red wire hanging down below dashboard near clock also no dash lights
Asked by Neil Nov 05, 2020 at 03:53 PM about the 1963 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop Coupe RWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
My dash lights aren't working also no red lights for charging fuel etc, I've
changed the constant voltage regulator and then noticed this red wire that
has obviously come free, but from where it just seems to reach the clock
area and is live when the ignition is turned on, and off when the ignition key
is turned off.
all the lights work ok the engine runs ok the turn signals are ok windows ok
I assume it provides power to the dash area but i can't find out where it fits
4 Answers
Can you post a picture of the wire? I'm thinking it's for the radio, heater, cigarette lighter, or maybe a map light, if equipped. The clock wire would have power all the time. With the ignition on or off. As would the dash lights. Hope that helps! Jim
beatupchevy answered 4 years ago
right , see if it has juice . red is hot . With a car that old there's no telling what someone has done to it .
my guess is that it's NOT a ford wire I could be chasing a silly idea. what perhaps needs to know is where are/is the wire that feeds the dash. Js08016 says that there should be power all the time to the dash so where can i check this live wire that should be attached to the dash ( behind the light switch, or the ignition switch both are difficult to get to unless you can tell me a better way
beatupchevy answered 4 years ago
I'd think the ignition switch is H.A.T. (hot at all times ) but not anything that would use power , obviously . Cig lighter , headlights , horn , brake lights are H.A.T. . I'm more familiar with older G.M. I'll admit . Dash icon lights may have a wire to the batt. and then a wire to the alternator . to make the circuit , other things may confuse you if you start probing around with your multi meter
