Courtesy light issue 1969 convertible
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Courtesy light issue 1969 convertible
Hi all,
I have an issue with the courtesy lights on my (new for me) 1969 convertible, and I'm not sure where to start to troubleshoot.
If I open the driver's door, no courtesy lights come on.
If I open the passenger door, the passenger footwell and trunk lights turn on, but the driver's doesn't.
I have checked the globe in the driver's footwell and it is fine.
Are these 2 issues related, or do I have 2 separate issues?
Thanks!
I have an issue with the courtesy lights on my (new for me) 1969 convertible, and I'm not sure where to start to troubleshoot.
If I open the driver's door, no courtesy lights come on.
If I open the passenger door, the passenger footwell and trunk lights turn on, but the driver's doesn't.
I have checked the globe in the driver's footwell and it is fine.
Are these 2 issues related, or do I have 2 separate issues?
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,413
Likes: 1,824
From: Apple Valley, MN
Does the courtesy light switch even move in the driver’s door frame? Most likely a badly corroded switch that prevents the driver’s side to come on. Zip Corvette has repros.
I suspect you have 2 separate issues but get the first one resolved then tackle the other.
I suspect you have 2 separate issues but get the first one resolved then tackle the other.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,743
Likes: 1,385
Thistledew
Before you do do anything rotate the light switch fully counterclockwise (past the CLICK) and see what lights come on..... come back and tell us...
That will help narrow down the problem area.
Before you do do anything rotate the light switch fully counterclockwise (past the CLICK) and see what lights come on..... come back and tell us...
That will help narrow down the problem area.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Thanks carriljc. Today I learned that the light switch can turn past the click to enable the interior lights, thanks!
The driver and trunk lights came on when turning past the click.
I also took a closer look at the courtesy light switch in the driver door, it doesn't fully pop out by itself. With a little persuasion it pops out, and the lights turn on. Its late now but tomorrow I'll take a look at whether I can lubricate this mechanism to pop all the way out.
In fiddling with the lights, I've now managed to pull the orange wire out of the passenger bulb socket, so will also need to repair that.
So, my guess is that I need to lubricate the drivers side courtesy light switch (or replace if that doesn't work), and also repair my passenger socket. Once I've done these I'll let you know if I have all my lights working.
The driver and trunk lights came on when turning past the click.
I also took a closer look at the courtesy light switch in the driver door, it doesn't fully pop out by itself. With a little persuasion it pops out, and the lights turn on. Its late now but tomorrow I'll take a look at whether I can lubricate this mechanism to pop all the way out.
In fiddling with the lights, I've now managed to pull the orange wire out of the passenger bulb socket, so will also need to repair that.
So, my guess is that I need to lubricate the drivers side courtesy light switch (or replace if that doesn't work), and also repair my passenger socket. Once I've done these I'll let you know if I have all my lights working.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,743
Likes: 1,385
Thistledew
Sounds to me like the circuit works and you just may need to fix some leads and maybe some door switches and sockets..... Good job!
Sounds to me like the circuit works and you just may need to fix some leads and maybe some door switches and sockets..... Good job!
Thanks carriljc. Today I learned that the light switch can turn past the click to enable the interior lights, thanks!
The driver and trunk lights came on when turning past the click.
I also took a closer look at the courtesy light switch in the driver door, it doesn't fully pop out by itself. With a little persuasion it pops out, and the lights turn on. Its late now but tomorrow I'll take a look at whether I can lubricate this mechanism to pop all the way out.
In fiddling with the lights, I've now managed to pull the orange wire out of the passenger bulb socket, so will also need to repair that.
So, my guess is that I need to lubricate the drivers side courtesy light switch (or replace if that doesn't work), and also repair my passenger socket. Once I've done these I'll let you know if I have all my lights working.
The driver and trunk lights came on when turning past the click.
I also took a closer look at the courtesy light switch in the driver door, it doesn't fully pop out by itself. With a little persuasion it pops out, and the lights turn on. Its late now but tomorrow I'll take a look at whether I can lubricate this mechanism to pop all the way out.
In fiddling with the lights, I've now managed to pull the orange wire out of the passenger bulb socket, so will also need to repair that.
So, my guess is that I need to lubricate the drivers side courtesy light switch (or replace if that doesn't work), and also repair my passenger socket. Once I've done these I'll let you know if I have all my lights working.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4,248
From: US-PNW
Be careful if you pull the switch from the A-pillar. There are very tiny terminals on the wires into the switch that can be fragile. Since it works when manually forced to pop out, I'd try leaving it in place and using a spray electrical cleaner on the center plunger. It likely has old grease and dirt in there. Spray the cleaner and work the plunger until it frees up. Don't lube it afterwards as it's a switch that needs good contact from the pillar frame through the plunger to the wire terminals.
