OK...my new to me 87 Z28 has headlights, interior and dash lights, and blinkers. But, the tail lights and parking/running lights are not working, plus I only have a break light on the right hand side. Bulbs are good, but as soon as I turn the switch on it blows the fuse for the tail lamp circuit.

Now I figure I have a short somewhere, or possibly a bad switch. Before i start chasing through the wiring harness, I figure I'd see if anyone had troubleshot a similar issue, and maybe narrow my search down. Constructive input please.

 

I would replace the headlight switch and go from there.

 

I don't want to replace the switch without checking to be sure it is the switch..that thing is a PITA to get out.

 

I dont think its that bad, i always heard that, I did it myself last week, hardest part is moving stuff out of the way that is really straight forward.

 

First question: Where & what were you doing last when working on the car before the lights went out?? That area is where i would be looking at.

 

Well, this is not a case of they were working and now they aren't. I've had this car since just after christmas and just got around to checking the lights over the weekend. It wasn't drivable when I got it due to a broken steering column and a bent axle. I've already fixed those items, plus a ton of other stuff that was the result of abuse and neglect. So I'm coming at the lighting issue cold. Just wondered if anyone had any "silver bullet" for me before I start troubleshooting.

 

Im betting on the switch is shorting out causing it to blow the fuse before it starts a fire. I would also check the stuff around the steering column maybe when you replaced that something isnt connected good or loose in the fuse panel.

 

My first inclination is that it is the switch. But, I've never subscribed to the "throw parts at it" philosophy of problem solving I'll just have to go to work with the meter and test light.

 

OK I fixed it. Turns out after studying wiring diagrams and eliminating each circuit, that the Radio accessory light wire was shorted to ground within the rest of the radio harness. Fixed it and voila, lights! BTW I did have to replace the headlight switch, the one that was in the car fell apart inside as soon as I pulled the rod out.