Electrical problem
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
From: Portland Or
Electrical problem
This started last fall. My tail lights and dash lights go out , The brake lights and head lights work fine. I disconnect the battery and the lights come back ( self healing) they go out again when a place a load on them.
all the grounds seem to be fine, I haven't checked the ground behind and on top of the instrament pannel ( trying to procrastinate about that one). This started after I replaced the tail-light assemblies but not immediately.
any ideas? :nopity
all the grounds seem to be fine, I haven't checked the ground behind and on top of the instrament pannel ( trying to procrastinate about that one). This started after I replaced the tail-light assemblies but not immediately.
any ideas? :nopity
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Alhambra CA
Re: Electrical problem (propwash)
Propwash,
This sounds like a classic ground problem..
These cars are real tough when it comes to tracing out a bad ground, but
a bad ground will play havoc on systems that almost seem unrelated.
Like right tail light dimly blinking and the left going off when the left turn signal is on. :eek:
This could also happen with a bad ground
I had one where the radio would work fine until the heater / AC fan was turned on.. Then both would quit working.. Restart the car and it was OK again..
Turned out this was a bad connection..
Good luck tracing out this pain in the neck..
Tony
This sounds like a classic ground problem..
These cars are real tough when it comes to tracing out a bad ground, but
a bad ground will play havoc on systems that almost seem unrelated.
Like right tail light dimly blinking and the left going off when the left turn signal is on. :eek:
This could also happen with a bad ground
I had one where the radio would work fine until the heater / AC fan was turned on.. Then both would quit working.. Restart the car and it was OK again..
Turned out this was a bad connection..
Good luck tracing out this pain in the neck..
Tony
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Re: Electrical problem (propwash)
I think it is unlikely that a ground problem would make head lights and tail lights go out at the same time. It sounds like a connection problem in the circuit that feeds the HL switch. The switch or its power feed is the most common link to both circuits. Check the plug in to the headlight switch, the switch itself and the circuit that supplies power to the system. If all power to the car is dead, you should look at the main power wire at the bulkhead connector.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
Re: Electrical problem (wombvette)
I think wombvette is on the right track. The tail lights and brake lights use a common ground, so if one is working the ground isn't the problem. I had a similar problem on my 62, lost tail and instrument lights intermittently. Turned out to be a bad connector at the headlight switch. I only found that out after I changed the switch. One of the female connectors was loose on the wire inside the plastic connector housing. Had to pull it out and solder the connection. End of problem. Headlight switch could also be the problem, but wiring is more likely. :D
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Re: Two other places to check are connection blocks at the firewall and fuse block tang (andy63)
That is the bulkhead connector. This is a very common problem area. The main power feed is through this wire and it is not very well designed. It is best just to run a wire through the connector so you will not develope the problem.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
From: Portland Or
Re: Two other places to check are connection blocks at the firewall and fuse block tang (wombvette)
Thanks guys
its been too cold to work on the car even with a heater going, Time to get a new heater at costco. I think your right the switch is the common area for thoes two lighting systems and since it happened with both the old and new H/L switch I will start back tracking from there. Again thanks this forum is invaluable.
Steve :chevy
its been too cold to work on the car even with a heater going, Time to get a new heater at costco. I think your right the switch is the common area for thoes two lighting systems and since it happened with both the old and new H/L switch I will start back tracking from there. Again thanks this forum is invaluable.
Steve :chevy
