65 JG Question on Courtesy Lights/Dome Light

[Michael S.]

The 65 JG says that with the doors closed, rotating the headlight switch fully counter-clockwise past the detent position may illuminate the courtesy lights and dome light (coupe). When doing an ops check on my 65 coupe, the courtesy lights and dome light come on when either door is open, but they do not come on when I rotate the headlight switch to the fully counter-clockwise position. Why does the JG use the word may? I am wondering if I have a headlight switch problem or do I have a headlight switch that does not operate the courtesy lights and dome light. What is acceptable for flight judging? Thanks for any help.

[Lawrence M.]

Re: 65 JG Question on Courtesy Lights/Dome Light

Michael, the 1965 owners manual on page 15 states " They (courtesy lights) may also be lighted by turning the headlight switch fully counterclockwise past the slight resistance." May be a problem with your headlight switch.

Larry

[Peter L.]

Re: 65 JG Question on Courtesy Lights/Dome Light

Michael - I suspect it's the switch because the interior lights are supposed to come on when the knob is rotated to the full counter clockwise position. BTW, does the knob rotation change the brightness of the dash lights. If not, then there is probably a problem with the rheostat wire so the switch probably needs replacement so that operation is functional.

Rather than mess around I suggest you get a new switch and see if that solves the problem. I think NAPA still carries a suitable replacement. I hate to suggest just changing parts but in this case it might be the quickest way to troubleshoot your problem and most likely solve it.

Good luck, Pete

[Jack H.]

Re: 65 JG Question on Courtesy Lights/Dome Light

"Why does the JG use the word may?"

That's probably a Freudian slip in the text of the JG. Most likely the result of continuing edit over the years.

But, it's actually rather prophetic because you won't be the last who has a worn original HL switch where the dimmer portion of the switch is worn out, broken, or badly oxidized resulting in a 'may' versus 'should' performance profile!

[Edward S.]

Re: 65 JG Question on Courtesy Lights/Dome Light

Not that I have so many judging points but my 65 and others I have judge all have had the courtesy lights and dome light go on when turning the knob all the way to the left after the indent. I would say your problem lies within the switch. Good luck

[Wayne M.]

Re: 65 JG Question on Courtesy Lights/Dome Light

....a worn original HL switch where the dimmer portion of the switch is worn out, broken, or badly oxidized resulting in a 'may' versus 'should' performance profile!

Here's an NOS 1965 '131' headlight switch. Notice the nylon cam, which when rotated CCW contacts the copper/brass strip and grounds it to the cad plated case. This turns on the interior lights, just as when you open a door, the switch in the door jamb grounds to the birdcage.

My intermitent problem was corrosion at the contact point of the strip to the case -- a little Dremel brushing was all that was required to correct.

[Michael S.]

Re: 65 JG Question on Courtesy Lights/Dome Light

Thanks to all who have responded. It seems like I really posted a dumb question. But after refering to the 65 JG many times over the last year in preparation for flight judging, I obviously took the word "may" too literal. I guess that can happen sometimes when you are trying to ensure your car is correct in every way per the guide. Anyway, I replaced the original headlight switch with a new one tonight and now the courtesy lights and dome light work with the switch as they should.

[Michael H.]

Re: 65 JG Question on Courtesy Lights/Dome Light

Thanks to all who have responded. It seems like I really posted a dumb question. But after refering to the 65 JG many times over the last year in preparation for flight judging, I obviously took the word "may" too literal. I guess that can happen sometimes when you are trying to ensure your car is correct in every way per the guide. Anyway, I replaced the original headlight switch with a new one tonight and now the courtesy lights and dome light work with the switch as they should.

Good to hear the problem is corrected.

Now I have a question for you. Did you replace the switch with a correct original 131 Delco or was it the current replacement switch, the 179?
If the current replacement, are the dash lights as bright as they were when the original switch was still installed?
I've heard the replacement switch has a different resistance value and the result is dim lights/lamps.
I have that exact problem in my 66 with a replacement 179 and wondered if that was the problem. Thanks.

[Michael S.]

Re: 65 JG Question on Courtesy Lights/Dome Light

I did not install a Delco switch to replace the original. I installed a replacement type switch that I bought from O'Reilly Auto Parts. The replacement switch is numbered S415 and is manufactured by BWD Automotive. The dash lights look just as bright now with the replacement switch as compared to the old switch.

[Michael H.]

Re: 65 JG Question on Courtesy Lights/Dome Light

I did not install a Delco switch to replace the original. I installed a replacement type switch that I bought from O'Reilly Auto Parts. The replacement switch is numbered S415 and is manufactured by BWD Automotive. The dash lights look just as bright now with the replacement switch as compared to the old switch.

Ok, thanks Michael. Maybe someone else with a 65-67 has had the same issue?

If not, it must be something else (poor ground?) in my car.