Basic Electrical Woes (1973)
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 63
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From: San Diego CA
Basic Electrical Woes (1973)
I bought a 73 coupe a week ago. I drove it home (about 30 miles)... but I knew it was going to be a project; in fact, the entire interior was in pieces, dash and gauges disconnected, etc. However, when I got it home, I realized the brake lights and turn signals didn't work. Luckily, there were no problems.
Now, when I turn the four-way flasher on, only two of the eight lights blink (driver side front). I already checked and all of the bulbs seem to be good.
So, I've got the assembly manual and I've spent a few hours trying to follow wires through the chassis, but does anyone have any ideas for anything obvious I can check before I get too deep into it?
The brake switch appears to be good. Logic seems to say that the wires from the brake switch, four way flasher switch, and turn signal switch go somewhere, but WHERE is that? I haven't found that on the diagrams yet, and there's no index.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Steve
Now, when I turn the four-way flasher on, only two of the eight lights blink (driver side front). I already checked and all of the bulbs seem to be good.
So, I've got the assembly manual and I've spent a few hours trying to follow wires through the chassis, but does anyone have any ideas for anything obvious I can check before I get too deep into it?
The brake switch appears to be good. Logic seems to say that the wires from the brake switch, four way flasher switch, and turn signal switch go somewhere, but WHERE is that? I haven't found that on the diagrams yet, and there's no index.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
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From: Boca Raton Florida
The AIM sux for that sort of thing, get a year specific shop manual, much better electrical info.
Chase down the grounds on all the lights, use an ohm meter and ring them out. Make sure the light sockets are making good contact, those things are 30 odd yrs old. Test each light buld also, don't rely on it "Looking OK"
Chase down the grounds on all the lights, use an ohm meter and ring them out. Make sure the light sockets are making good contact, those things are 30 odd yrs old. Test each light buld also, don't rely on it "Looking OK"
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Check your fuses first, then your grounds.
The rear is in the drivers rear bottom frame corner.
The front is on the front of the core support drivers side.
Your signals run thru the steering column, there is a long flat connector clipped near the bottom of the steering column. Check it for good contacts.
The connector for the rear harness should be near the top of the drivers front door jam.
It may be easier to remove all the bulbs and use a probe type test lite to test each function on the terminals inside the sockets themselves. Then replace each bulb as you go.
That should get you started.
The rear is in the drivers rear bottom frame corner.
The front is on the front of the core support drivers side.
Your signals run thru the steering column, there is a long flat connector clipped near the bottom of the steering column. Check it for good contacts.
The connector for the rear harness should be near the top of the drivers front door jam.
It may be easier to remove all the bulbs and use a probe type test lite to test each function on the terminals inside the sockets themselves. Then replace each bulb as you go.
That should get you started.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 223
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From: Henryville Indiana
Get ahold of a LECTRIC LTD laminated full car schematics that are appx 18x24"and complete to every base model car from GM schematics.They don"t cover optional stuff but the complete factory color coding and AWG sizes are there with grounds and bulkheads,firewall,taillight panel references.
I used them exclusively at Corvette Restorations when I was a mechanic there.
The schematics are about 12-15 bucks and Corvette America,Corvette Central,Willcox all carry them.They are YEAR SPECIFIC.
I used them exclusively at Corvette Restorations when I was a mechanic there.
The schematics are about 12-15 bucks and Corvette America,Corvette Central,Willcox all carry them.They are YEAR SPECIFIC.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
The diagrams that have been recommended will help. Corrosion of contacts for both lights, and connections can be an issue with a 34 year old car. Clean contacts apply dielectric grease for future protection against corrosion, check continuity, check grounds (grounds count as contacts too, and can be corroded also).
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: West Chester OH
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In IX Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '13
I've had a few minor wiring issues on my '68.
I've found a lot of corrosion on connections everywhere I've looked.
From your description, I'd check the harmonica connection that all the steering column wiring goes through. It's at the base of the steering column, 2-3 inches long and slightly curved.
Good luck,
Bud
I've found a lot of corrosion on connections everywhere I've looked.
From your description, I'd check the harmonica connection that all the steering column wiring goes through. It's at the base of the steering column, 2-3 inches long and slightly curved.
Good luck,
Bud
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Joined: May 2007
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From: San Diego CA
Thanks for your suggestions. I'm still looking. One question I have to ask (rhetorical) - who decided that a good place for the fuse panel was behind the clutch and as far out of reach as possible? I still haven't eliminated bad fuses as a possible cause either. I guess I have my work cut out for me... which is the reason I bought the car, after all.
I still haven't eliminated bad fuses as a possible cause either. I guess I have my work cut out for me... which is the reason I bought the car, after all.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
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From: Austin TX
If you don't already have one, go to home depot and purchase a volt-meter,..which will also have a continuity tester and ohm meter. It takes about 10 minutes to learn to use one and it makes diagnosing stuff a snap. You can get a good digital VM for about $20,..money well spent.
While your at it, get four alligator clips and two 10 ft lengths of 14g wire,..also helps with diagnostics.
Good luck!
While your at it, get four alligator clips and two 10 ft lengths of 14g wire,..also helps with diagnostics.
Good luck!
