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Topic: Courtsey lights in back don't work (Read 1373 times) previous topic - next topic

Courtsey lights in back don't work

In my 87 TC the small Courtsey lights in the back don't work, I tried new bulbs in both, still don't work, it appears they have no power...are they on a seperate fuze or something (I would not think so...but)...the auto headlights did not work when I got the car and it was just unplugged at the dash switch so I wonder if this was unplugged somewhere....anyone have any ideas?

Courtsey lights in back don't work

Reply #1
Take out the storage compartment in the center console. Under there you will see the harness for the on/off button. Make sure its plugged in-you can also check with a test light to see if the switch has power.

Courtsey lights in back don't work

Reply #2
Just to make sure but you know they don't come on when you open the door right? They are operated by an on/off switch on the back of the console.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Courtsey lights in back don't work

Reply #3
They don't come on at all, door open, inside lights turned on with dash switch, so I replaced both bulbs, still no lights. Will check the plug and power to the switch in console.

Courtsey lights in back don't work

Reply #4
Under the main power switch panel that has the seats/windows buttons on it there is a junction plug with six wires, two of these go the the light switch on back of the console that I guess control the courtesy lights I am trying to get working, at that plug the two for the light switch have no power, the others appear to as two of the others are for the light inside the console and it works. Can I just jump off the wires to the light inside the console or is this not a good idea?

Courtsey lights in back don't work

Reply #5
are you trying to turn the lights on with the key on? they will not have power with the key off.  just so you know :)

Courtsey lights in back don't work

Reply #6
I didn't know that, the other lights in the car sem to have power with out the key on.

Courtsey lights in back don't work

Reply #7
In the EVTM these are called "reading lights".
The ignition has to be in accy or run and they have their own switch to turn them on. I'm guessing the switch is somewhere the backseat passenger can reach.

Courtsey lights in back don't work

Reply #8
Quote from: cyber-junkie;301030
They don't come on at all, door open, inside lights turned on with dash switch, so I replaced both bulbs, still no lights. Will check the plug and power to the switch in console.


That statement makes me wonder if you are using the correct switch? It is a push button switch behind the center console storage compartment right above the ashtray for the rear passengers. It is flush with the rest of the console. I just didn't want you to go through a lot of trouble for lights that can only be turned on by this one push button switch.
...and there was light!

Courtsey lights in back don't work

Reply #9
I didn't know that, the other lights in the car seem to have power with out the key on.

They work with the key on :bowdown: Never to old to learn a thing or two.


 

Courtsey lights in back don't work

Reply #11
Yes you did...this is a very good and helpful forum.