Ignition switch has an instrument light? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

62lwbc10 · 03-25-2013, 11:05 PM

Hello All I am installing a new ignition switch (original type) and I notice there is an instrument light housing on the switch. Is the correct? What is that light used for? I dont see how light can get thru the switch and be "seen"? THanks for any answers.

mr48chev · 03-25-2013, 11:19 PM

Yes although most of them are burned out.

**G&R's57GMC** · 03-25-2013, 11:35 PM

It lights the key hole through the tumblers. It was usually a deluxe option.

Russell Ashley · 03-26-2013, 07:54 AM

I had forgotten about that light until I read your post. It's still dark here so I went out in the garage and checked it. It isn't very bright but it does show you where to insert the key in the dark. As G&R said, you see the light through the key slot. I have the clear plastic bezel and it is also illuminated.

It uses the same socket and bulb as the dash lights so it's an easy "upgrade".

OrrieG · 03-26-2013, 12:13 PM

Now I know what the extra lamp on the instrument panel was for, I always had an aftermarket ignition switch and this time its on the column. I repurposed it for one of the turn signals.

tmoble · 03-27-2013, 01:53 AM

mine worked until a couple years ago. kinda nice actually.

03-25-2013, 11:05 PM	#1
62lwbc10 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Westchester, NY Posts: 394	Ignition switch has an instrument light? Hello All I am installing a new ignition switch (original type) and I notice there is an instrument light housing on the switch. Is the correct? What is that light used for? I dont see how light can get thru the switch and be "seen"? THanks for any answers.

03-25-2013, 11:19 PM	#2
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,406	Re: Ignition switch has an instrument light? Yes although most of them are burned out. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

03-25-2013, 11:35 PM	#3
G&R's57GMC Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Shasta Lake, CA. Posts: 1,619	Re: Ignition switch has an instrument light? It lights the key hole through the tumblers. It was usually a deluxe option.

03-26-2013, 07:54 AM	#4
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,641	Re: Ignition switch has an instrument light? I had forgotten about that light until I read your post. It's still dark here so I went out in the garage and checked it. It isn't very bright but it does show you where to insert the key in the dark. As G&R said, you see the light through the key slot. I have the clear plastic bezel and it is also illuminated. It uses the same socket and bulb as the dash lights so it's an easy "upgrade".

03-26-2013, 12:13 PM	#5
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Ignition switch has an instrument light? Now I know what the extra lamp on the instrument panel was for, I always had an aftermarket ignition switch and this time its on the column. I repurposed it for one of the turn signals. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

03-27-2013, 01:53 AM	#6
tmoble Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Glendale, Az Posts: 1,062	Re: Ignition switch has an instrument light? mine worked until a couple years ago. kinda nice actually.



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