C3 1972 electrical and light issues

[Bob H.]

Looking for some direction. I am at a loss

Headlight switch off
Brake lights work
Courtesy lights don't light on open door but light when using dimmer to turn on
Turn Signals work
Emergency flashers work

Light switch on
Right front parking/ turn signal light (both elements)
Right rear is the same, both elements light
Right side mark extremely dim. Other three are fine
Fasten seat belt light on.
Both turn signal indicators light up
Although both indicators light, signals will still work independently
Dash lights work.
I did notice removing the right front 1157 that the dim side marker light went out completely.

Replaced both flashers that corrected fast flash
Replaced all side markers. All were likely original and burned out.
checked sockets and replaced bulbs
Replaced headlight switch to solve vacuum issue. Made sure ground was attached.

[John S.]

Re: C3 1972 electrical and light issues

Bob, it might be something else but I would start by checking and cleaning all of the ground connections. You may need a schematic to find them all.

Also check the main ground wire to the frame just ahead of the battery compartment. Make sure there are no kinks or bulges in the cable that would indicate internal corrosion.

Most of the light related issues I have run into were poor grounds, corroded sockets or modifications made by previous owners. Good luck.

[Bob H.]

Re: C3 1972 electrical and light issues

Thanks. I will try to find. Everything is so interconnected and I think if I find one problem it could resolve most or ll issues

[Francais D.]

Re: C3 1972 electrical and light issues

I do not know if this will help but i have a 1969 when i turned lights on both blinkers lit up. I found that when i cleaned both outer grill brackets on top where it bolted to back side of bumper brace it created a ground. This solved my problem and my blinkers worked even better.I know you have a whole different grill then me . I know our taillights have individual ground wires attached but front turn signals do not. I would still like to know if this is how they are grounded or did i just make a new ground and still have a bad wire

[Bob H.]

Re: C3 1972 electrical and light issues

I wanted to report back that after changing bulbs, cleaning contacts, etc everything was working fine except the signal indicators still came on steady when turning the light switch on. The signals were working fine at this point. after tracing wiring and finding all ok coming off the ts switch, I finally found that the signal lights were actually dash bulbs stuck in the wrong place. The former owner obviously had the dash apart and just stuck it together to sell. At least it was not another wiring issue!