What happened to my wall switch?

[General Lee]

In my garage I have two separate wall switches that operate the ceiling lights. Originally, I could use either switch to turn the lights on. Just now I went to turn on the lights using the switch closest to the garage door and I got nothing. Went to the other switch and they worked. So now only one switch will work depending on the position of the other switch and vise versa. Its almost like one switch activates the other switch and then I can only use that switch. Hope this makes sense. It never used to be that way, what happened?

 

[Alchymist]

In my garage I have two separate wall switches that operate the ceiling lights. Originally, I could use either switch to turn the lights on. Just now I went to turn on the lights using the switch closest to the garage door and I got nothing. Went to the other switch and they worked. So now only one switch will work depending on the position of the other switch and vise versa. Its almost like one switch activates the other switch and then I can only use that switch. Hope this makes sense. It never used to be that way, what happened?

Sounds like one of the two three way switches is bad. Buy one new switch, and replace one of the existing switches, Pay particular attention to the wire/terminal positioning. If the problem remains, take the old switch you just removed, and use it to replace the other old switch. Should get you up and running.

 

[malibu101]

I agree that is sounds like one of the 3-way switches is bad.
When replacing the 3-way pay attention to which wire is on the black screw and put that one back on the black screw of the new switch.
The other 2 wires (the travelers) do not matter which of the brass screws they go to.

 

[pattenp]

It's easy to test three way switches if you have a multimeter. With the power off check the continuity between the black screw head and one of the copper screw heads, flip the switch on and off, you should get continuity in one position. Then test the other copper screw head to the black screw head and flip the switch. If you don't get continuity between the black screw and one or the other of the copper screws then that's the bad switch.

 

[malibu101]

It's easy to test three way switches if you have a multimeter. With the power off check the continuity between the black screw head and one of the copper screw heads, flip the switch on and off, you should get continuity in one position. Then test the other copper screw head to the black screw head and flip the switch. If you don't get continuity between the black screw and one or the other of the copper screws then that's the bad switch.

Yes.
Great info!
Thanks for adding.

 

[gawank]

Thats great info to have, being a rookie like myself.

 

[Milton Shaw]

Switches are so cheap now days so don't get the cheapest HD carries. Upgrade to the better switches and replace both of them. That's why the cheap contractor lowball switches have already failed. Like they say watch screw and wire colors to make sure you get it right.

 

[General Lee]

Thanks for the replies. One quick question........One switch has 3 switches built in and the other has 2. Is it possible just the switch controlling the ceiling lights went bad and not the others affecting the operation of the other two switches, because they still operate what their supposed to.

 

[Hawk]

Yes just change the ones that control the lights. The others should be on their on circuits.

 

[malibu101]

. One quick question........One switch has 3 switches built in and the other has 2. .

Do you have Despard switches?
Like this?- http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/Pr...=34&MerchandiseClassId=325 &ProductGroupId=16

A "combination device" with 2 switches is not uncommon, but 3 switches loses me on what you are talking about. Unless you have what I've linked to above.

 

[General Lee]

Do you have Despard switches?
Like this?- http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/Pr...=34&MerchandiseClassId=325 &ProductGroupId=16

A "combination device" with 2 switches is not uncommon, but 3 switches loses me on what you are talking about. Unless you have what I've linked to above.

No, one is a 3 gang wall switch and the other is a 2 gang. On the 3 gang, one switch operates the ceiling lights and then further down the wall, on the 2 gang one of the switches operates the same ceiling lights. Basically whatever you entrance I use I can hit either switch for lights. But it seems the switch on the 3 gang is not working unless I hit the one switch on the 2 gang. Kinda tricky to explain. One or the other is acting like an on and off switch allowing only one to work at time.

 

[pattenp]

Here's a simple diagram of how 3 way switches work. If one of the toggle contacts fail in one switch then the lights can only be turned on and off from one of the switches.