No left side running lights

[Porchcar guy]

79 SC ....Noticed tonight that my left side tail light was out and when I walked around the car..the front left running light was also out. Pulled the lenses, checked the bulbs, looked at the sockets and went to the fuse box. Fuse #4 was blown and when I replaced it, the new fuse blew as soon as I pulled the light switch. I am an electrical minus ...where should I start ?

[DRACO A5OG]

There is a short in the system, most likely a ground in the rear housing possibly the front but rare.

Check to see if the ground came loose or worse the PCB type contact has not broken, if broken JB weld a piece of plastic to re-build the PCB type contact board:



Mine actually cracked in half due to all the years PO was smashing the bulb into place think it would make a better contact, NOT

Jim

[village idiot]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

There is a short in the system, most likely a ground in the rear housing possibly the front but rare.

Check to see if the ground came loose or worse the PCB type contact has not broken, if broken JB weld a piece of plastic to re-build the PCB type contact board:



Mine actually cracked in half due to all the years PO was smashing the bulb into place think it would make a better contact, NOT

Jim

Exact same thing happened to me. I ended up making new grounds for both tail lights. No problems since

[Porchcar guy]

Thanks guys...I should also have said that all other functions are good on that side ... flashers, turns, brakes, back up lights. I will try to find the ground issue tonight and let you know. According to the Bentley, I can remove the rear housing fairly easily. The front requires removal of the bumper...Grrrrr !!!

[Bob Kontak]

Disconnect the wires from the engine bay light and see if the fuse does not blow.

[kidrock]

I'm with Bob on this one. It sounds like a classic case of the engine bay light having an issue. The left side running lights route right through this system. Check your light fixture very carefully.

[Bob Kontak]

=kidrock;6387399sounds like a classic case of the engine bay light having an issue.

I am not sure how easy it is to just disconnect the wires. Pull that bad boy off and make sure the wires are not touching anything and put a new fuse in.

Betcha!

[Porchcar guy]

shoulda Betcha Bob,

It was a pinched wire in the rear of the rear tail light housing and now she is good to go..until the next time on this wonderfully cranky 32 year old girl. Thanks for your input...gotta love this forum...everybody steps up to the level of their ability !!! My learning curve is steep right now and will get steeper as I get more familiar with "Molly".

[Bob Kontak]

Thanks for clarifying the resolution. Finally, DRACO and Village Idiot, at long last, have some "street cred"

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Thanks for clarifying the resolution. Finally, DRACO and Village Idiot, at long last, have some "street cred"

I am humbled BK

[Porchcar guy]

AH SHUCKS, Jim...U B blushin :=)

[kidrock]

To steal a line from Capt. James T. Kirk: "Dammit, Jim!!!!"

Spot on diagnosis. You rock!!!