Another Lights Don't Work Thread

[1969VADart]

Now that my 69 build is done, I am also working with a friend who has a 69 Dodge Dart daily driver. He is not currently a member of FABO so I am posing this question for him. While out several nights ago, his parking lights, brake lights and dash lights all went dark. They were actually working but then just went out while going down the road. Headlights continued to work as did the turn signals and his backup lights. But no running lights (including rear) or dash lights. We have not had a chance to run a test light on the car yet, so I know that is a recommendation. We checked all the fuses and none were blown. We also checked the connection behind the kick panel and in the trunk, and they both appeared to be fine. Any other recommendations what we should consider? Headlamp switch, turn signal switch? The combination of lights that don't work is what has us confused. Thanks.

 

[TrailBeast]

Good chance it's the headlight switch or related connection since all the lights mentioned are all on the same circuit through the headlight switch.
You mentioned brakelights, and those are not so I suspect the brakelights didn't go out after all.
If they actually did, then I would also take a look at the back of the fuse box and make sure those connections are ok.
The brakelight circuit is always on whether the key is on or not, and so is the healight/tail and dash up to the switch only till the switch is turned on do they light.

Problem is, I don't know if they are both supplied by the same actual wiring because the brakelight power runs through the column and signal switch.
Since backup and signals worked I highly doubt it has anything at all to do with from the column to the back of the car but more like right under the dash or possibly between the main into the cabin and the headlight switch where power splits off to the brake lights switch.

I would start by following the dead brake light power wire till I found the loss.
Then check the headlight switch for power going in as well as out when the switch is turned on.

 

[1969VADart]

The brake lights do not come on at all. But similarly, the running lights as part of the tail lights don't come on either. Do I understand correctly that the headlight switch could effect the running lights in the rear (and that could thereby impact the brake lights)? We were leaning towards something at the fuse box since the dash lights also went out. But we haven't had a chance to run a test light on them yet. What through us off is the lights all were working, and then they weren't.

 

[krazykuda]

Check the headlight switch for a loose electrical connector. They commonly come loose then can't support the load due to bad connection, then melt the plastic connector.

Make sure each wire in all cavities is properly engaged and not pushed out a little...

Then follow the current path with a test light to see where the power and where it falls off...

Service manuals available here. Wiring diagrams in back of chapter 8:

MyMopar - Mopar Forums & Information - Service Manuals

 

[TrailBeast]

The brake lights do not come on at all. But similarly, the running lights as part of the tail lights don't come on either. Do I understand correctly that the headlight switch could effect the running lights in the rear (and that could thereby impact the brake lights)? We were leaning towards something at the fuse box since the dash lights also went out. But we haven't had a chance to run a test light on them yet. What through us off is the lights all were working, and then they weren't.

Yes, the headlight switch controls both, but not the brakelights as they are on their own supply not associated with the headlight switch at all.
Both headlight and running light circuits are hot up to the switch even when the car is off, so it makes sense to me that there is a main supply for both of them.
This is where I think the problem lies.
Very possibly even the tri spliced factory connection, so what I meant was to follow from the head light switch back into the system till you find where the power is again (there's the problem) between where there is and isn't power.
Should show power to the headlight switch with the key and everything off.

Wish Dell was here, cause he'd probably tell you right where the problem is.

 

[krazykuda]

The dash lights are connected to the tail lights. Check the fuse. If the dash lights all go out at once, then most likely the tail lights go with it...

I got pulled over for having no tail lights and the cop informed me of that... The dash lights were out, and I didn't realize that the tail lights were gone with them... Until he pulled me over...

 

[RedFish]

Headlight switch would be my guess also. It feeds the park lamps and dash illumination also.

 

[1969VADart]

Had a chance to run a test light. There is power into the headlight switch but none out to the tail lights. Jumped a wire from that hot-in and tail lights, parking lights and dash lights came on and the brake lights would light with the pedal pressed. He is picking up a new headlight switch tomorrow and we are going to start with that. Then we will see if that also cures the brake light problem. Thanks for the insight.

 

[krazykuda]

Headlight switch would be my guess also. It feeds the park lamps and dash illumination also.

yes, the connector for the switch can come loose and not get a good connection...

Then it heats up and melts the plastic housing and the wires get loose and not good connectivity...