No clock or heater/AC controls backlighting

[James W.]

I am in the process of reinstalling my dash components after having the speedo, tach, clock, radio & speaker rebuilt and to replace the heater core. I have reinstalled the upper a/c control pull cables, the heater control pull cables, radio speaker, clock and the gauge cluster. Before I go any further I decided to test the gauge cluster lights for proper operation. All the gauge cluster lights, dome light, courtesy and glove box light work and also the clock itself.

The backlighting bulbs for the clock and the a/c and heater controls do not light when the headlight switch is pulled to the on position.

The components that are not installed yet are the radio, glove box assembly, heater box and the steering column.

I have not researched the wiring diagram yet but I would think that if the clock and heater & A/C controls backlighting would be in the same circuit as the gauge cluster lights. These lights worked before they were removed.

What have I missed?

Any help would be greatly apreciated.


Thanks,

James West

[John H.]

Re: No clock or heater/AC controls backlighting

James -

The "torpedo" lights for the heater/AC controls are grounded by the upturned end of their integral clip touching the outside of the clock case; the clock must be installed and connected in order to provide a ground path for the lights.

[James W.]

Re: No clock or heater/AC controls backlighting

John,

Thanks for the quick response. I did not bother to check anything last night since it was so late when I got to the point of being ready to test the lights. I'll take a good look at the torpedo light mounting clips to be sure they are in contact with the clock case.

Your help is very much appreciated.


Best Regards,

James West

[James W.]

Re: No clock or heater/AC controls backlighting

John,

You were right on the money and I also did not have the clock power feed wire attached correctly i.e. I missed one of te spades when I installed it the first time.

Everything works now!

Thanks again,

James West

[Steven A.]

Re: No clock or heater/AC controls backlighting

Hey James. Your post inspired me to figure out why my heater bezels in my 66 non-A/C were never lit. I discovered that the little torpedo had lost its clip and was just hanging unattached. I ordered a new torpedo and the little green cover to go over it which finally showed up today. My question is if there is any trick to getting the green cover over the end of the torpedo. The cap is a smaller diameter than the torpedo. It appears that it strecthes somewhat, but after waiting several weeks for it to show up I thought I'd better ask before I damage it.

Thanks.

[Louis T.]

Re: No clock or heater/AC controls backlighting

Steven,

Try soaking the green cover in some hot water for a few minutes.

Louis

[James W.]

Re: No clock or heater/AC controls backlighting

Hey James. Your post inspired me to figure out why my heater bezels in my 66 non-A/C were never lit. I discovered that the little torpedo had lost its clip and was just hanging unattached. I ordered a new torpedo and the little green cover to go over it which finally showed up today. My question is if there is any trick to getting the green cover over the end of the torpedo. The cap is a smaller diameter than the torpedo. It appears that it strecthes somewhat, but after waiting several weeks for it to show up I thought I'd better ask before I damage it.

Thanks.

Steve,

It will stretch to fit over the torpedo, just be careful. As mentioned in the other reply, a little hot water won't hurt either.


Thanks,

James West

[Steven A.]

Re: No clock or heater/AC controls backlighting

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the helpful advice.