Hey all! I've got a question about Parking Lights.
I have a 1967 Cutlass Supreme. My parking lights have stopped coming on when the headlight switch is pulled out to the middle position but they still work as blinkers. I've replaced the headlight switch mechanism but to no avail. Has anyone else ever run into this?

 

Do the taillights come on in mid-position? Not the headlight switch if they work.

Right now I'm thinking bulbs, grounds or possibly sockets. There's always a possibility of a poor connection in the firewall connector.

Time to get out the test light and continuity checker.

 

You do realize that the bulbs have two filaments, one for the parking lights and one for the turn signals, right? The wiring is completely separate. It is possible (and likely) that the parking light filament is burned out in both bulbs.

 

I did not realize!! I just assumed since they both stopped working at the same time that it was one filament. I will try switching out some bulbs!

 

More likely is that you didn't notice when the first one burned out. Now both have burned out.

 

Looking at the bulb filaments will tell you if they are good or not. Also a test light at the socket testing the functions will tell you if it's a bulb or not.

 

Well looks like my original diagnosis was correct. Replaced the bulbs but parking lights still don't work.
-The taillights do come on

I guess it must be a wiring thing?

 

Check your connections up front they get cruddy, also the springs in the bulb sockets get crusty and the contacts dont reach the bulbs. I think you need to start testing with a volt meter...

 

*Solved*

Thank you all for the advice! I went through and tested my connections at the firewall and wasn't getting signal for the parking lamps there. Finally I took out the replacement switch I put in ( a couple years ago actually) and it turns out it was the same switch in every way except it was missing a lead for the parking lamps.

Found the right switch w/ new bulbs and its all working again.

Thanks again, I really appreciate this community, so much knowledge in it.

 

Well done

 

That would be the 1968-up vs 1967-down switch difference.

 

Recommend everyone have some of these in the toolbox and use it to clean the socket whenever you have to replace a bulb.


Last week we were chasing a wonky brake light on buddy's 77 LeSabre Estate Wagon. We'd gone as far as salvaging the taillight sockets and wiring from my junker 76 Custom Cruiser just in case (parts store sockets always have black and white wires and the CC had correct GM wiring colors).

Tension on his wagon's socket was good and held the bulb in tightly so I started looking closer. Noticed the contact strips were a little grungy. Took the socket cleaner brush to it and wal-la! Brake light's been working perfectly ever since. Amazing what cleaning off 46 years of grunge will do!