Has anyone had this issue? The guy I bought the car told me in passing that if I turned the headlight knob in a specific direction that it would keep using the battery even when fully pushed in. I found the sweet spot and now it’s back to draining the juice. I have to leave it on the trickle. Annoying.
I’m thinking I should just replace the switch completely but thought I’d ask here first. Thanks in advance.
Heather
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Yes, unfortunately a lot of the switches (and other parts) that we have to use are cheap Asian versions that don't last long. Someone else on here has been looking into a new headlight switch in the past few days so find that thread and you'll see which good ones are available. If you get a chance and the wires are long enough, maybe you could shoot a photo of what you have and we can recommend a better replacement.
The other option is to move the wire from a constantly powered fuse to a fuse that is only powered when the ignition is on. That way when the car is off the lights are off.
@Gordon Nichols posted:Yes, unfortunately a lot of the switches (and other parts) that we have to use are cheap Asian versions that don't last long. Someone else on here has been looking into a new headlight switch in the past few days so find that thread and you'll see which good ones are available. If you get a chance and the wires are long enough, maybe you could shoot a photo of what you have and we can recommend a better replacement.
Thanks Gordon. I did check that out. I may just update the headlights to repro LEDs and change the switch out completely. Not trying to keep the car true. Thanks for the quick response. Appreciate it.
@Robert M posted:The other option is to move the wire from a constantly powered fuse to a fuse that is only powered when the ignition is on. That way when the car is off the lights are off.
Interesting. I’ll look into that. Thank you.
i had a battery cut off switch knob thingee on the + pole of bat...unscrew it and take it with U or just unscrew it enuff to cut off power..
I assume that the switch just powers on a relay that actually switches the heavy headlight current.
If not and the switch is carrying a lot of current, it might be time to replace the switch, add a headlight relay AND convert to LEDs.
I stayed with incandescents for the headlights because I hardly ever drive at night. Everything else is LED.
Good luck.
@Michael Pickett posted:I assume that the switch just powers on a relay that actually switches the heavy headlight current.
If not and the switch is carrying a lot of current, it might be time to replace the switch, add a headlight relay AND convert to LEDs.
I stayed with incandescents for the headlights because I hardly ever drive at night. Everything else is LED.
Good luck.
I think LED is the way to go. I don’t usually drive at night either but love the look of the LED w halo. The plan for this car is to take it from Chevron beep beep car to badass. 
I'm with Michael, good wiring is a must Relays, and Off loading the switch is a good thing. Good luck
So we all agree that you probably need a new headlight switch, but when it is pushed off and "still draining", are any lights still on? It seems to be powering something so that might be good to know.....
@Michael Pickett posted:I assume that the switch just powers on a relay that actually switches the heavy headlight current.
If not and the switch is carrying a lot of current, it might be time to replace the switch, add a headlight relay AND convert to LEDs.
I stayed with incandescents for the headlights because I hardly ever drive at night. Everything else is LED.
Good luck.
I believe it's a Kirk built Vintage Speedster which would mean there are no relays for the lights. The switch carries all of the current;
@Gordon Nichols posted:So we all agree that you probably need a new headlight switch, but when it is pushed off and "still draining", are any lights still on? It seems to be powering something so that might be good to know.....
I’d assume it’s a bit of a dead short sending a few volts straight to ground from the switch itself. Would it be powering anything?
That's what I'm trying to find out.
Best I can do on a photo. My contortion skills leave much to be desired. 
@Michael Pickett posted:I assume that the switch just powers on a relay that actually switches the heavy headlight current.
If not and the switch is carrying a lot of current, it might be time to replace the switch, add a headlight relay AND convert to LEDs.
I stayed with incandescents for the headlights because I hardly ever drive at night. Everything else is LED.
Good luck.
If you convert to LEDs you don't need to use a headlight relay. Each headlight uses about 5 amps instead of 10. 10 amps through a 6v switch that Heather has is under using the capacity of the switch. It will be fine without relays.
