HELP! 1974 Corvette Courtesy Lights
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
HELP! 1974 Corvette Courtesy Lights
I recently began work on the interior lights of my 1974 Corvette. I bought brand new bulbs and after testing them out, the courtesy lights do not work. This includes the two footlights and the rear dome light. After some testing it would appear that the lights are on the same circuit, but they dont have power or a ground. Does anyone know of a fuse I need to change or have any idea what to do? Any help would be appreciated!
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,541
Likes: 24,831
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Moved to C3 Tech.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 729
Likes: 118
From: Kelowna British Columbia
The courtesy lights turn on two ways. With the door switch or by turning headlight switchall the way to the left? Does either method work? If your fuse and bulbs are good you are going to have to use your test light and follow the circuit from switch. You get the ground from the door switches or headlight switch and positive should be on bulbs all the time from fuse. I included a wiring diagram from a 73 which I hope is the same but gives you an idea. Suggest you get one for your car. They are offered free on forum. Good luck!
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I have to get a spring for the door jam switch so I will get back to you when I get it installed, but I directly ran power and a ground to the circuit. The right floor light didnt turn on but the left one and the dome light turned on. Im not exactly sure what that means but I will have to do some testing. Thanks
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I finally got my door jam switch installed and the courtesy lights still dont work. I dont know if there is a fuse behind the instrument panel I need to change or if the wiring has just kicked the bucket. If you have any ideas, just throw them at me because I am willing to try anything at this point. Thanks for all the help thus far!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 408
From: Greer, SC
Could be the courtesy light timer. It's above the glove compartment and it's and orange box. Mine was bad and the lights would not go off. I got a replacement for about 80 bucks and now they work fine. You can also get a bypass board that just turns the lights on when the door is open and shuts them when the door closes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,431
Likes: 1,561
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
#2 Did you check on the CLIPS that hold the CLK LTR CTSY fuse?
#3 there is no delay timer on your '74.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I ran the power from a line underneath the shifter. There was a fuse that i took out then i held a wire on it then ran it over to the left foot light wire. I did the same with the ground but i just ran it to the frame. The fuse clips are good by the way.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Could be the courtesy light timer. It's above the glove compartment and it's and orange box. Mine was bad and the lights would not go off. I got a replacement for about 80 bucks and now they work fine. You can also get a bypass board that just turns the lights on when the door is open and shuts them when the door closes.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0