Topic: courtesy lights
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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I read the post concerning the courtesy lights that wouldn't work, but I have the exact opposite problem. My courtesy lights won't go off when the doors are shut.
I checked to make sure the headlight switch wasn't turned all the way counter-clockwise, and it wasn't. Then I thought maybe the door switches (courtesy and door ajar) were bad so I replaced all of them with new terminal ends on the wires.
I checked to make sure the headlight switch wasn't turned all the way counter-clockwise, and it wasn't. Then I thought maybe the door switches (courtesy and door ajar) were bad so I replaced all of them with new terminal ends on the wires.
I had to remove the bulbs, because the courtesy lights stay on and won't turn off.
Any ideas what the problem might be?
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In my electrical diagram when you follow the courtesy light it leads to a switch for the door , then branches and heads to the headlight switch then heads to connector white wire. This is for a 75 don't know if that helps or not but maybe could trace backwards and find the problem. could you have some bare wires somewhere?
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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If all of the switches are good, and properly adjusted, then you have a short to ground, most likely somewhere close to the switch. Disconnect the door switches(at the front door jambs) completely, and see if the lights will go out. If they do, then one or both of the switches need adjustment. If the lights do not go out, you have a short to ground. 
|UPDATED|3/18/2018 7:06:04 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
It's possible the headlight switch is faulty, also.
|UPDATED|3/18/2018 7:06:04 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
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Disconnected both switches from the front and the lights stay on. The rear door switches have nothing to do with the courtesy lights?
The headlight switch was replaced about a year ago, so not sure it would be that. How would I check the head light switch to make sure it isn't faulty?
Also, what would the adjustment to the switches be? Just making sure the tips of the terminals protrude enough to make contact?
|UPDATED|3/18/2018 7:26:58 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
The headlight switch was replaced about a year ago, so not sure it would be that. How would I check the head light switch to make sure it isn't faulty?
Also, what would the adjustment to the switches be? Just making sure the tips of the terminals protrude enough to make contact?
|UPDATED|3/18/2018 7:26:58 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2465
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
Not only do they have to make contact, they have to push the end of the switch in far enough to disconnect the circuit. Thus the light loosing power and going out.
Lifetime MemberSHELBYVILLE, TN - USA
Joined: 7/5/2002
Posts: 3942
Vette(s): 1976 L48 auto
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
Glad you found the culprit... the rear door switches are for the car alarm/door ajar light... :)
StingrayJim 
NCM Lifetime Member #1936
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in Forum: C3 Electrical
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