1969 Corvette courtesy light stopped working
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2018
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1969 Corvette courtesy light stopped working
Hello everyone I am new to the Forum and I could really use your knowledge and experience with an issue. I have a 1969 Corvette convertible, when I went to replace the the battery my rear compartment courtesy light flickered and went out. Took the cover off and the bulb was fine, I checked to see if I had power and I did. Orange wire had power and the white wire did not. When I open the drivers door the foot well courtesy lights do come on. The headlight switch rheostat is bad but never had any affect on the courtesy lights. I could really use your help, this car has been in the family since new.
Kim
Kim
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
Courtesy lites are switched on the return side. They always have a 12v positive signal. The other wire goes to the switch [which is in the normally open position when door is closed] and then to battery negative when door is opened. T
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2018
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Thank you very much for the quick response. Is there a trick in removing the switch, I do see where there is a nut on the outside. When I turn the nut on the switch, will it turn the whole mechanism and damage the wires inside the pillar? Also I see 2 different styles of switches, one has 2 terminals coming off of it and the other looks like a bullet shaped tip with no connections. Again thank you all for your help.
Kim
Kim
Lifelong Vette Lover
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 177
Likes: 35
From: Naples FL
Sorry to be late to the party and may be totally dense but a couple questions: first, I assume you're referring to the courtesy light in the very back wall of the "luggage" compartment? If so, that's on the same circuit as the foot well lights ... so if they come on, it should too. Sure the bulb is good?
If you're referring to the light in the center storage compartment, that's controlled by its own switch when the compartment door is opened.
Welcome to the forum!
If you're referring to the light in the center storage compartment, that's controlled by its own switch when the compartment door is opened.
Welcome to the forum!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
You need to check the white wire for battery negative. That white wire goes to a multi-connector and then it joins other courtesy circuit white wires and then to the headlight switch for a return. Find where that multi connector is, use a VOM to check for continuity back to the lamp [white wire]. Contact CF member 'papawana' and he'll supply you with a schematic for your ride. Good luck T
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
You need to check the white wire for battery negative. That white wire goes to a multi-connector and then it joins other courtesy circuit white wires and then to the headlight switch for a return. Find where that multi connector is, use a VOM to check for continuity back to the lamp [white wire]. Contact CF member 'papawana' and he'll supply you with a schematic for your ride. Good luck T
