When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Sharp looking car and good advice above. I would tackle the rear light-problem first to get some Wiring Diagram experience.
FYI...when I followed a specific wiring path in the diagram I used ink pens which were the color of the wires in question and colorized them. It didn't take much extra time...and I didn't "get lost" following black lines that changed direction 10 times!
OR in the future buy a colorized/laminated wiring diagram for your car-year different wiring problems persist.
(It gets complicated if you have to remove the steering wheel as a Last Resort in order to solve the horn issue)
ahh thank you so much! Appreciated more than you know! Will be doing the same!
Auto electrical shops are very expensive. Specialty thing. Most in Canada are 90-110 /hr. They don't necessarily find problem right away so costs can get up to 1000 quickly
ahh thanks for the advice so I’d probably be looking at a few grand? ThNk you thank you!!!
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Hi and welcome!
For the horn not working, follow these instructions
For the rear lights first check that the instrument and tail light fuses are good and that the power flows from the left clip (that holds the fuse) to the right side.
Next attach a wire to a good ground and touch the other end of the wire to the brass part of the bulb socket.
If the bulb lights up you need a new socket or the ground for the rear lights is located at the bottom of the radio antenna is missing or corroded.
What bulbs are out at the rear?
Tail, brake or backup lights.
Now wait a minute here, everyone! Jenabeth 19 is buying a car from a car dealer and the rear brake lights do not work!!! They should not be selling this car to anyone until THEY fix the tail lights! Lou.
ahh thanks for the advice so I’d probably be looking at a few grand? ThNk you thank you!!!
Hi jenabeth19—you’ve been given a lot of good advise here, but I would offer this up for you to consider: this will not be the last electrical issue that you will have with this new beauty of yours. Not by a long shot. I would hate to think that you would have to drop hundreds or god forbid thousands of dollars every time the electrical gremlins decide to play. I would suggest that you buy yourself a good multimeter and test light along with good wiring diagrams as some other members have mentioned and start getting really familiar with how your new Vette’s systems work. This forum is a fantastic resource and there are several YouTube channels out there as well that are really good for walking you through wiring issue diagnosis on your C3. Congrats, good luck and let us know how we can help.
Hi jenabeth19—you’ve been given a lot of good advise here, but I would offer this up for you to consider: this will not be the last electrical issue that you will have with this new beauty of yours. Not by a long shot. I would hate to think that you would have to drop hundreds or god forbid thousands of dollars every time the electrical gremlins decide to play. I would suggest that you buy yourself a good multimeter and test light along with good wiring diagrams as some other members have mentioned and start getting really familiar with how your new Vette’s systems work. This forum is a fantastic resource and there are several YouTube channels out there as well that are really good for walking you through wiring issue diagnosis on your C3. Congrats, good luck and let us know how we can help.
I'll second that. It sounds like you are capable, and electrical stuff really isn't THAT hard, especially with the help from us on the forum. Also, I'd tackle the rear lights first, as you really can't drive it that way. The horn can wait, unless you have to pass an inspection to register it. Also, post your general location - you never know, there might be a forum member near you that would be willing to take a look and give you some help. If you get into the mode of dropping it off at a mechanic for every thing that pops up, then I hope you're very wealthy.
For the horn not working, follow these instructions
For the rear lights first check that the instrument and tail light fuses are good and that the power flows from the left clip (that holds the fuse) to the right
Next attach a wire to a good ground and touch the other end of the wire to the brass part of the bulb socket.
If the bulb lights up you need a new socket or the ground for the rear lights is located at the bottom of the radio antenna is missing or corroded.
What bulbs are out at the rear?
Tail, brake or backup lights.
thank you so much! I won’t know exactly until it gets here Thursday! This was so so so helpful. Thank you 🙏🏽
Hi jenabeth19—you’ve been given a lot of good advise here, but I would offer this up for you to consider: this will not be the last electrical issue that you will have with this new beauty of yours. Not by a long shot. I would hate to think that you would have to drop hundreds or god forbid thousands of dollars every time the electrical gremlins decide to play. I would suggest that you buy yourself a good multimeter and test light along with good wiring diagrams as some other members have mentioned and start getting really familiar with how your new Vette’s systems work. This forum is a fantastic resource and there are several YouTube channels out there as well that are really good for walking you through wiring issue diagnosis on your C3. Congrats, good luck and let us know how we can help.
thanks so much! My friend has one and I’ll definitely be going to purchase some equipment! You’re all extremely kind people I’m glad to be here with you and I’ll keep you updated taking your advice all the way!
I'll second that. It sounds like you are capable, and electrical stuff really isn't THAT hard, especially with the help from us on the forum. Also, I'd tackle the rear lights first, as you really can't drive it that way. The horn can wait, unless you have to pass an inspection to register it. Also, post your general location - you never know, there might be a forum member near you that would be willing to take a look and give you some help. If you get into the mode of dropping it off at a mechanic for every thing that pops up, then I hope you're very wealthy.
ahh we’re so thankful to have your help! Don’t think I’ll be dropping it off at a mechanic, but I think I will look for locals who can help! You guys are super helpful thank you so so much
My 68's tail lights stopped working and Ernie at Willcox helped me on this forum to solve my problem. The problem is that all of the brake light wiring goes through the turn signal switch. My switch was bad. So this is one possibility of what your problem could be. Lou.
