87 Caprice Ls Parking Light Problems

speeddevil · #1 11-04-2006, 08:26 PM

I own a 87 Caprice Ls V6 4.3l. i recently noticed that my parking lights as well as gauge cluster and dash lights do not go on. checked all my fuses and all are ok. though i did not find a fuse spot for parking lights on my fuse box. headlights light up properly as well as turn siganls and stop lights. hazards work as well. cant seem to pin point problem. i wanted to check the actual switch but i do not know how to get to it can anyone help or know something aboput this.

silicon212 · #2 11-04-2006, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speeddevil

I own a 87 Caprice Ls V6 4.3l. i recently noticed that my parking lights as well as gauge cluster and dash lights do not go on. checked all my fuses and all are ok. though i did not find a fuse spot for parking lights on my fuse box. headlights light up properly as well as turn siganls and stop lights. hazards work as well. cant seem to pin point problem. i wanted to check the actual switch but i do not know how to get to it can anyone help or know something aboput this.

Double check the fuse for the tail lights. Another possibility is the headlight switch itself.

speeddevil · #3 11-04-2006, 10:32 PM

taillight fuse checked i also think switch might be bad but i have no idea how to get to it or get it out off its location is there such a website to document this step by step?

silicon212 · #4 11-04-2006, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speeddevil

taillight fuse checked i also think switch might be bad but i have no idea how to get to it or get it out off its location is there such a website to document this step by step?

I am not sure about a website, but the switch can be fairly easily replaced. There are two 7mm-headed bolts that hold it in from behind the dash - one on top and one on bottom (yes, I have had to replace the switch on mine as well). Pull the wire harness off, become a contortionist and pull those two screws off. The switch pulls out from behind, assembly is the reverse of removal.

speeddevil · #5 11-05-2006, 10:36 AM

but how did you actually get to the switch itself i have no room to get to it.

silicon212 · #6 11-05-2006, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speeddevil

but how did you actually get to the switch itself i have no room to get to it.

There's the access plate under the steering column, which has 4 bolts holding it on - two on top and two underneath. You have to take this off, then you use a small ratchet drive (I used a 1/4" drive Craftsman ratchet with a 3" extension and 7mm socket on mine). You might have to pull wires back out of the way, ditto the A/C duct that's in the way, but believe me, this can be done. It is helpful to have a mirror handy.

I'm also of a thin build and at 6'3" that means I have long, skinny arms which are ideal for car work.

speeddevil · #7 11-05-2006, 11:00 AM

gonna have to try it just hope all my alarm and remote start wires are not in the way. last question is bolts are sitting behind or on the side of the switch?

silicon212 · #8 11-05-2006, 12:28 PM

87BoxClassic · #9 11-08-2006, 06:18 AM

i had a similar problem, i put all brand new bulbs in and it worked. i have a 87 caprice classic

PeteA216 · #10 11-08-2006, 12:21 PM

87BoxClassic, How did you happen to blow all the lights at once? Did a spike of electricity flow through your electrical system?

87BoxClassic · #11 11-08-2006, 07:23 PM

i didn't my neighbor who is a 68 yr old man told me that he used to have to replace all 4 when he lost one because the circuit wouldn't complete correctly

silicon212 · #12 11-08-2006, 07:40 PM

That's simply not true. The lights are all wired in parallel, not series, so a failure in one will not affect the rest. The turn signals will stop flashing in the direction of a failed turn signal bulb, but all other filaments on that circuit will continue to light.

87BoxClassic · #13 11-09-2006, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silicon212

That's simply not true. The lights are all wired in parallel, not series, so a failure in one will not affect the rest. The turn signals will stop flashing in the direction of a failed turn signal bulb, but all other filaments on that circuit will continue to light.

i beg to differ.... take a light out of one of your parking lights in the front and when u use the other turn signal they flash top then bottom insted of top and bottom at same time. i'll take videos if you would like me too

speeddevil · #14 11-09-2006, 10:04 PM

well i got the lights to work definately bad switch brocken terminal. though i was not able to get to the switch through the access panel, i removed dash enough were i was able to get to it. thanx for your help guys.

silicon212 · #15 11-09-2006, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87BoxClassic

i beg to differ.... take a light out of one of your parking lights in the front and when u use the other turn signal they flash top then bottom insted of top and bottom at same time. i'll take videos if you would like me too

The question was would all of the lights fail - as in all dark - if one burned out. That doesn't happen. The flash rate changes, but the other lights remain lit.

Speeddevil, I'm glad to hear you got it working again.

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