Hi everyone,

just got myself a nice '86 C4. Most on it is still original, but she's gone through a lot of repairs.
Actually has a real hot start problem, think I can clear that... just need to get new tools that fit on this car! So my primary issue is this:
She was imported to germany a long time ago, and the last 3 owners (or one of them?) really messed up the wiring of the lights! Wiring looks like crap and lights surely do not work as they were supposed to, neither in US nor Europe. I'd like to get everything back to original.
So I got myself some wiring diagrams, well.. may sound stupid, but I'm familiar with european car's light systems, not american. Just don't know what light should do what and when - especially those on the sides.
Could someone tell me what all the lights are for?
Think my english isn't too bad, but may not be perfect. Sorry for that

 

Here is some info and schematics from my 86 service manual.
Let me know if you need more help, but these pages do describe the operation of each circuit.

http://members.shaw.ca/dankai/Exterior%20Lights.pdf

 

Would you be a little more specific in what your looking for? Not sure if asking how the lights should be wired or what the lights should do when on.

I assume you are asking what they should do when operating. What lights should blink when the hazards and blinkers are on and what lights should stay steady in the same situation. Is that what you are asking?

 

Yes that's what I wanted to know.
@AGENT 86, thanks! wiring diagrams are the same I got, but that description helps a LOT.

So is that right, turn signal on and breaking will leave the traffic behind me with no turn signals on the rear lamps??

 

No.

Brake lights with turn signal will have:

1. Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL or 3rd brake light) lit
2. Turn signal flashing on designated side (both lights)
3. Opposite side solidly lit (both lights)

 

In addition to the above. If the headlights/parking lights are lit and turn signal and brake applied you will have;

1. Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL or 3rd brake light) lit
2. Turn signal flashing on designated side (both lights) with bright side of dual filament bulb alternating with low filament side. In other words alternating both bulbs bright then dim back to bright. Low filament stay constant on while high filament flashes.
3. Opposite side solidly lit (both lights) with bright side and low side of dual element bulb

 

I'll try - with the HLS (headlamp switch) off of course there would be no displays except the "stop lamps" if the brake pedal was depressed or if the HAZARD SWITCH was activated on the steering column.

The exterior lamps are: on the front bumper lower a combination lamp on either side is a park/turn and a fog, on the side front is an amber/clear lamp that the amber is a side-marker and the clear is a cornering light, on the rear sides there's red/clear and the red is a side-marker and the clear is a side back-up lamp, on the rear is four red stop-tail, 2 clear back-up and license lights tucked up in under, it should also have a spare tire light but of little concern for your project. An '86 will also have a CHMSL (Center High Mounted Stop Light) that would only function with the brake pedal applied.

WITH THE KEY OFF

With HLS pulled to first detent that is what we reference parking lamps and you should have the amber front sides, the red rear sides, four red tails, fronts on the bumper and the license light. The next detent "all the way out" you should have all of the same PLUS the head lamps should open and light.

THE HAZARD SWITCH

would light the front lamps in the bumper, the amber front sides, the rear red sides and the "brighter filament "on the rear tails.

WITH KEY ON

All mentioned previously should work PLUS the turn signals left & right when activated. Left turn would light the front bumper left, the front left side amber, the left rear red and the "brighter filament" of the left lamps in the rear bumper. The right turn would do similar. If the HLS was also ON the front clears on each side would light in addition to those mentioned.

IN REVERSE

The clear back-up lamps should light and IF the HLS is on then the clears on the rear right/left would also light.

That's basically I believe how it all works. I don't know that I over looked any thing and I didn't include the FOG light intentionally.

THE FOGS

If the HLS is on that would activate the Fog Light Switch so that the additional 2 lamps in the front bumper would light.

It might be good if you had an "OWNERS MANUAL" also. I don't know if AGENT86 has that or not electronically. You might ask him BUT I believe that I do have substantial '86 information including owners, the FSM and some other publications regarding an '86. I need to find it but I could maybe try to figure out how to "DROP BOX" it.

I've PM'd you.

 

BJoe,
Where are you located? It may be that you will get caught in the European inspection system and have to rewire in order to pass various inspections that require amber turn lights in the rear, clear running lights in front, a red rear auxiliary fog light, city beams for your headlights, turn signal repeater lights on the fenders etc.

You may need to check the local regulations before you return everything to stock USA specs! Just relived a nightmare I had when stationed in the UK with a US spec car... took all summer to collect and install the parts to pass their MOT.