I'm new to the site and looking for an answer to 2 frustrating problems. I have a 1966 Coupe with 3 speed manual trans with 289. Hope someone can help.

1) The brake lights work but the tail lights do not. Same bulbs, right? So not the bulbs, right? Is this problem the headlights switch on the dash? I've seen "improved" switch on ebay. Didn't want to buy it and that not be the problem.

2) Dash lights (5 guages) have finally gone out. Owned this car for a couple of years and this has always been an issue. Was dim and you had to have the headlight switch mentioned above turned to just the right spot to get the dash lights to come on at all. Could this be the same problem? Or maybe the resistor I think it's called. What suggestions for repair or replace?

Thanks!!!!

 

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Start by replacing the headlight switch. Should fix the dash lights. Might fix the tail lights.

 

Like Scott H says, you can probe the little 2.5 amp fuse with a test light and turn the switch. It should light up and dim ifthe switch isworking right. If not, thensomething with the switchbad. On the tail lights, their is a plug that is above the left kick panel (easier to get to if the dash is out) that connects the tail lights to the harness, check to see if its making good contact. Often this connectorwill corrode andis a common problem source.

 

Or if all else fails, go to the FAQ and get the wiring diagram for your 66. Remove the plug from the headlight switch and insert a jumper wire (at least 18 ga) between the black wireand the black yellow wire (reconfirm the colors when you get the diagram).If the lights light up, it's in the switch. If they don't you've got bad bulbs or a wire circuit problem (probably where Evil says)

(BTW the blue red wire is the switch ouput for the inst lights. don't jumper from 12V to here unless you want to replace all of the inst light bulbs from overvoltage-they'll go real bright once!)

 

From experience, sounds like the headlight switch has seen better days. Replace it.