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MG MGB Technical - interior light wiring question

So, I sometimes get a little confused on wiring. On a 1977 MGB, there is a purple (hot always) and a purple / white wire to the interior light. How does the purple / white get it's power?

The problem is my light does not come when I open the doors. If I toggle the light to the purple wire side, it comes on (sort of, it comes on and goes off as I move it around).

Thanks in advance!
~David
David Steverson

My door switches didn't seem to work. After a few seconds pinging and flicking the switches, they now both work again.

(Press the switches right in and let them flick out.)
Geoff Everitt

Purple & white is the earthing wire from the light through the door switches.

The switches rust up and don't work - get some new ones or carefully clean them after undoing the two screws and pulling them out.
Chris at Octarine Services

I've not been able to get new ones of the original style, those I could get needed the hole in the A post opening out. You can try 'repairing' the existing ones by leaving them attached to the A-post and twisting the pin back and fore while pulling on it, which can rub away any light corrosion (depends on how long they haven't been working). I then found some plastic sleeving that would just fit over the contact area, filled it with grease, and didn't have a problem again.
Paul Hunt

I bought original style courtesy switches from Brown & Gammons in May this year. (www.ukmgparts.com) Part No. BHA4593, price £3.75 + VAT each.
Mike Howlett

Thanks for that, it must be 20 years since I tried!
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed between 12/09/2009 and 18/09/2009

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