License Plate Light

HarryD · 09-22-2003, 06:42 AM

Hi All,

Yesterday I was walkijng aroiund my 911 at nioght and noticed that the license plate lights were out. Figuring a blown bulb, I pulled the assemblies. The first one did not have a lamp in it and the other had a lamp that tested out ok. I then figured I had a blown fuse (the lights are on their own fused circuit). I checked the fuse, it was ok and then took my voltemter and confirm voltaage at the block when the switch was activated. I was unable to get a reading at the connector in the engine compartment. From this I am assuming I have a bad wire. Looking at the wiring diagram, it appears that it is a home run from the fuse block to the connector inthe rear.

I figure I have two options:

1-Run a new wire from the fuse block to the rear connector inside the engine compartment; or
2-Find the break in the wiring harness and repair (seems like a major PITA).

I would think option 1 is the way to go. Any reasons for me to consider option 2?

TIA

tmctguer · tmctguer's Garage

i had a problem with my license plate light in my '73. i assumed it was the bulb, replaced it, then would blow the fuse every time i re-assembled it and attempted to screw the assembly back in place. i'm not an electrical whiz, but the fix was to put a small piece of insulating rubber between the metal bulb assembly and the rear deck lid. it appears as though the assembly was grounding (??) itself to the deck lid and blowing the fuse.

don't know if my fix is related to your problem. i agree that finding the wiring harness fault would be a major project. i would TEST your new wire theory before you plumb the wire from end-to-end.

let us know what you find.

Jdub · 09-22-2003, 09:07 AM

Here's one tidbit: the bulbs do not go on with parking lights -- they only go on when the headlights are on as well (switch out full, ignition to Battery/Start).

For what it's worth...

John

HarryD · 09-22-2003, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jdub
Here's one tidbit: the bulbs do not go on with parking lights -- they only go on when the headlights are on as well (switch out full, ignition to Battery/Start).

For what it's worth...

John

John,

When I was testing at the fuse block, I had power to the license plate fuse (gawd

.... they have a fuse just for the license plate lamps!!!) on both sides at both lamp postions (parking lights only or headlamps also). To sanity check, I pulled the fuse and had no power on the rear side of the fuse block no matter what switch position, and power on the forward side only when the switch was pulled to either position.

I discussed my problem with a local electrcial guru and he suggested a bad connector. When I can, I will scrape a bit of inuslation before the conenctor and see if I have power there.

JR Indy · 09-22-2003, 11:59 AM

I had the same problem, it was the connecter housing.

Hockey fan · 09-22-2003, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jdub
Here's one tidbit: the bulbs do not go on with parking lights -- they only go on when the headlights are on as well (switch out full, ignition to Battery/Start).

For what it's worth...

John

John & Harry,

The license plate lights on my 73.5 come on in the parking light position as well as with the headlights..... My car has had numerous owners, so maybe someone "customized" the wiring?

Jeff