Hi all; I recently removed my instrument panel and had the chrome replated. I am now trying to reinstall the instrument panel and I am having some issues that I need help with. First, the headlights will not come on. The parking lights, hazards, etc. work fine. What would cause the headlights not to work? I checked all fuses and they are o.k. I was able to turn the headlights on prior to reinstalling the instruments panel. Second, when I pull the headlight knob all the way out, the blinkers will not operate. If anyone can help (I really need a picture or diagram of a properly installed lightswitch!) I would appreciate it. I guess I should have been more careful noting what was where when I removed the lightswitch mechanism from the instrument panel. Thanks all and HAPPY 2012 to all my Buick lovers
There is a round plate that goes in between the headlight switch and the plastic instrument panel. It provides the ground.
Jason; thanks for the diagram. I actually have the silver colored ground attached, but I have a copper grounding wire that I have no idea where it goes. If I sent you a picture of it, could you help me out?
o.k. ty Jason; I will send them to your e-mail address. I will take the photos tomorrow. I will try to attach arrows to the wires in the photo.
From the pics he sent, that the one he doesnt have a home for. John, if you look at the diagram, its part #1230042-Terminal wiring ground. The tab gets attached to the lower wiper switch screw. Just be sure and orient it in such a way that it doesnt ground to the metal dash.
Wow this is kinda of interesting as I am putting my 70 back together but the dash has never been out and I experience a very similiar problem, that my indicators work fine when the headlights are off but pull them on and my left will not work. Any help would be appreciated.
It might be best to start a separate discussion so as not to hijack John's thread. But does the directional work on that side but the light on the dash is just out? If so, its common for the bulb in the dash to burn out
72 electrical issue unresolved I am still having issues with my headlights not working. My parking lights, dash lights, interior lights, cig lighter and all instrumentation (including the radio) are working fine. I recently placed my replated dash back into the interior and my problems started. I believe I have all ground wires attached behind the dash to include the disk that attached between the light switch and the dash itself. I have read the posts concerning the fusible links that may be an issue, but I am confused by some of them. If I have all my other lights and electronics (including the radio) working, what is the likelihood that the issue is a blown fusible link?
Re: 72 electrical issue unresolved There are two main feed wires that attach with the + battery cable, to the big lug on the starter solenoid. One feed wire is for the entire car, except the headlights. The other feed wire is for, you guessed it, the headlights. One feed wire is a 10ga., the other is 12ga. Fusible links are simply wires that are 4 sizes smaller than the feed wire. They are meant to melt in the event of a major short to protect the rest of the wiring down stream, and of course, to prevent a fire. The 10ga. wire uses a 14ga. fusible link, and the 12ga. wire, a 16ga. fusible link. The smaller feed wire is for the headlights. The fusible link doesn't necessarily need to be blown, it could just be degraded enough from corrosion or physical damage to be causing a problem. When I looked at my connections a few years back, I found the ring terminal that hooked to the bigger feed wire was only partially attached. About half the strands of wire had broken off. You need to take the starter down to carefully inspect everything. That way, you can rule it out.
Re: 72 electrical issue unresolved JB, it really would be best to keep this in your original thread until you manage to find a solution. That way we don't have to worry about repeating all the advice you've already been given. Devon
Re: 72 electrical issue unresolved You could just reply to your original thread to continue the discussion and delete this one, but then you'd lose Larry's advice unless you copy and paste it over there. You can also contact a mod and have both threads merged if you like. Click the little white "star" at the upper right of your first post, then you'll see where you can type a request to a moderator. It's not that big of a deal, it's just easier on everyone to keep the dialog in one spot so people aren't repeating each others' advice and questions without realizing it. Devon
Re: 72 electrical issue unresolved JB, if you delete your original post, the thread will go with it. I'm going to copy and paste my answer in your other thread.
There are two main feed wires that attach with the + battery cable, to the big lug on the starter solenoid. One feed wire is for the entire car, except the headlights. The other feed wire is for, you guessed it, the headlights. One feed wire is a 10ga., the other is 12ga. Fusible links are simply wires that are 4 sizes smaller than the feed wire. They are meant to melt in the event of a major short to protect the rest of the wiring down stream, and of course, to prevent a fire. The 10ga. wire uses a 14ga. fusible link, and the 12ga. wire, a 16ga. fusible link. The smaller feed wire is for the headlights. The fusible link doesn't necessarily need to be blown, it could just be degraded enough from corrosion or physical damage to be causing a problem. When I looked at my connections a few years back, I found the ring terminal that hooked to the bigger feed wire was only partially attached. About half the strands of wire had broken off. You need to take the starter down to carefully inspect everything. That way, you can rule it out.
Re: 72 electrical issue unresolved No problem. Just delete the 1st post in this thread, and the thread will be deleted along with it.
