I have a '69 Cutlass S 350 and I am having problems with my headlight switch heating up with the ignition switch is on the run position for a few minutes. Also, the side marker/running lights are running off of the dash light dimmer that I also part of the headlight switch. I have tried cleaning and replacing the block and chassis grounds as well and the grounds for the lights themselves. Also, I have tried buying a new headlight switch with no help. Amoy suggestions? I really don't want to end up buying a whole new wiring harness. Thanks so much for any help you can provide me!

 

That switch will get warm if the lights are on and the panel lights dimmed.

 

It melted through the side of the plug that goes into it...but the outside marker lights still shouldn't dim with the dash lights...

 

If the rheostat is dimming your side marker lights, the headlight switch is likely defective because it's not supposed to work like that. Get a replacement and try again. Not unlikely that some of the newer cheap headlight switches could be defective out of the box.

 

If your side marker lights are dimming with the headlight switch dimmer control, there is a wiring issue. It may be wired wrong or you have a short somehow between your panel and marker lights.

 

You're probably right Eric. I just went back and read that the harness was melting the contact plug. Likely due to a short somewhere.

Thybigwheel - when did the problem start, and how long have you owned the car?

 

I've had it for almost a year and when I bought it that guys said that the headlight switch was heating up...I have looked at and had apart nearly every plug and socket so far. I didn't really want to rip the harness apart if I didn't have to. Do any of you know if there is a spot where a short would've been possible to make this happen?

 

Start by checking the ground right at the switch (dash).

 

If your saying the marker lights dim with the dash lite pot, it would have to be under the dash, I'm thinking it's wired to the same terminal as the dash lights.