lighting problem
 

i recently purchased a 85 carrera. in getting to know the car i have found several lights not working. they are interior and exterior. ex. tag light, interior light, fog lights, etc.. i have checked the fuses in the trunk. what next??

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bw

Of course, the bulbs. If the sockets are not geting juice, then work backwards to the fuse and beyond until you find voltage. You'll need an electrical diagram. I haven't used them but Warren refers to the PP electrical diagrams which seem to be quite nice. If you're like me you need to stare at these things quite a while before they make sense, but they can be understood.

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'83 SC

For the interior lights, make sure the contacts are good and that the light is actually turned on. Many people don't know the light is actually the switch and it rocks to turn on/off. For the license plate light, we had that trouble and it was a bad connector in the wires that are in the rear fender, just in the area of the rubber bumper cover. Finally, is there power to the light, I have replaced bulbs and the replacements were bad to begin with so now I always check the voltage at the supply lug and then check the ground side to make sure it has a good ground. Good luck.

Is there a particular tool (circuit tester, I guess) that's inexpensive and appropriate for testing these circuits? I'm no electrician, but it seems I could trace this stuff out. Any suggestions?

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Jack Olsen
1973 911 T sunroof coupe
http://members.rennlist.com/jackolsen/Jalopy.html

I would start with a test light. Has a screwdriver type handel and looks like an icepick with an aligator clip coming out of the top. Also a Cheap digital volt meter for about $40 - $50 .... Both these can be found at sears. Happy hunting

Joe A

I use a small analog multi-meter I bought at Radio Shack 15 years ago or something. I also have several sets of leeds, one with clips for holding on and one with long probes for testing in sockets and one set with needle probes for poking through insulation if no bare spots are available.