24 Volt M Series Light Switch on 12 Volt System

[Mud Diver]

Ok, I did the search thing and came up empty. I just got an M38A1 that was converted to a 12 volt electrical system. The headlights and front marker lights will not come on, even though they worked when I bought it. Lights are controlled by a simple two position push/pull switch and im thinking that’s the culprit. There is a three-level light switch mounted on the dash in the correct location and I was wondering if that could be used to control the 12 volt lights. Mainly because it’s there and it water proof.

anyone know if you can use a 24 volt component like this on a 12 volt system? I know the original 24 volt wiring would have been under sized to support 12 volts, but would one component be a big deal. System is fused just after the battery.

 

[NDT]

Yes you can. MIL did on the M880 Dodge trucks. The switch has a self resetting circuit breaker inside that I believe is rated at around 20 amps.

 

[Mud Diver]

Yes you can. MIL did on the M880 Dodge trucks. The switch has a self resetting circuit breaker inside that I believe is rated at around 20 amps.

Thank you

 

[Barrman]

Just to reinforce. I have run my M715 on 12 volts for almost 25 years now using the 3 lever light switch. Just make sure you have 12 volt bulbs in all locations.