66-Electrical prob. w/clock/courtesy lights??

[Keith B.]

NCRS Experts: HELP!!!

I have a 1966 L-36 with wiring problems that affect my clock and courtesy lights. The clock positive lead is dead [the ground lead when connected to a positive lead shows okay], the wiring manual(AIM) seems to show that it [the clock] is connected to the main head light switch?, yet I have no problem with the panel lights or head lights. The original car Manual would indicates that the clock would be connected to the instrument lights etc. fuse circuit, yet again these all work. The clock hot lead is "orange in code" and of course is a part of the main wire hareness. Question, if I can not trace the problem [but would like to] can I choose to run a new "hot lead" to the clock which is correct, wiring it to the head light switch or to the instrument lights?. Neither of these seem correct whereas the clock requires continuous power unless it is wired to the line [hot] side of the L/S................The other issue is that no matter what I do the 15 Amp fuse for the Courtesy light circuit will blow immediately when inserted into the fuse panel. When I recently purchased the car it had a burnt out 20 Amp fuse in the panel yet the Manuals would seem to indicate it should only be a 15 Amp. I tried another 20 Amp and it held for a few hours but then faulted. Again going back to the AIM wiring diagrams there does not seem to be anything other then the courtesy lights on that circuit? Other then rewiring these light are there any other suggestions???

Thank you in advance for any ideas in resolving these problems..

Cheers/Keith.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 66-Electrical prob. w/clock/courtesy lights??

Thats why your clock dont work. The courtesy and clock are on the same fuse along with some other items that need power all of the time. You need to find the short in that circuit. Its always good to check the bulbs in the courtesy lamps. People have a tendency to put the wrong bulbs in them. Check out each item on the circuit to find the culprit.

[Dave F.]

Re: 66-Electrical prob. w/clock/courtesy lights??

Keith,
Keep in mind that if you do choose to run separate wiring to your clock just so it will work, you are just treating the symptoms and not curing the disease. You still have a short circuit somewhere and are vulnerable to more complications. Find it and fix it is the best thing to do. Also, never put a higher rated fuse in a circuit - this also invites problems, even fire. If you aren't comfortable with doing this and don't know of a local pro, stop a cop and ask him who does the wiring on his cruiser. This is a tip I learned from NCRS member Jack Humphrey, and the first county cop I stopped and asked had me follow him to the shop he used, introduced me, and indicated a proper discount would be appreciated! Good luck!
Dave

[Rick S.]

Re: 66-Electrical prob. w/clock/courtesy lights??

Dave,
Keith is a cop!

[Dave F.]

How do you spell "Chagrin"?? *NM*

[Wayne K.]

Re: 66-Electrical prob. w/clock/courtesy lights??

Keith,

I don't have a manual handy but my memory tells me that the glove box light is on an always hot circuit and could also be on the same circuit you are having problems with. I've had some issues myself that led me to the bulb/socket switch for the glove box. If it is you might want to check there.

Wayne

[Keith B.]

Re: 66-Electrical prob. w/clock/courtesy lights??

Wayne: Funny, you mention this......my light switch in the glove box has problems and is not working now. I have ordered a new light glove switch from Corvette Central and maybe part or all of my problem stems from this area....Thanks Wayne...

Cheers/Keith.

[Keith B.]

Re: How do you spell "Chagrin"??

Dave: I had a good chuckle with your message. Rick's right I'am a member of the RCMP posted in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I do in fact know a few mechanics that work on our PC cruisers but as nice as guys as they are I would not let them near my 66. I thought I would ask here first before I try to find someone local who may have the electrical and technical background. I do want to find the short/fault and get my clock going. I just had Jerry at www.clockwks.com install a NOS Borg mech movement, lens, etc to my org clock...............thanks guys....much appreciate the feedback.

All the best in 2005,

Keith.

[Rick S.]

Re: How do you spell "Chagrin"??

Keith,
I am a retired cop and the last person I would allow to work on my car would be the companies we used to outfit our cars. I remember I picked up one of our new cars at the "radio shop" and right after I got in the car I noticed an odor of gas. Further examination revealed when they mounted something in the trunk they put a self-tapping screw thru the trunk floor into the gas tank! Seems like we changed "radio shops" every two years.

Regards,
Rick
P.S. Too bad no hockey this year, eh?

[William C.]

Re: 66-Electrical prob. w/clock/courtesy lights??

Don't overlook the possibility of the clock feed being grounded to the case.

[Dave F.]

Re: How do you spell "Chagrin"??

Well, my intentions were good. Give it a try yourself, if you have nothing better to do for the next few days. Nothing like ripping into the old wiring harnesses to settle your nerves!

[Gerard F.]

Cigar Lighter & Light - Best Guess

Keith,

My color wiring diagragm for a 67 shows the following items on the same hot circuit with the clock:

1. Cigarette lighter and light
2. RH Courtesy and Glove Box Light
3. LH Courtesy
4. Dome (coupe) and rear compartment
5. Flasher Hazard

On the grounded side are the two door switches, and a ground at the light switch.

My best bet is the cigarette lighter housing, as usually the most abused item subject to a grounding fault. (How's that Jack H, for a civil!)

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Jack H.]

There's obviously a fault....

if he's popping fuses in the branch circuit and that fault needs to be tracked, trapped and killed! It's a roll up your sleeves job that's always dull/boring and can be vexsome especially when faults lie inside a taped wiring harness....

[Roy B.]

Re: 66-Electrical prob. w/clock/courtesy lights??

Just had the same problem , turned out the cigarette light housing was shorting out when I used the lighter. (try disconnecting the hot wire to the lighter , then try a new fuse, if the fuse works the lighter housing is bad.

[Keith B.]

Everyone- Thank-you - it's fixed!!!!!!

Gentlemen: Thank-you very much for all the input. Six hours in garage today with my 66. I had a exposed wire grounding out at the glove box switch light socket AND for those who told me to check the bulbs...THANK-YOU!! The orginal owner who I bought the car from had the wrong # light bulbs (single point on bottom) rather than correct double pointed end and #90 bulbs that my manual stated was correct. Fixed the glove box wiring and put in new correct bulbs and WOW!! I now have courtesy lights and power to my clock!!!

Best Christmas present I got was today!!!! Thank-you guys!!!

Keith.