How to wire an HSS with a coil split correctly?

[Telecaster582]

So, here's under the pickguard of my 80's Memphis. I like the pickups, but for some reason when I flick the coil split switch literally nothing happens, and everything sounds the same. I would like some help on what's wrong here if anyone could help. All help appreciated, thanks.

 

[Telecaster582]

Here's some pics

 

[Telecaster582]

Is there someone wrong with the switch or is it wired wrong?

 

[NoTeleBob]

Connect a spare wire to the red wire coming from the pickup. run it out under the pick guard. Try grounding it to the bridge (you can just wrap it on something) and see if that splits the coil.

 

[Peegoo]

I would like some help on what's wrong here

@NoTeleBob is a quick way to see if the little toggle switch is working or not.

Let's do some diagnostics. Do you have a DMM (meter)? If so:

1. Flip the 5-way selector switch to the bridge (humbucker) position.

2. Set your meter to read DC Ohms.

3. Hold one probe on the output jack's tip contact.

4. Hold the other probe on the output jack's sleeve contact.

5. Read the meter. It should read somewhere around 10k Ohms OR 5k Ohms.

6. Flip the little toggle 'split' switch. Test across the output jack again.

If the split switch is working properly, it should read the other number in step 5 above. For example, if you read 10k Ohms in step 5, you should get 5k Ohms in step 6. If you got 5k ohms in step 5, you should get 10k Ohms in step 6.

The larger number is humbucking operation (both coils on). The smaller number is split-coil mode (one coil on).

NOTE: My 10k and 5k numbers are general guidance; Ohms readings vary across pickup makers/models. The important thing is that the smaller 'split' number will be half of the larger (humbucking) number. Another example: if a humbucking pickup reads 8.5k with both coils on, it will read 4.25k when split.

If flipping the little toggle switch does nothing, either the switch is bad, the pickup is bad, or there's a poor solder connection.

 

[Telecaster582]

@NoTeleBob is a quick way to see if the little toggle switch is working or not.

Let's do some diagnostics. Do you have a DMM (meter)? If so:

1. Flip the 5-way selector switch to the bridge (humbucker) position.

2. Set your meter to read DC Ohms.

3. Hold one probe on the output jack's tip contact.

4. Hold the other probe on the output jack's sleeve contact.

5. Read the meter. It should read somewhere around 10k Ohms OR 5k Ohms.

6. Flip the little toggle 'split' switch. Test across the output jack again.

If the split switch is working properly, it should read the other number in step 5 above. For example, if you read 10k Ohms in step 5, you should get 5k Ohms in step 6. If you got 5k ohms in step 5, you should get 10k Ohms in step 6.

The larger number is humbucking operation (both coils on). The smaller number is split-coil mode (one coil on).

NOTE: My 10k and 5k numbers are general guidance; Ohms readings vary across pickup makers/models. The important thing is that the smaller 'split' number will be half of the larger (humbucking) number. Another example: if a humbucking pickup reads 8.5k with both coils on, it will read 4.25k when split.

If flipping the little toggle switch does nothing, either the switch is bad, the pickup is bad, or there's a poor solder connection.

The pickup isn't bad, because I've played the guitar before, and it works, but when I flick the switch there's no difference in sound.

 

[Tuxedo Poly]

I use a small screwdriver to check for coil split. Tap the poles of the humbucker with the screwdriver tip while plugged in. Full HB tapping both screw and slug poles should make a sound on the amp, split only one.
If tapping both screw and slug poles makes a sound with the switch operated, follow NoTeleBob's advice. If still no split the red wire is faulty. If it splits move the temporary wire to the yellow (Middle lug) on the switch and try again.

 

[Telecaster582]

@NoTeleBob is a quick way to see if the little toggle switch is working or not.

Let's do some diagnostics. Do you have a DMM (meter)? If so:

1. Flip the 5-way selector switch to the bridge (humbucker) position.

2. Set your meter to read DC Ohms.

3. Hold one probe on the output jack's tip contact.

4. Hold the other probe on the output jack's sleeve contact.

5. Read the meter. It should read somewhere around 10k Ohms OR 5k Ohms.

6. Flip the little toggle 'split' switch. Test across the output jack again.

If the split switch is working properly, it should read the other number in step 5 above. For example, if you read 10k Ohms in step 5, you should get 5k Ohms in step 6. If you got 5k ohms in step 5, you should get 10k Ohms in step 6.

The larger number is humbucking operation (both coils on). The smaller number is split-coil mode (one coil on).

NOTE: My 10k and 5k numbers are general guidance; Ohms readings vary across pickup makers/models. The important thing is that the smaller 'split' number will be half of the larger (humbucking) number. Another example: if a humbucking pickup reads 8.5k with both coils on, it will read 4.25k when split.

If flipping the little toggle switch does nothing, either the switch is bad, the pickup is bad, or there's a poor solder connection.

Ok so what do I set this thing to?

 

[Ronzo]

Ok so what do I set this thing to? View attachment 998127

Set it to the 20k section measuring DC resistance (ohms, represented by the Greek letter Omega in yellow in this example). Pickups will typically measure in that range.

 

[Telecaster582]

Set it to the 20k section measuring DC resistance (ohms, represented by the Greek letter Omega in yellow in this example). Pickups will typically measure in that range.

Thanks, I have only used this thing like twice and each time someone told me what to set it to

 

[Ronzo]

You’re welcome. Reading the device’s manual is a good idea.

Really, it’s a very useful tool for a lot of things around your home.

 

[Telecaster582]

@NoTeleBob is a quick way to see if the little toggle switch is working or not.

Let's do some diagnostics. Do you have a DMM (meter)? If so:

1. Flip the 5-way selector switch to the bridge (humbucker) position.

2. Set your meter to read DC Ohms.

3. Hold one probe on the output jack's tip contact.

4. Hold the other probe on the output jack's sleeve contact.

5. Read the meter. It should read somewhere around 10k Ohms OR 5k Ohms.

6. Flip the little toggle 'split' switch. Test across the output jack again.

If the split switch is working properly, it should read the other number in step 5 above. For example, if you read 10k Ohms in step 5, you should get 5k Ohms in step 6. If you got 5k ohms in step 5, you should get 10k Ohms in step 6.

The larger number is humbucking operation (both coils on). The smaller number is split-coil mode (one coil on).

NOTE: My 10k and 5k numbers are general guidance; Ohms readings vary across pickup makers/models. The important thing is that the smaller 'split' number will be half of the larger (humbucking) number. Another example: if a humbucking pickup reads 8.5k with both coils on, it will read 4.25k when split.

If flipping the little toggle switch does nothing, either the switch is bad, the pickup is bad, or there's a poor solder connection.

Ok, I got 12.22 on both

 

[Telecaster582]

Ok, it works now! It was 12.22, then I flicked the switch and it was 6.11

 

[Telecaster582]

I just needed the ground like @NoTeleBob said