The Automotive Thread

[blybrook PE]

Supe,

I'd start with the wiring between the headlight switch and the turnsignal switch. It does sound like one (or both) of those switches have started to go fubar as it could be within the switch itself.

 

[snickerd3]

the first one is called day time running lights...my car is the same way...even if I turn the lights off they are still on...rather annoying actually. I asked about it at the dealer and they said there was no way to turn them off. Can't use my car at the drive inn.

 

[Capt Worley PE]

I'll forward this to a buddy with two 2nd gen RX7s. He knows those cars like the back of his hand. just finishing up the resto on a 90 vert.

 

[knight1fox3]

the first one is called day time running lights...my car is the same way...even if I turn the lights off they are still on...rather annoying actually. I asked about it at the dealer and they said there was no way to turn them off. Can't use my car at the drive inn.

Why wouldn't you be able to use it at the drive inn? The lights don't go on if the key is in auxiliary, do they?

 

[blybrook PE]

Daytime running lights shouldn't affect the interior light at all. That interior light should remain off unless the door is open, or the manual switch as part of the headlight switch assembly is activated. Or there's a short as Supe believes...

 

[Dexman PE PMP]

the first one is called day time running lights...my car is the same way...even if I turn the lights off they are still on...rather annoying actually. I asked about it at the dealer and they said there was no way to turn them off. Can't use my car at the drive inn.

Typically they will turn off if you engage the parking brake.

 

[snickerd3]

the first one is called day time running lights...my car is the same way...even if I turn the lights off they are still on...rather annoying actually. I asked about it at the dealer and they said there was no way to turn them off. Can't use my car at the drive inn.

Why wouldn't you be able to use it at the drive inn? The lights don't go on if the key is in auxiliary, do they?

As long as the key is in the ignition they stay on, dimmer than if the lights were turned on buy still on.

I haven't tried the parking break thing...will have to check that out.

 

[pbrme]

Anybody want to play "where's the short"?

2) Left turn signal works correctly. Right turn signal flashes the right rear turn signal, & both brake lights, left rear marker lamp, and one of the lights behind the ash tray...?

:huh:

Check the blinker fluid ?

That's hard to say... I would be tracing wires if it were me, and checking continuity and voltages during/after switch. Sounds like you need a worker buddy. Grab a sixer after work and call over a neighbor.

 

[Supe]

the first one is called day time running lights...my car is the same way...even if I turn the lights off they are still on...rather annoying actually. I asked about it at the dealer and they said there was no way to turn them off. Can't use my car at the drive inn.

No daytime running lights on this one. Something's definitely "off" here, as the interior lights stay on with it permanently.

Capt: Thanks for the help.

Bly: Will do. Last time I was under the dash, it didn't appear that there was too much damage done under there by the previous owner, other than a cluster of wires for the gauge set lighting, whose intensity goes up and down with the light switch. I'm beginning to think somethings hosed up with the switches, as I think the headlight motor switch is also a dud - they're permanently in the up position.

 

[pbrme]

the first one is called day time running lights...my car is the same way...even if I turn the lights off they are still on...rather annoying actually. I asked about it at the dealer and they said there was no way to turn them off. Can't use my car at the drive inn.

Why wouldn't you be able to use it at the drive inn? The lights don't go on if the key is in auxiliary, do they?

As long as the key is in the ignition they stay on, dimmer than if the lights were turned on buy still on.

I haven't tried the parking break thing...will have to check that out.

Why do you need it on aux.? for the drive-in radio?
Install a selector switch on the yellow ign. radio wire, and wire it to a ground? Label it "drive-in" and then switch it over when you need it on w/o a key.

 

[Capt Worley PE]

Capt: Thanks for the help.

No prob, but it may be a little while before he gets back to me.

Keep in mind that by this time, Japanes cars of that era have developed more faulty grounds than Fukishima.

 

[Supe]

Thankfully I have no ECM/emissions/engine management crap to worry about anymore...

 

[MA_PE]

I kknow nothing about these cars, but could there be a limit switch that powers the lights when the headlight housings are in the "up" position?

 

[snickerd3]

the first one is called day time running lights...my car is the same way...even if I turn the lights off they are still on...rather annoying actually. I asked about it at the dealer and they said there was no way to turn them off. Can't use my car at the drive inn.

Why wouldn't you be able to use it at the drive inn? The lights don't go on if the key is in auxiliary, do they?

As long as the key is in the ignition they stay on, dimmer than if the lights were turned on buy still on.

I haven't tried the parking break thing...will have to check that out.

Why do you need it on aux.? for the drive-in radio?
Install a selector switch on the yellow ign. radio wire, and wire it to a ground? Label it "drive-in" and then switch it over when you need it on w/o a key.

yep, the movie sound is through the car radio. They don't have the volume outside on very loud. we just take mr snicks car because his van doesn't have the light issue.

We also run the air for awhile since we have had 100+ degree weather and it is still usually hot at night.

 

[Supe]

I kknow nothing about these cars, but could there be a limit switch that powers the lights when the headlight housings are in the "up" position?

There's supposed to be a separate switch for that which will operate them independently, but I'm pretty sure it crapped out too.

 

[Capt Worley PE]

Capt: Thanks for the help.

No prob, but it may be a little while before he gets back to me.

Keep in mind that by this time, Japanes cars of that era have developed more faulty grounds than Fukishima.

I don't think his response will be helpful:

BWHAHAHA...

 

[Supe]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH. Bought a new battery for my Saturn, thought to myself, hmmm, let me check the voltage first with the car running. 13.2v. Alternator is bad. Going to cost me a fortune to get fixed, as it's impossible to get to without taking half of the intake/emissions shit off.

 

[Master slacker]

Sounds like my mom's old 2000 Grand Prix. Thank God she no longer has that thing.

 

[blybrook PE]

Speaking of bad alternators, found my '74 Scout popped the regulator over the weekend. Won't put out more than 10V. That won't work come plow time... Now to remove the hydraulic pump to get to the alternator. Then find one locally that will work. IIRC, it's a standard GM part, just have to find a parts house that has one in stock.

 

[cdcengineer]

Question - what's the consensus on waxing the plastic (painted to match body) molded body panels on newer vehicles?