69 Interior light question

[Thomas Christopher]

My interior lights won't turn on when the light switch is turned in the fully counter-clockwise position. Where is the ground for this. Everything else works as it's suppose to. Dash lights work and dim properly, headlight system works fine, just the interior courtesy lights. They work fine when either door opens. Thanks in advance for the help.

T. Christopher sends... 69 Cortez Silver 350/350 4 Speed Roadster

[Wayne M.]

Re: 69 Interior light question

Thomas --- Assuming the switch construction is basically the same as the '65, I've found that symptom to be due to poor contact of the metal switch base with the spring steel "finger" that is pushed down by the plastic/nylon cam on the switch shaft. Sometimes it's corrosion, and occasionally dust accumulation. Usually have to remove the switch and clean the contact location.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 Interior light question

Thomas and Wayne-----

The 65 and 69 switches are similar with respect to the function and configuration that Wayne described and I expect that his suggestion will cure your problem. In any event, I hope it does inasmuch as the 68-76 headlight switch is GM-discontinued. There are still some around, though.

[Thomas Christopher]

Re: 69 Interior light question

So you're saying to take out the headlight switch, take it apart, and clean the contacts inside? Is this correct?

Once the switch is out, is it difficult to take apart? How big of job am I looking at here?

Thanks again. Tom

[Wayne M.]

Re: 69 Interior light question

Thomas --- The biggest job is taking the light switch out. Once that's done, it becomes obvious what has to be cleaned (the contact point between the spring steel "finger" and the bottom of the metal case holding the black plastic electrical contact block. The parts are exposed (nothing to disassemble); should take all of 2 minutes to clean and check electrical continuity before re-installation.

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 Interior light question

Tom,

For cleaning of the contacts for the interior lights you MAY not need to remove the headlamp switch.

Try removing the top dash pad - There is lots more of the interior that may need to come out to get it out unless you think yours is as supple as it was when new (and who of us still is?). With top dash pad out, remove the two screws in the door jamb that hold the driver's side dash pad (the pad with the speedometer and tach and light switch). Pull the driver's dash pad toward you a few inches at the upper outside corner - be gentle. You ought to have very good access to headlamp switch for contact cleaning.

Next step would be removal of the wiring connector and switch knob and switch if needed.

Good luck, go slowly and carefully.

Terry

[Thomas Christopher]

Thanks Everyone.

I'll give it a try.

Tom