1979 Thunderbird Dashboard lights won't come on...

[bluebird79]

Hi all-

I'm the proud owner of a 1979 Thunderbird and pretty much everything is workingon the car with one exception: the Gauge lights behind the steering wheel. I had a CD player installed several weeks back, and several hours after the installation was finsihed I took the car out at night and noticed the lights had stopped working. I've checked for blown fuses and they all look good, but I'm wondering if anyone has an idea of how I could fix this? There are several metal "box" fuses that are in the panel, any idea what these are for? Also, the cruise control is no longer working. Possibly a fuse issue?

I've tried looking for manuals etc but can't seem to find any info on this... Id prefer to fix this myself b/c I dont want that guy touching my car again...

[97Bird]

It's hard to say exactly what the guy messed up in the wiring. Buy one of the electrical shop manuals here and then crawl under the dash to see what wires the guy spliced or cut into. http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=197...286.m270.l1313 This is why if you can't do it yourself, it is well worth having a reputable audio shop install your gear rather then paying cheap money to the guy down the street. If everything worked before the guy did the installation then he should fix it for nothing.

[bluebird79]

AGREED. Absolutly and it's a mistake I won't make again.

Unfortunalty now after I was down there by the fuse box I must have turned something or messed with something b/c before my turn signal lights would blink on and off, but now they just stay solid... the lights do come on, but the indicator doesn't blink, nor do the lights outside. Frustrating!

ALSO, does anyone know what the pink fuse is in the fuse panel? I checked with a circuit tester and neither the fuse nor the connector is getting power...

THANKS MUCH to anyone who can offer tips and thanks 97Bird.

[bluebird79]

Update on the Blinker problem:

Simple, Flasher switch gone bad. The part is an EL12, 12.99 at Auto store. Simple. As for the Instrument panel lights, well, the fuse clamp isn't getting power, so it looks like I have an electrical problem. Now the fun starts!

[97Bird]

Buying the EVTM manual for $7.99 + $4.50 shipping is the best money (and very cheap!) you will spend when it comes to electrical troubleshooting. All of the circuits and circuit breakers are identified by location and it also has vacuum diagrams. The vacuum lines must be getting brittle and may start to leak. You could also try asking for the 1979 Mitchell Electrical Manual at your local library. Check out my post in the second page (last post on page) of the Tech Help thread to find more helpful help with your car. Unfortunately the wiring diagrams don't show the dash light circuit.