WillBilly53 Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 (edited) So while I'm awaiting the starter to be fixed at the shop and learning about carburetors, I'm focusing on the electrical. I got the original am sonomatic radio installed and working. I don't have instrument lights, map lights nor turn signals (on the outside nor the indicators in the speedometer housing.) I've got headlights with the beam selector switch working correctly and taillights work as well. I can't test the brake lights just yet, as the new brake system is dry. Was wondering if someone has a run down of some troubleshooting for this. I figured I'd first start with the dash lights. I've got all brand new bulbs and new wiring harness. I've got 2 original light switches, same results with either one. I'm guessing the rheostat must be toasted, but is there a way to by-pass that to see if the wiring and bulbs are working and that the switch itself may be the culprit? I've tested the voltage with a multimeter at the 3 terminals at the back of the light switch and I get a 12 volt reading, but at the dash light and map light terminals on the switch, I get a .01 reading which I assume is the problem. I've tried bending the lead from the rheostat to the middle terminal (taillights and license plate light) as to not make the connection, but that doesn't work either.As for the turn signal, I'm going to try a new flasher unit for the fuse panel tomorrow.Does anyone have any tips or thoughts as far as the instrument lights are concerned?I'm really hoping to drive Naomi up to the BCAs near my hometown in Concord/Charlotte this year.edit: the turn signal indicators are in the amperage/oil temp gauge (left) and the gas/oil level gauge (right) not the speedometer as I stated. Edited February 10, 2012 by WillBilly53 incorrect information (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Are the light bulb sockets set into the instrument panel, or hanging free?If hanging freely, then you don't have a ground. When the socket is installed in the instrument cluster, then the circuit is completed. If you have a test wire with allegator clips on the ends you may want to attach one end to one of the tabs that hold the socket in place in the instrument cluster, and then ground the other end to bare metal around the dash board somewhere, and then try your lights again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 Thanks John. Some are dangling and some are installed. I did try what you suggested and still nothing. Was wondering, the light switch is dangling too and thought maybe that it needs to be grounded as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 Turn signals on the outside work! Put in a new flasher in the fuse panel and voila. However the indicator lights inside still don't. The instrument lights still aren't working either. Back to the garage... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Since you have jumper wires, hook one end to one side of the rheostat, and then touch the other side of it with the other end. That should bypass the rheostat and the dash lights should work, if they are grounded. I don't think the light switch has to be grounded. The power should come in and be distributed through the switch when the lights are activated. Each light bulb should be individually grounded to complete it's circuit. You may also want to check your wiring diagram instructions to make sure you have the proper wire for the dash lights hooked to the proper terminal on the switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted February 8, 2012 Author Share Posted February 8, 2012 hmmmm... still nothing. however, i did manage to get the hi-beam indicator and turn signal indicators inside to work! i've got the wiring diagram from the original manual and the ynz's wiring harness instructions/diagram and have everything correct that I can see. truly baffled. guess i'll keep going through it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Then use the jumper wire to hook the light switch power supply directly to the output side of the rheostat, and the lights should work. Even with the switch off. Don't hold it long. Just see if any light up. If they still don't work I'd get some new bulbs. If they do work, you may want to dissassemble one of your switches and disconnect the rheostat, hooking the two wires together so that it's out of play all the time. I did this on my 56 as I like the dashboard lights bright. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted February 8, 2012 Author Share Posted February 8, 2012 awesome! now we are in business. Thanks for your help John. I got the lights working. now i'm gonna take apart one of the switches as you suggested, because i want mine bright as well. sweet victory! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithbrother Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 "THE GLORY OF VICTORY, THE AGONY OF DEFEAT". Good for you,Dale in Indy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stealthbob Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Its times like this when I think of one of my favorite Churchill Quotes:"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another without loss of enthusiasm"You sure have had your trials with your project but you haven't let it get you down...now you get to enjoy a small victory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillBilly53 Posted February 9, 2012 Author Share Posted February 9, 2012 I really do relish these sweet little victories. going on 10 years now I've been working on her off and on. We've lived in 4 different towns all over the southeast so it's amazing that I've kept up with her all this time. Looking forward to actually driving her for the first time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Glad that worked for you. Also glad to see that you have a committment to this car. I can't wait to see your post when you take it for the inaugeral road test. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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