or Autozone (in that order). I went to Pep Boys awhile back and they don't even carry TV (detent) cables! I was very suprised! The guy told me that they only carry "general maintenance" parts. He said the average guy can find his stuff there but if you want something a little more specific, go to O'Reilly's.

**old Rusty C10** · 08-03-2003, 10:51 AM

i still wont go to pep boys cause of that whole thing where they didnt want to extend benefits to servicemen for bushes latest war

DrMaserati · 08-03-2003, 03:44 PM

OK, let me get this straight. YOU left the interior lights on and drained the battery. Therefore it is the fault of the switch. I fail to see the logic in that.

Over the last 40 years I've probably done that or left the headlights on a number of times, but it never occured to me to blame it on the switch. You've just given me a new way to absolve myself of responsibility for my screw-ups.:p

JP

**swervin ervin** · 08-03-2003, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DrMaserati
OK, let me get this straight. YOU left the interior lights on and drained the battery. Therefore it is the fault of the switch. I fail to see the logic in that.

Over the last 40 years I've probably done that or left the headlights on a number of times, but it never occured to me to blame it on the switch. You've just given me a new way to absolve myself of responsibility for my screw-ups.:p

JP

I see you failed to read the entire post I made. Of course I see you have failed before. :p

lofat · 08-03-2003, 06:03 PM

that is a drag Mike. i am waiting to kill my battery because the cat that owned my truck befor me disconnected the buzzer that tells me when the lights are on and the keys out/door open.

since it is so gray during the day here sometimes i ride with the lights on, and it's not always so obvious that they are on when i park.

**swervin ervin** · 08-03-2003, 06:09 PM

That's the kicker here. NC requires you to have your lights on when it's raining, day or night. So, the other day it rained and well, I turn them off when I parked it in the garage. Just the slight blip of the knob and the interior light comes on. It's light out and you never notice it being on. Of course it comes on when you open the door anyway. You get out close the door and walk away.

No matter though, it will be changed tomorrow.

gchemist · 08-03-2003, 09:20 PM

Time to install a buzzer switch. I forget to turn off mine too.

*mike reeh* · 08-03-2003, 09:34 PM

sounds like you need dual batteries

with a relay that brings on battery #2 only with the ignition switch "On"

oh and maybe doctor maserati should stick with his fancy italian cars... GM truck owners arent known to put up with $hit talkers for very long..

-mike

**swervin ervin** · 08-04-2003, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mike reeh
GM truck owners arent known to put up with $hit talkers for very long..

You got that right. We've been through our share, huh Mike?

apstguy · 08-04-2003, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lofat
that is a drag Mike. i am waiting to kill my battery because the cat that owned my truck befor me disconnected the buzzer that tells me when the lights are on and the keys out/door open.

since it is so gray during the day here sometimes i ride with the lights on, and it's not always so obvious that they are on when i park.

Mine never came with a buzzer so what are you complaining about? lol

I really need one too!

apstguy · 08-04-2003, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by N2TRUX
Mike, the sad part is you never know. It seems like one part you buy may work well, and the next is junk. Hmmm? Kinda sounds like I'm describing LMC rather than Auto Zone.

We have PEP boys here, and I try to buy as much from them as I can. They "seem" to offer better quality parts, and sometimes you even get a counter guy that knows his chit.

I hate it when I walk in to Auto Zone with a light bulb in my hand, and they ask what year car is it for? 2wd or 4wd? Auto or standard? GRRRR!!

It's a freakin 1157 bulb you IDIOT. What isle are they on? Then you get the look, followed by 2 door or 4 door?GRRRRRR!

Makes ya wanna smack em!

You have NOOOO idea what I have gone through with the local Autozone. I only go there when I can get the stuff off the shelf. Everytime I have ordered a part it is wrong. How hard is it to find a gasket for a 350???? I ask them for the differential gasket and he gives it to me and it says DODGE on the back. DUH!

I got to Kragen because everyone there except for one guy know more about a car then should be humanly possible (the one exception was the guy I had to show how to use his OWN computer system and tell him register 1's scanner is broken so go to another one)

Maybe I go there too much..... nah!

ElGracho · 08-04-2003, 01:52 AM

Parts is parts?

Mike, I don't know if I agree with you on this one. Sure, you got a bum switch. I'm just worried that if you bought a Delco switch, the chances might be just as high. My experience with their diesel glow plug controllers leaves me wondering if there is anything better about Delco stuff than anyone elses.

I get Delco stuff for dealer cost from a distributor in Oregon. I get GM parts (not the same as Delco, Delco is mostly tune up and electrical stuff) from my good friend in Idaho that runs a parts department. I get probably as good of prices on that stuff as anyone, and I buy from them whenever I can. The real reason isn't the parts quality or even the prices. I go with those guys because they aren't so dumb.

Anymore, when I need stuff and can't wait the few days to get it from the people above, I look up whatever parts I need before I go to the store (Autozone or Schucks) online, then I write down part numbers and prices and whether or not I expect the stuff to be in stock. That makes me pretty well armed against the sales droids and I have a decent chance of getting the stuff I want.

One more thing, I bought a wells brand headlight switch for my diesel, the dome light comes on BEFORE the reostat even hits that detent. That switch doesn't even give you the small bump before you can leave your lights on to cause a dead battery (or two with my diesel...)

DrMaserati · 08-04-2003, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mike reeh
oh and maybe doctor maserati should stick with his fancy italian cars... GM truck owners arent known to put up with $hit talkers for very long..

-mike

Gee, are we a bit touchy? Can't take a little good natured ribbing? I'll take a good old Chevy over a "fancy italian car" any day.

JP

**swervin ervin** · 08-04-2003, 12:24 PM

Joe,

I do the exact same thing. I go online at Advance and see what they have and get part numbers. I then go to the store and tell them I want this part number. It sure does save a lot of headache dealing with some of these folks. They seem to like it pretty good too.

So, I went to Advance's site and seen they sold AC Delco headlight switches but would have to PDQ it. What does that stand for anyway, Pretty Damn Quick???

Anyway, I went Saturday and ordered it and you have to pay for it first.

I picked it up a little while ago and guess what, it works. It actually has a detent to where it stops before it turns the inside lights on. Feels just like the stock one did.

ElGracho · 08-04-2003, 12:32 PM

Mike, what's the Delco part number? I think I'll order a couple to replace the new one I just put in and the old ones that no longer have functioning dimmers...

Glad that you got it fixed!

PHOENIX · 08-04-2003, 12:42 PM

I hear you about the switches. Its best to buy these switches in person no matter who made it. That little "click" makes a big difference. My stock one had one heck of a click, I loved it. But the dimming part of it didnt work (not bad for 20 years of use). I was already ordering a bunch of crap (didnt know it at the time) from LMC. Got the switch in and was happy with it. But I do wish the click was a little more firm, but it is there for sure. No problems so far.

With that order from LMC I also bought a wiper switch. It looks good and works fine, but for some reason when its all the way off (LEFT) its not all the way left. Its like 1/4 of the way from all the way left.

arveetek · 08-04-2003, 12:44 PM

I'm pretty fortunate. I live in a small town of about 1900, and there is an auto parts store here that is owned and operated by a husband and wife team, who are both really into cars and trucks. They're more of a Ford family, but that's okay. They always know what I'm talking about, they beat everyone's prices, they'll order anything I want, in any brand I want. I have an open account there (since I own a business, and they're also a hardware store), so it's real handy.

I have a friend who works at Autozone in a nearby town, but I still won't go in there!

**swervin ervin** · 08-04-2003, 01:25 PM

Joe,

the AC Delco headlight switch number is D1506A. It was $14.99 at Advance Auto Parts. It works like it did from the factory.

I still had the old one I had taken out. So, while I was at it, I used it in the van and got rid of the GP Sorensen I had put in there.

I'm telling you folks, them things are junk.

79BIG10 · 08-04-2003, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by swervin ervin
So, the other day it rained and well, I turn them off when I parked it in the garage.

OMG!!!! MIKE DROVE THE 85 OUT IN THE RAIN

**swervin ervin** · 08-04-2003, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 79BIG10

OMG!!!! MIKE DROVE THE 85 OUT IN THE RAIN

I was waiting for someone to catch that.

It's not like I started out in the rain, just got caught in it before making it back home.

Tom · 08-04-2003, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by swervin ervin

I was waiting for someone to catch that.

It's not like I started out in the rain, just got caught in it before making it back home.

And you know he wasen't going to acutally push on the gas pedal and try and make it home quick

08-02-2003, 04:45 PM	#1
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Frigging light switch Rant on. I replaced my light switch back in January with a piece of crap GP Sorensen from Advance. I knew better, but did it anyway. Well, everyone knows how you turn it to the right to turn off the dash lights, etc. Turn it to the left to turn on the dome light. There is a little flat spot to where your dash lights are at their brightest, farther to the left and the inside lights come on. Well, the GP Sorensen, the flat spot is just about not there. You can not even feel it unless you are really paying attention. I go out a few minutes ago to start up the 85. Nothing. Not even a click. Interior lighs work though. As a matter of fact, they are even on with the damn door closed. Yep, you guessed it, left the interior lights on. This is the second time I've done this. All because of the junk GP Sorensen light switch. Thanks goodness for battery chargers. Some of the best money I've every spent. Anyway, come Monday this light switch is history. I'm going to the dealer and buy a new GM switch. Another to add to the list of why not to buy junk from Autozone or Advance. Note to self. Self, don't buy any more junk from Advance. Rant off. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

08-02-2003, 07:27 PM	#3
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Mike, the sad part is you never know. It seems like one part you buy may work well, and the next is junk. Hmmm? Kinda sounds like I'm describing LMC rather than Auto Zone. We have PEP boys here, and I try to buy as much from them as I can. They "seem" to offer better quality parts, and sometimes you even get a counter guy that knows his chit. I hate it when I walk in to Auto Zone with a light bulb in my hand, and they ask what year car is it for? 2wd or 4wd? Auto or standard? GRRRR!! It's a freakin 1157 bulb you IDIOT. What isle are they on? Then you get the look, followed by 2 door or 4 door?GRRRRRR! Makes ya wanna smack em! __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

08-02-2003, 08:02 PM	#4
C&C Chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Midwest City, OK Posts: 1,001	I've been burnt by the local Pep Boys before, so you never know.. __________________ Robert Current: 1986 SWB Silverado 4.3 / TH400 Past: 1985 SWB Silverado 305 / TH350 - sold 1995 1987 1/2 ton Silverado - FI 350 / 700R4 sold 2007

08-02-2003, 09:38 PM	#5
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Sorry to hear about the bum part Mike! I don't go to Pep Boys unless it's for accessories. I always go to O'Reilly's (formally Hi/Lo) or Autozone (in that order). I went to Pep Boys awhile back and they don't even carry TV (detent) cables! I was very suprised! The guy told me that they only carry "general maintenance" parts. He said the average guy can find his stuff there but if you want something a little more specific, go to O'Reilly's. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

08-03-2003, 10:51 AM	#6
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	i still wont go to pep boys cause of that whole thing where they didnt want to extend benefits to servicemen for bushes latest war __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

08-02-2003, 05:24 PM	#2
87 STEPPER STILL PLAYS WITH TRUX Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Melbourne, Fla. Posts: 2,764	Yeah shame on you mike __________________ ~~Bruce~~ MY 87 STEPPER MY 99 2D/WD TAHOE

08-03-2003, 03:44 PM	#7
DrMaserati Village Curmudgeon Join Date: May 2003 Location: Salem, OR Posts: 75	OK, let me get this straight. YOU left the interior lights on and drained the battery. Therefore it is the fault of the switch. I fail to see the logic in that. Over the last 40 years I've probably done that or left the headlights on a number of times, but it never occured to me to blame it on the switch. You've just given me a new way to absolve myself of responsibility for my screw-ups.:p JP __________________ 78 Chevy K30 duallie, 454, TH400 78 IH Scout II, 4X4, 345, 727TF 76 IH Scout II, 4X4, 345, 727TF 65 IH 1200C pickup, 4X4, 345, 4 spd 48 IH KB-8-F, RD-450, 5 spd, 35,000 GVW (a REAL truck) "Life is too short to drink cheap beer." Harry S. Truman

08-03-2003, 06:03 PM	#9
lofat Rollin' Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Hayward, California Posts: 240	that is a drag Mike. i am waiting to kill my battery because the cat that owned my truck befor me disconnected the buzzer that tells me when the lights are on and the keys out/door open. since it is so gray during the day here sometimes i ride with the lights on, and it's not always so obvious that they are on when i park. __________________ :: 1977 C10 cheyenne :: :: 1973 new yorker brougham :: for sale - $1,500 lofat productions

08-03-2003, 06:09 PM	#10
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	That's the kicker here. NC requires you to have your lights on when it's raining, day or night. So, the other day it rained and well, I turn them off when I parked it in the garage. Just the slight blip of the knob and the interior light comes on. It's light out and you never notice it being on. Of course it comes on when you open the door anyway. You get out close the door and walk away. No matter though, it will be changed tomorrow. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

08-03-2003, 09:20 PM	#11
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Time to install a buzzer switch. I forget to turn off mine too. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

08-03-2003, 09:34 PM	#12
mike reeh 5 day ban, learn to behave. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: san diego, ca Posts: 683	sounds like you need dual batteries with a relay that brings on battery #2 only with the ignition switch "On" oh and maybe doctor maserati should stick with his fancy italian cars... GM truck owners arent known to put up with $hit talkers for very long.. -mike

08-04-2003, 01:52 AM	#16
ElGracho Gentleman Jim Driver Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 1,553	Parts is parts? Mike, I don't know if I agree with you on this one. Sure, you got a bum switch. I'm just worried that if you bought a Delco switch, the chances might be just as high. My experience with their diesel glow plug controllers leaves me wondering if there is anything better about Delco stuff than anyone elses. I get Delco stuff for dealer cost from a distributor in Oregon. I get GM parts (not the same as Delco, Delco is mostly tune up and electrical stuff) from my good friend in Idaho that runs a parts department. I get probably as good of prices on that stuff as anyone, and I buy from them whenever I can. The real reason isn't the parts quality or even the prices. I go with those guys because they aren't so dumb. Anymore, when I need stuff and can't wait the few days to get it from the people above, I look up whatever parts I need before I go to the store (Autozone or Schucks) online, then I write down part numbers and prices and whether or not I expect the stuff to be in stock. That makes me pretty well armed against the sales droids and I have a decent chance of getting the stuff I want. One more thing, I bought a wells brand headlight switch for my diesel, the dome light comes on BEFORE the reostat even hits that detent. That switch doesn't even give you the small bump before you can leave your lights on to cause a dead battery (or two with my diesel...) __________________ Joe '75 GMC Gentleman Jim '84 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super duper plain (manual steering, manual brakes, no dome light, no cig lighter) '85 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super plain Vortec 4.8 4L60E trans also: '81 K30, '83 C30 Crew Dually, '84 M1028 CUCV, '85 M1009 CUCV, another '85 C10 SWB, '89 R3500 Flatbed Last edited by ElGracho; 08-04-2003 at 01:55 AM.

08-04-2003, 12:24 PM	#18
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Joe, I do the exact same thing. I go online at Advance and see what they have and get part numbers. I then go to the store and tell them I want this part number. It sure does save a lot of headache dealing with some of these folks. They seem to like it pretty good too. So, I went to Advance's site and seen they sold AC Delco headlight switches but would have to PDQ it. What does that stand for anyway, Pretty Damn Quick??? Anyway, I went Saturday and ordered it and you have to pay for it first. I picked it up a little while ago and guess what, it works. It actually has a detent to where it stops before it turns the inside lights on. Feels just like the stock one did. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

08-04-2003, 12:32 PM	#19
ElGracho Gentleman Jim Driver Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 1,553	Mike, what's the Delco part number? I think I'll order a couple to replace the new one I just put in and the old ones that no longer have functioning dimmers... Glad that you got it fixed! __________________ Joe '75 GMC Gentleman Jim '84 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super duper plain (manual steering, manual brakes, no dome light, no cig lighter) '85 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super plain Vortec 4.8 4L60E trans also: '81 K30, '83 C30 Crew Dually, '84 M1028 CUCV, '85 M1009 CUCV, another '85 C10 SWB, '89 R3500 Flatbed

08-04-2003, 12:42 PM	#20
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	I hear you about the switches. Its best to buy these switches in person no matter who made it. That little "click" makes a big difference. My stock one had one heck of a click, I loved it. But the dimming part of it didnt work (not bad for 20 years of use). I was already ordering a bunch of crap (didnt know it at the time) from LMC. Got the switch in and was happy with it. But I do wish the click was a little more firm, but it is there for sure. No problems so far. With that order from LMC I also bought a wiper switch. It looks good and works fine, but for some reason when its all the way off (LEFT) its not all the way left. Its like 1/4 of the way from all the way left. __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *



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08-04-2003, 12:44 PM	#21
arveetek Ultimate Diesel Dude Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Southwest Missouri Posts: 328	I'm pretty fortunate. I live in a small town of about 1900, and there is an auto parts store here that is owned and operated by a husband and wife team, who are both really into cars and trucks. They're more of a Ford family, but that's okay. They always know what I'm talking about, they beat everyone's prices, they'll order anything I want, in any brand I want. I have an open account there (since I own a business, and they're also a hardware store), so it's real handy. I have a friend who works at Autozone in a nearby town, but I still won't go in there! __________________ Project truck: '81 C/20 converted to 6.2L TURBO DIESEL bored .040", gear drive, 6.5L injectors/pump, custom pistons, custom 4" exhaust, 700R4, 4.10's Daily Driver: '95 K1500 Tahoe, 6.5L TURBO DIESEL, NP241, 4L80E, 3.42's

08-04-2003, 01:25 PM	#22
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Joe, the AC Delco headlight switch number is D1506A. It was $14.99 at Advance Auto Parts. It works like it did from the factory. I still had the old one I had taken out. So, while I was at it, I used it in the van and got rid of the GP Sorensen I had put in there. I'm telling you folks, them things are junk.

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