Electrical bug; dashlights out, other oddities
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Portland OR
Electrical bug; dashlights out, other oddities
Howdy,
I've got a problem with my 73 coupe.
A while ago one of the low beams went out, so I bought a set of replacement headlights (sylvania 5006s). Now when I turn on my headlights, nothing comes on, unless I hit the brights, then only the brights come on. The instrument panel lights also stopped working after this. I've tried different bulbs, and new fuses, nothing seems to work. Needless to say, it's pretty nervewrecking driving at night with no idea of how fast you're going. Any ideas what could be wrong?
I've got a problem with my 73 coupe.
A while ago one of the low beams went out, so I bought a set of replacement headlights (sylvania 5006s). Now when I turn on my headlights, nothing comes on, unless I hit the brights, then only the brights come on. The instrument panel lights also stopped working after this. I've tried different bulbs, and new fuses, nothing seems to work. Needless to say, it's pretty nervewrecking driving at night with no idea of how fast you're going. Any ideas what could be wrong?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
I will point out the obvious.........
Check all fuses, connections, and make sure ALL GROUNDS are good. I have seen some really odd things happen that really don't make sense.
Ohm your "new" headlights. Check for voltage (& how much) at sockets. Check the light switch to make sure it's not turned down, to turn the dash lights off. There is just tons of others to check. Break out the wiring diagram and voltmeter. Good luck!!
Check all fuses, connections, and make sure ALL GROUNDS are good. I have seen some really odd things happen that really don't make sense.
Ohm your "new" headlights. Check for voltage (& how much) at sockets. Check the light switch to make sure it's not turned down, to turn the dash lights off. There is just tons of others to check. Break out the wiring diagram and voltmeter. Good luck!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
I dought this has anything to do with you problem, but you might want to look.
A while back, I was driving down the road, and all of a sudden I smell smoke. I pulled over and reached for the hood release - and the handle came out with about a foot of cable.
What had happened was that over the decades, the electrical harness has rubbed slightly against the hood release, and it eventially rubbed the insullation off a wire, and then shorted thru the hood release cable. Luckily I didn't need to replace the whole harness, but it could have been worse.
So, when ever I hear someone talking about a 'wierd' electrical problem, I think of that. Checking it, and maybe adding a little tape doesn't hurt anything.
A while back, I was driving down the road, and all of a sudden I smell smoke. I pulled over and reached for the hood release - and the handle came out with about a foot of cable.
What had happened was that over the decades, the electrical harness has rubbed slightly against the hood release, and it eventially rubbed the insullation off a wire, and then shorted thru the hood release cable. Luckily I didn't need to replace the whole harness, but it could have been worse.
So, when ever I hear someone talking about a 'wierd' electrical problem, I think of that. Checking it, and maybe adding a little tape doesn't hurt anything.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: penngrove ca
Seem's odd that whole inst. cluster went out suddenly. Like big block said, Check dimmer switch for dash, Check fuse(s), Check your hi-beam switch, check plug in connections into fuse box. I usually start with 12v trouble light then go to volt & ohm meter. If you have power at headlight socket, check bulbs with ohm meter, they do ship bad ones, don't ask me how I know that one. Check the easy stuff 1st. Grounding is usually a big issue and will drive you crazy.
If you brought you car used you never know what someone else did. Like drip irrigation fittings for vacuum.
If you brought you car used you never know what someone else did. Like drip irrigation fittings for vacuum.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Portland OR
I got the headlights working. I guess it was just a pair of bad bulbs, but that seems a little odd. Anyhow, The gauge lights are still out, I'll try working on that tomorrow. Thanks for the help.
Also, Mashman, I noticed the insulation was rubbed through on a couple of wires due to the hood release. Thanks for the tip.
Also, Mashman, I noticed the insulation was rubbed through on a couple of wires due to the hood release. Thanks for the tip.
