A great day, till the darkness of the dash

[danaspider]

This is more of a tip than question. It was a beutiful drive day in the Olympic pennisula, with a run up to 5500 ft and a great view of the snow covered mountains. Then a glorious drive down the monutain and to Lake Cresent. A few glasses of wine with friends and sunset. So motivated I even stopped at the casino on the drive back to Seattle. (Won enough to pay for the ferry ride and gas of the day!!!!) Leaving the casino for the mad 50 mile dash to the ferry, headlights on, no dashboard lights! Oh what the heck I have a little light on the keychain, so would glance at the speedo on occasion. Then there was the little visit from the local state patrol. He was kind enough to advice me that the right rear tail light was out. And at least I was not a DUI candidate. He let me off, seeing that I was old enough to be his dad, and the car was older than he. (Guess he figured that one of us was going to have a heart attack and he was happy it was the car) Rest of the trip was a fine drive.

The next morning I dug into the problem. Obviously the problem was real, as a new fuse only created temporary blindness. Using Brads prints I removed the fuse block and removed the 2 yellow/black wires from the block. No fuse blow. Hooked up one of the wires and still no blow. Replaced second and blown fuse. From this I could tell it was in the back of the car in the tail light area. Well dug around a little and couldn't find ant problem in the tail lights or side markers. Then I removed the case of wine from the trunk to get a better look.

Well........ there hanging loose was the trunk light. if you throw stuff in the trunk in the right way, the light will slide up out of the holder, and if you do it just right it will short out against the body!!!!! So pay attention.

As always it was the alchohol that caused the problem, too bad I had not even had any to drink yet!!!

[mbouse]

1. problem solved
2. you learned something
3. alcohol was involved
4. no ticket was issued

what else could go right for you? did you then buy lotto tickets?

[mdrburchette]

That trunk light is the usual source of electrical problems. Glad you got it fixed. Now have yourself a glass of wine.

[ga.spyder]

Now you can ''See paradise by the dashboard lights" I chased a short for a week that ended up being the useless trunk light.It now resides in my parts box!
Craig

[mbouse]

i am considering rewiring mine like a '74 or older... on when the lid opens, off when the lid is shut. Makes more sense than on when the headlights are on even if the lid is closed.

think i even have a '74 trunk switch somewhere.

[rlux4]

I did away with the original lite ( a short waiting to happen) and use the wires to put in this generic dome lite. It's on about 2' of wire so I can move it where the light is needed, instead of hidden beside the battery case.

Ron

[pope]

Hey Ron, How about putting some velcro on the back of that light and mount it in the battery cover so it doesnt rattle around in the back. That way you can pull it away from its backing and still move it around and look for things.

[rlux4]

Not a bad idea Pope. Don't know why I didn't think of that.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

and how about a flashlight so you can find the trunk light after its' been rolling around?

[rlux4]

A flashlight! Turn on the flashlight to find the light. The great ideas just keep rolling in.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

I've got more if you need them

[pope]

How about painting the light cover with glow in the dark paint, so when you use Marks flashlight method, you can see it better with you older eyes.

[rlux4]

Jeez, you guys are brutal. Poor little innocent me.
I think you're venting your jealousy because the nifty trunk light idea is in an '82!
Ron

[mbouse]

so, how many times do you actually USE that flashlight stored away in your glovebox?

me, every time i reach for it the batteries are dead. So, i replace them, and then don't need the light until after the batteries are dead again. seems to be a never ending cycle...buy batteries, stuff 'em in the light, stuff the light in the box, buy batteries..etc

[So Cal Mark]

Mike, modern technology is a wonderful thing. They now make flashlights that can be recharged by merely shaking or with a winder handle. A minute of shaking or winding creates hours of light! You really should get out more often, or come visit the west coast where the future is now!