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This may seem like a strange question, so let me say this first. I purchased this car as a fix up project, pretty much a basket case, left for dead. I just about have the engine running well and a lot of the mechanicals, so now i'm redoing the interior and driveability stuff. I checked all the lights and the only exterior ones that don't work are the side markers. so here's the question?
When do the side markerss come on and how? I'm guessing the turn signals should activate the turn signal piece of the side lights, but the other one, the bright one, when does that come on? I ask becasue none of them work, never did. I haven't checked, but before I buy all new bulbs or start tearing into wiring, I figure I better know how they're supposed to operate.
Thaks for any help. never thought I'd get this far with the project, the goal is to be driving by memorial day, so far I'm on track.....
They all (front & rear) operate thru the headlight switch from the TAIL fuse. If the front parking lights (not blinkers) are bad, the fronts won't work. I hope that makes sense.
The rears are not dependent on any other bulbs.
Well, not so god with electrical diagrams, but knowing the light switch is what turns them on, is very helpful. Looking at the wiring diagrams helps a little. All my side marker lights and blinkers apear to be out. I'll start with the obvious first, the bulbs, and work it from there. All the other outside lights work. Like I said, this car was a mess when I got it, kind of surprized any of the lights worked.
Keep in mind you might confuse the forward bright "turning lights" with markers too. They are like baby headlights that shine to the side when you turn a corner, for them to be on, the headlights need to be on, then you need to turn the signal left or right to bring the left or right bright on. Could be wrong as I haven't driven mine at night (same boat as you, fixer upper) but you might also need to be in gear along with the above.
OK. gotcha. When I get home, I'l verify. I figured the lights would have to be on, not sure if it needed to be in gear. I'll give that a shot before I start replacing bulbs. Thanks.
Keep in mind you might confuse the forward bright "turning lights" with markers too. They are like baby headlights that shine to the side when you turn a corner, for them to be on, the headlights need to be on, then you need to turn the signal left or right to bring the left or right bright on. Could be wrong as I haven't driven mine at night (same boat as you, fixer upper) but you might also need to be in gear along with the above.
The bright side turning lights only go on when the steering column turn signal is activated AND the headlights are on. Backup lights go on when you put the gear shift in reverse.
You are on the right track; check out all the bulbs and fuses first and then proceed to the flashers & turnsignal switch.