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Topic: 1968 Courtesy Lights will not turn off

in Forum: C3 Electrical

1968 Courtesy Lights will not turn off

Posted: 8/8/20 8:54am Message 1 of 8
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Auburn, WA - USA
Joined: 8/8/2020
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette 454ci 4 speed

The courtesy lights on my 1968 Vette will not turn off.  Ideas on how to trouble shoot?




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Re: 1968 Courtesy Lights will not turn off

Posted: 8/8/20 5:42pm Message 2 of 8
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day. 2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray

I would check the two door switches and then the headlight switch cuz those are the three locations that can turn the lights on.




1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: 1968 Courtesy Lights will not turn off

Posted: 8/8/20 6:45pm Message 3 of 8
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Auburn, WA - USA
Joined: 8/8/2020
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette 454ci 4 speed

I just bought this car.  Should the headlight switch “click” when you turn it?  My switch doesn’t click.




Re: 1968 Courtesy Lights will not turn off

Posted: 8/8/20 6:54pm Message 4 of 8
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Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1522
Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.
fivejah said:

I just bought this car.  Should the headlight switch “click” when you turn it?  My switch doesn’t click.



If you turn it to the left, do the courtesy lights go off?




   

Re: 1968 Courtesy Lights will not turn off

Posted: 8/8/20 7:02pm Message 5 of 8
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Auburn, WA - USA
Joined: 8/8/2020
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette 454ci 4 speed

No. I’m thinking the switch is defective.  I wonder how difficult it is to replace.




Re: 1968 Courtesy Lights will not turn off

Posted: 8/11/20 10:05am Message 6 of 8
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Eagle, ID - USA
Joined: 11/7/2003
Posts: 2
Vette(s): 1971 Convertible, LS5, 4sp, PS, AC, PW, Brands Hatch Green w/Green Interior 2015 Coupe Auto, Z51 Shark Gray w/Kalahari interior

Been there done that and it is a real pain to replace the switch. While you can remove the 3 screws in the top, and 2 on each side and try to pry it down far enough to get to the push pin to remove the switch rod you run the risk of cracking the instrument pad and or the dash pad. You will also  probably have to drop the steering column. There are also 2 vacuum lines attached to the switch which can compound the problem depending on their length.  I would remove remove both door switches first to make sure those aren't the problem. They are spring loaded to on. It could be that they are simply out of adjustment. The door switches are located in the front door jams, if you have switches in the rear door jams those are for the alarm if installed.

Good luck

Dave

71 ls5 covert



|UPDATED|8/11/2020 10:05:27 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|



Dave Erickson 71 Convertible

Re: 1968 Courtesy Lights will not turn off

Posted: 8/11/20 10:07am Message 7 of 8
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Auburn, WA - USA
Joined: 8/8/2020
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette 454ci 4 speed

Thanks Dave!




Re: 1968 Courtesy Lights will not turn off

Posted: 8/12/20 9:43am Message 8 of 8
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Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1522
Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.

I just went out and tried my switch.  If I turn it all the way to the left, the courtesy lights come on but I don't have a detent that keeps them on.  So if I let go of the knob, the lights go out.

All the way to the right turns the instrument lights down to low intensity.

But.....my owners manual says there should be a detent to keep the courtesy lights on, all the way counterclockwise (left).

Just love these old cars...

Keep telling yourself......"It's a hobby!"

🤣




   

in Forum: C3 Electrical


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