Topic: Interior lights will not work
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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the wiring diagram was great!!!
thanks,
looking at it i see only one wire on the right switch (passenger side)
two wires on the left switch.
replaced both switches and connectors
now i have to find the ground which looks like it goes to the ignition switch.
Will get it fixed and keep you posted.
thanks again.
Paul
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The black wire going to the ignition switch connector goes up to the Key In Warning buzzer, on the back of the key cylinder. It will have no effect on whether or not the courtesy lights work. The buzzer sounds if you open the door with the key still in the ignition, to remind you to take your key with you. That is why that wire is only on the driver side door switch.
The switches at the rear of the door, on the "B" pillar(where the latch is) are what actually work the interior lights in the rear compartment. The front switches only operate the front courtesy lamps. I assume you have checked the fuses, right?
The switches at the rear of the door, on the "B" pillar(where the latch is) are what actually work the interior lights in the rear compartment. The front switches only operate the front courtesy lamps. I assume you have checked the fuses, right?
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Adams' Apple said: The black wire going to the ignition switch connector goes up to the Key In Warning buzzer, on the back of the key cylinder. It will have no effect on whether or not the courtesy lights work. The buzzer sounds if you open the door with the key still in the ignition, to remind you to take your key with you. That is why that wire is only on the driver side door switch.
The switches at the rear of the door, on the "B" pillar(where the latch is) are what actually work the interior lights in the rear compartment. The front switches only operate the front courtesy lamps. I assume you have checked the fuses, right?
The switches at the rear of the door, on the "B" pillar(where the latch is) are what actually work the interior lights in the rear compartment. The front switches only operate the front courtesy lamps. I assume you have checked the fuses, right?
Never knew that about the rear switches; thought they were just for the alarm! There's a lot on that fuse BTW; clock, cigar lighter, curtesy lights.
2012101154624r.jpg)
Build Date: May 7, 1975. 383 w/267 RWHP/310 RWTQ
The Interior lts have power and are looking for a ground, the door switch is the ground when screwed into the pillar. the sw with 2 wires is providing a ground for the lts and the key buzzer the does the key left in buzzer work?
1 wire switch is just a ground for lts
do the lts come on when the headlight sw is turn all the way counter clockwise ?
you can grnd the wire at the dr switches (to good ground point)
Hope this helps
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Case75 said:Never knew that about the rear switches; thought they were just for the alarm! There's a lot on that fuse BTW; clock, cigar lighter, curtesy lights.
Remember, we are discussing a '71 model here....not all of them had alarms, since it was still an option at that time. If it does happen to have an alarm, the wiring is a little different, but not much.
According to the wiring diagram for the '71 w/o alarm, the rear door switches only operate the rear compartment lamps.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
We did finally get this fixed in addition to other items that did not work.
the right jamb switch has only one wire= the left side 2.
after removing the entire dash we found the ground wire on the left side. it is just below the headlight switch.
cleaned the ground and fixed the interior lights.
the original clock also started working ---- almost fell over.
It also keeps good time.
One problem left. fixed a lot of wiring and found a green wire that was cut. figured out it goes to the reverse lights. connected everything and fixed harness to the reverse lights. Now they stay on all of the time.
any help with that one???
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Check the reverse light switch on the transmission...it may not be connected to the linkage, it may be faulty, or there may be a short in the wiring for it.
Glad you got your interior lights working!
Glad you got your interior lights working!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Adams' Apple said: Check the reverse light switch on the transmission...it may not be connected to the linkage, it may be faulty, or there may be a short in the wiring for it.
Glad you got your interior lights working!
Glad you got your interior lights working!
I fixed my constantly getting out of adjustment backup light switch by removing the bulbs.
I installed lighted switch under dash for my back ups after repeated attempts to get new back up light switch to work properly...would either stay on all the time or off all the time.
202010261047r.jpg)
DanT
Lifetime MemberNew Port Richey, FL - USA
Joined: 4/2/2005
Posts: 34
Vette(s): 1979 Yellow L-82 Auto - SOLD 1994
1992 White ZO7 6 Spd - SOLD 1998
1978 Silver Anniversary L-82 4 Spd - SOLD 2006
1979 Silver L-82 4 Spd - 18,451 miles 1 owner car, found having been in storage 20 years. Purchased in 2010.
Great read,
After fixing a bunch of mysterious wires in my Vette as discussed in other topics I have most of my electrical issues resolved.
EXCEPT 1... My issue is my interior over head courtesy light will not turn off... any ideas?
Thanks
G.T�
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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