fuse or wha?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Long Island ny
fuse or wha?
hello all, I got stopped n ticketed yesterday because i had no tail lights. I Don't have any tail ligts,sidemarkers and the dimming of my dash does not work. Although i DO have break lights, Headlights amd turning signals...any1 with a possible remedy? Would appreciate all the input, thanx.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
In most cars, the loss of dash lights indicates a blown fuse that also controls the tail lamp circuit. You probably have a blown fuse.
It should be plainly visible when you pull the fuse. The wire inside will show about a 1/16" break where it melted.
It should be plainly visible when you pull the fuse. The wire inside will show about a 1/16" break where it melted.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 1
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
What a coincedence!
I had a similar electrical short which I tracked down today (I think!)
No dash lights
Tail lamp fuse blows.
Extra Note: The fuse blows when I go to the full CCW position.
2 Little plastic bits (1) broke off cylinder (2) allowing shaft (7) to come in contact with dimmer wiper (3).
The dimmer wiper (3) picks up 12 volts off the spring (5) and outputs it on the center contact (4).
When you turn full CCW, the wiper (3) contacts the 12V post (11).
Therefore, the full 12V is on the wiper which is shorted to the shaft (7).
Internally, the shaft snaps into the contact carrier in hole (8).
On top of the contact carrier, is the position clicker.
The bump rides in the depressions on the housing (10).
When the **** is turned full CCW, the bump on (2) pushes the switch contact arm (6) up against the housing (10).
The switch contact arm (6) is the ground return for instrument panel.
Remember how the housing (10) was live because the little plastic bits broke off and the shaft has 12V on it?
Well as soon as you turn it full CCW, 12V meets ground and the fuse blows.
New switch on order.
Will update if anyones interested.
No dash lights
Tail lamp fuse blows.
Extra Note: The fuse blows when I go to the full CCW position.
2 Little plastic bits (1) broke off cylinder (2) allowing shaft (7) to come in contact with dimmer wiper (3).
The dimmer wiper (3) picks up 12 volts off the spring (5) and outputs it on the center contact (4).
When you turn full CCW, the wiper (3) contacts the 12V post (11).
Therefore, the full 12V is on the wiper which is shorted to the shaft (7).
Internally, the shaft snaps into the contact carrier in hole (8).
On top of the contact carrier, is the position clicker.
The bump rides in the depressions on the housing (10).
When the **** is turned full CCW, the bump on (2) pushes the switch contact arm (6) up against the housing (10).
The switch contact arm (6) is the ground return for instrument panel.
Remember how the housing (10) was live because the little plastic bits broke off and the shaft has 12V on it?
Well as soon as you turn it full CCW, 12V meets ground and the fuse blows.
New switch on order.
Will update if anyones interested.
Last edited by Kilroy1024; May 16, 2006 at 11:38 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 1
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
Originally Posted by bogus
Kilroy, that's a great write up!
Its actually a C3 headlight switch problem.
Oh well, the electrical stuff might be pretty similar, and it might be useful.
You might see the same post in C3.
Last edited by Kilroy1024; May 16, 2006 at 11:51 PM.
