I've been working on my '66 Riviera a little bit here and there, and I started working on the headlights. None of them work. However, my turn signals, stop lights and break lights work fine. I replaced all of the fuses, the headlight, and dimmer switches. So heres where I'm at. I found a few things that might be the problem, but I don't know how to find a part number for them. (or if they're even involved). I took some pictures hoping that maybe someone would know in what direction to point me. This is what I think might be part of the problem. The single wire is switched 12v. With the headlight switch on I'm getting 12 volts on the single wire. (which leads me to believe this is my problem or part of it) With the single wire attached and the pigtail taken off, I'm not seeing any voltage on any of the posts. However, the pigtail also has a 12 source thats a constant 12v (orange wire) Soooo.... anyone know what part that is, and where I can find a replacement? Thanks!
Check the fusible links at the starter. These are the primary fuses from the battery. One runs headlights only, the other runs everything else on the car.
I'd like to replace them as well, but I have no idea what I'm looking for. I don't know what a fusible link looks like or how to replace it.
At the starter look for the + cable from the battery. Two smaller cables leave from the same lug & are fused down to protect the internal components. Appearance will be a clear vinyl cylinder ( yellowed & greasy by now) built in-line with the conductors. Easy job for a local shop but not sure what you can source for parts in your area. I've attached a pic from a '71 Manual, '66 I'm guessing will be the same.
Just so no assumption is made, do mean the lamps do not illuminate or the headlight motor does not operate? Or Both? I'm pretty sure (need to verify in manual) the relay you show is only for operation of the headlight motor and not the lamps themselves. There are two relays for the headlamp motor. The one you show and another one the passenger side radiator support by the horns. Neither will prevent the headlamps from illuminating.
+1 I had the same issue... everything but the headlights worked and it was the fusible link by the starter. Replaced the link and the headlights worked.
Thanks for the heads up on what that relay is. I'd like to replace that while I'm working with the lights anyway. Does anyone have a part number? I'm about 99% sure the relay is fried. I've never actually seen a working headlight/headlamp motor on a riv so I'm guessing that when I turn the lights on via the pull switch the headlamps are supposed to come down? I've also seen a rocker type switch that says "lights" Is that supposed to be interior lights? I'll look at the fusible links right now, does anyone have a picture that I can go by? Also, is this a part typically available at your local autozone? Also to clairify, the headlights do not illuminate nor does the headlight motor work. I was told by the guy I bought the car from that the headlight motor does work when he bench tested it, but could never get it to work on the car.
I thought there were two relays in a '66-'67 system, one to get them down, and one to retract them, but I don't know the exact location of each. o No: Maybe someone who actually knows will chime in. :TU:
Hey Randy you are correct.......as I noted above. :TU: On the 66 Riv the power to the headlamp switch comes from the horn relay/junction block on the left inner fender. The fusible links at the starter, as noted above, started in 67. I believe you have two different problems. First the headlamp illumination: Do your parking lights work? If so most likely the issue is at or near the dimmer switch. Check and see if you have power on the light blue wire at the dimmer when the headlamp switch is on. Does the high beam indicator in the dash light when you work the dimmer? If no power at the lt blue wire, back track to the headlamp switch. The red wire coming from the horn relay also carries power to the ignition switch and headlamp switch so if that didn't have power, you'd have other issues. If you have power at the dimmer and the switch is sending it out on the brown and/or green wire you are losing it somewhere before the headlamps possibly at the firewall bulkhead connector. As for the motor not working the orange wire on the firewall relay should have juice all the time (key on) as you mentioned. The black w/lt blue stripe wire turns the relay on when the headlamp switch is turned on in turn sending power to the motor so you should hear it click when the light switch is turned on. If you hear it clicking its probably good. I bought one of these relays at NAPA a few years ago and think they still make it. When bad, this relay will prevent the headlight motor from bringing the lights down. The auxilary relay on the rad support will keep them from going up if the contacts or coil goes bad. The yellow wire on the aux relay keeps it energized all the time (key on) and as long as the headlamp switch is off, power flows to the headlamp motor through this relay and at that point the motor limit switch shuts it off when fully closed or "up". Speaking of the limit switch that is a less likely but potential problem. There is a micro up/down dual limit switch assembly attached to the headlamp motor under the plastic cover. Do not mess with these switches unless you 100% verify they are the problem. Adjusting these incorrectly can cook the motor. Typically these motors are bulletproof and rarely fail unless someone was fooling with it. Consider purchasing a shop manual so you have a wiring diagram. Both of these circuits are simple but trying to explain them via this method makes it much more complicated than it is. Too difficult to cover all the possibilities. Confirm all your headlamp bulbs are good and the wiring plug connections to them are clean.
JZRIV - Thanks for the detailed reply!! I have verified that the wiring from the headlight pigtail to the firewall connector is intact by doing a continuity test. I've replaced all the light bulbs on the car. To start with I'll replace the relay that I have in the picture. Does anyone know what the part number or what its called? I usually try to pull up whatever I'm buying from a parts store online so I'm sure they don't give me the wrong part.
UPDATE I went out this morning and started checking things on the car. I checked the dimmer switch and I'm getting 11.7v on the blue wire. The switch works properly as I'm getting voltage on the other wire when I click the switch. I checked voltage at the firewall connector and heres what I got. I did my best to make it clear: This is the main junction block that the batter cable connects to. I'm not sure if both of these posts are supposed to see 12v but I'm only seeing voltage on one. I've also got these wires and pigtails that I don't know where or what they went to. Theres nothing to connect them to.
You need that '66 Shop Manual - it is the best investment you will make for your '66 Riv, and the coloured schematic will show you all the proper factory wiring connections. Notice that all your wiring harness connectors are badly corroded (...which may be part of your problem), and should be cleaned - the same probably applies to all the chassis ground connections too! :TU:
Where do I find one? I've checked with chilton and haynes but neither carries a manual for a '66 riviera.
Check EBAY for a digital copy. Very good investment and cheap. You can run it on your computer and print out pages when you want to work on the car. Scott
Get an original GM '66 Buick Shop Manual that covers all models, including your Riviera, in printed hard copy or CD version. They are much more complete than the Chilton or Haynes versions, and 'evilBay' is as good a source as any - you can also find literature dealers who specialize and sell automotive literature via the internet. Do a 'google' search and let your fingers do the walking. It is the 'Bible' for your car !! :TU:
Lot of corrosion in there.... might want to go to Radio Shack and pick up a spray can of "De-Oxit" and open up and hit every connector you can with it. Cleans and protects those connections. http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-Contact-Rejuvenator-Strength-Deoxidizer/dp/B0014F110I
