Electrical short??

[basherbob]

Just purchased an 86 regal limited (V8) which has been sitting in a barn for 5 years. My problem is with the interior lights. All 3 lights bright with the doors open and but only dim, not shut off, when close doors. Doesn't matter which door is open or closed.

This screams short to me but where??? Any suggestions??

Bob......
86 GN
86 V8 Regal Limited
71 GS 455 Conv

 

[wlaukaitis]

I'm no electrical whizzzz but...

Hi,

sound like there is a short to ground? one of the switches (in the door jams) or something....Does the thing have an alarm or aftermarket stereo? A buddy of mine had a similar problem with a firechicken, some klutz hosed up the speaker wiring with the dash lights.

I would check all wiring that is not factory. Then all the switches, door switches even the headlight/dimmer switch. I rememebr seeing a TSB on the headlight switch, I think. Was the beast exposed to rain or the like at all while in the barn?

bill

 

[basherbob]

Thanks Bill. Yeah there is an aftermarket cassette that doesn't work. I have not started on removing that yet. Not sure how its wired but the fuse block is clear of excess plugs so it may be wired to the light circuit, somehow. The car was in the barn covered up.

Bob.......................

 

[83ttypecooled]

interior lights

Hi!
Does the car have delayed exit option? If so, find the module and disconnect it, If not, find a wiring diagram and start tracing shorts to ground. I would pull the door switches first, easy to do. Make sure one of the switches hasn't been hammered down so it won't open(nc sw) It's an easy circuit, probably something simple. Good luck with your problem!
Dale

 

[basherbob]

Don't know. How do I determine that. Is there a code on the option list in the trunk? Will start by replacing the door plungers and then start tracing wires.

Thanks for the reply.
Bob..................
71 GS 455 Conv
86 GN
86 Regal 5.0 Ltd

 

[turbofish38]

As far as I know they didn't install delayed exits on Regals. Also does your car have UA6 factory theft? It shouldn't make a difference on your particular problem but its another thing tied into the door jamb switches.

Eric Fisher

 

[basherbob]

That's good, at least something positive. No UA6 theft system on vehicle. Thanks.

Bob................
86 GN
86 V8 Regal Limited
71 GS 455 Conv