how do i properly test a 3pdt switch?

Hi everyone, i used the search to look for an answer but didn't find anything, so hopefully i'm not asking this question for the millionth time.

i'm very new to electronics/pedal mods. I'm attempting the true bypass mod on my gcb-95. the 3pdt swtich came in the mail today.

I got out the continuity tester, and it tells me lugs 1 and 4 are connected, 2 and 5, and 3 and 6.

when i hit the switch, absolutely nothing changes. those same lugs remain connected. and no matter what position the switch is in, lugs 7, 8, and 9 are at no time making any connections with any of the other lugs.

Anyone have any advice? am i doing this completely wrong? i hope i'm not coming off as idiotic. i feel dumb asking, but how else am i gonna learn? any replies are appreciated. thanks, friends!

p.s. just for the sake of clarity, i am looking the switch so that the lugs are horizontal, and i'm considering the top row, left to right, as 1,2,3 etc...

Sounds like you're doing it right -- you should get continuity on 1-4 2-5 3-6 or 4-7 5-8 6-9. Sounds like a bad switch.

Gotta ask the obvious question: Are you getting a big definite click when your press the switch?

I suspect the switch too.Have you double checked the solder joints to the switch?
Here is a good page that shows the lugs numbering and which ones that will be connected in on and off position.(You will have to scroll down a bit).I think you have got them right but it doesn´t hurt to check before you write off the switch as baaad!
Good luck! http://www.freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=14671
P.S. If I have understood you,the problem is that you can´t get any continuity between 4 and 7, 5 and 8, 6 and 9?

Did you already do some soldering or attempt to do soldering on this switch?

As was mentioned, you should hear a click. Inside, there is a little see-saw piece of metal that flips back and forth as you depress the switch. No click means the see-saw is not changing the position.

I recently had to fix a pedal for a friend who tried to fix an issue. He over-heated the switch and the metal contacts moved. The result was the little see-saw inside was stuck in one position. I was able to undo the damage. But, don't overdo it when soldering.

Thanks for the replies!

there wasn't any big definite click when i pressed the switch down. i was thinking maybe it was just the smoothest switch i've ever encountered, but that seems to be the culprit.

I have not done any soldering at all yet to the switch. i figured since i got it off ebay i should first check if there are any problems before getting to work.

P.S. If I have understood you,the problem is that you can´t get any continuity between 4 and 7, 5 and 8, 6 and 9?

- that is correct, sir.

i guess i'll contact the ebay seller and see if we can't resolve this issue. Thanks for you input everyone!

Thanks for making me laugh by being polite and calling me sir! I know I´m sixty but it is the same guy in Levis and a T-shirt who likes good Telecasters and nice girls in my own age group who is sitting here.In thirty years you will know! Thanks again!
P.S. Despite your claim to being a newcomer,you did everything right,including checking the switch before you did any soldering.

Thanks for making me laugh by being polite and calling me sir! I know I´m sixty but it is the same guy in Levis and a T-shirt who likes good Telecasters and nice girls in my own age group who is sitting here.In thirty years you will know! Thanks again!
P.S. Despite your claim to being a newcomer,you did everything right,including checking the switch before you did any soldering.

You're very welcome! and thanks for the kind words.

just as an update, i talked to the ebay seller, and he's sending a replacement switch. so hopefully in a couple weeks i'll have a true bypass wah pedal. Thanks for the input, everyone!