Engine compartment lights
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Hampstead NC
Engine compartment lights
These lights quit working in my 89. I have replaced the bulbs but I don't have any power at the sockets. Has any one trouble shot these before?
I can't figure out which circuit they are on nor where the switch is. My inside lights and headlights all work fine if that is any clue.
Any help would be appreciated
I can't figure out which circuit they are on nor where the switch is. My inside lights and headlights all work fine if that is any clue.
Any help would be appreciated
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 7
From: Morgan Hill and Marina California
The courtesy lights run off the same fuse, at least in an '87.
The orange wire at the bulbs should be always hot. The switch is
integral with each light. Trace the wires back to the connector. IIRC,
the connector is below the headlights.
The orange wire at the bulbs should be always hot. The switch is
integral with each light. Trace the wires back to the connector. IIRC,
the connector is below the headlights.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 580
Likes: 8
From: Clemson SC
If you don't have power at the socket, you might make sure the connection has not come loose at the connector that is in the right front under the hood (in the area kind of beneath where the headlight would normally be), i.e., same place you want to disconnect if you don't want the hood lights to kill your battery. Is it possible that someone was working on the car and did this on purpose?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
I gotta fix one of mine also. It's always been a bit persnickative. Aren't these triggered by mercury? Can they corrode inside? Can they be rebuilt/refurbished?
Seems like cracking them open would be a risk with liquid mercury.
Seems like cracking them open would be a risk with liquid mercury.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Norman OK
There is a 10A inline fuse in the system.
If you have a test light, connect the test light between terminal "b" (orange wire)and ground. If the test light lights up, the fuse is good and you have power to the light assembly. Next, connect the test light between terminal a and b. If the test light lights, the wiring is good and you either have a bad bulb or mercury switch. If not, you have lost the ground. (black wire).
You could also probably use a volt/ohm meter and check for 12 volts at terminal b and then check for continuity from pin a to ground.
On my 91 the fuse is down by the l/h marker light.
If you have a test light, connect the test light between terminal "b" (orange wire)and ground. If the test light lights up, the fuse is good and you have power to the light assembly. Next, connect the test light between terminal a and b. If the test light lights, the wiring is good and you either have a bad bulb or mercury switch. If not, you have lost the ground. (black wire).
You could also probably use a volt/ohm meter and check for 12 volts at terminal b and then check for continuity from pin a to ground.
On my 91 the fuse is down by the l/h marker light.
Last edited by OkieC4; Apr 4, 2011 at 01:43 AM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Hampstead NC
Thanks
I have recently had someone working the engine so I'll check with him and see if he happened to disconnect something. I only checked power where the lights snap in. So I'll pull the connector and check the wires directly. I have traced the wires down to the area by the headlights but haven't done much more because I wasn't sure about where the switch might be.
Thanks for the advice!
Thom
Thanks for the advice!
Thom
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Hampstead NC
Excellent advice
I found the connectors on either side disconnected the mechanic had pulled these when he was working on the engine. Made the connections and the lights work fine
Thank
Thank
