1969 radio illumination (PV)

[Hank H.]

My team leader states that radio should illuminate only when both lights and radio are turned on. Mine illuminates with lights on and radio either off or on. Per PV manual, seems like this is the condition stated for 70-72 models. Anyone have an idea what I need to change or do to correct this condition for a 1969? thanks

[Pat M.]

Re: 1969 radio illumination (PV)

That is odd Hank, and I don't believe that would be correct for 70-72 either. The PV manual seems to indicate ALL 68-72 radio lights should only come on with the radio turned to the on position (and with the parking/headlights on). The 70-72 distinction that I may have confused you about is that those radio lights will also illuminate with the radio in the on position and the parking/headlights on even if the ignition switch is in the off position (which leaves the radio in the "on" position, but unable to function). I'm sorry I can't offer a suggestion to fix the problem, but I'm sure someone will shortly.

[Dan H.]

Re: 1969 radio illumination (PV)

Hi, sounds like someone has plugged directly into the dash light harness as a source for the radio light. On my 64, the dash harness goes to the radio and ties into the on/off switch so it must have both the headlights activated AND the radio switched to on. It has nothing to do with ignition being on or off. Check the dash wiring diagram and see if the radio light receives its source from the dash light harness. Good luck!
Dan

[Greg L.]

Re: 1969 radio illumination (PV)

Hank

The problem is most likely with one of the contacts in the radio's on-off switch. I'm no expert but I think that power for the radio light is "taken" from the dash lights and sent to a set of open contacts in this switch. When you turn the radio on these contacts close and if power is available from the dash light ciruit the radio light will come on with the same dimming capability as the dash lights.

What has probably happend is that these contacts are no longer making contact and someone by-passed the radio's on-off switch by hard wiring the radio light to the dash lights.

My 69s radio light never work since I had the car but since I have this whole car apart I figured it was a MUST to fix this problem. I made a bench set-up so that I could operate the radio out of the car because as you know these things are a bear to get in and out and I wanted to make sure that it was fixed once and for all! Anyways all I had to do was spray "electrical contact cleaner and lube) into the switch while switching it "on and off"(no power was supplied to the radio). I was just trying to clean and lube "things" when I noticed another little "click" as I turned it on and off. Then it stopped for a bit but after spraying more cleaner in it, it came back and stayed and now my radio light works as it should. Sorry for the long winded story.

Anyways, my on-off switch now has two audible clicks, one just after the other. One is for the radio and the other is for the radio light. Try yours and see if you can hear these two little clicks or if it's only one. Your fix might be as simple as mine(fingers crossed).