I am replacing the dash pad on my 71 cutlass. Looking at the map light it has three posts. My harness has a 2 wire plug that fits the 2 wire terminal however there is a third terminal on the light. the third wire that comes out of the harness with the two wire plug is gray and has a round bulb socket on it any idea where this light goes and what goes on the third post of the map light. thanks

 

Two part answer. The map light has two connectors on the back. The two prongs closest to each other get the orange wires with black connectors. The other male post to the far right gets a black wire with a single female metal connector.

The bulb sounds like it is one of the 4 bulbs that mount into the metal sockets above the temp gauge or the left part of the dash. 4 bulbs if you have the courtesy harness

 

 

The far right single post you said has a black wire this connector is not there. The four bulbs that mount into the metal sockets are in place they are a different bulb a push in style. The third wire by the map light is gray and has a small round push in with half turn style bulb. You say the single black wire female connector. Would this wire continue on to the courtesy light under the dash on the passenger side thanks

 

It sounds like the gray wire goes to your ashtray light. There may be a female socket riveted to the right side of the top of your ash tray section. If your car was ordered from the factory, it should be there. If not, you will want to rivet or screw one of those sockets there. I have some if you need them or any other dash parts.

 

There is a small hole on the right side of the ashtray. I thought this might be where this light goes. The light is in a socket but has no where to rivet or screw it in so I must be missing the piece you have would there also be a defuser that goes over the light any idea what might have happened to the third wire for my map light or is the third wire just a ground> If you still have the socket I would be interested. Thanks

 

The ashtray light is riveted to the top of the ashtray housing on the backside of the dash insert. You need to remove that , (Fairly easy) to also attach the ground strap. The gray wire is the power feed.

I know Scott has the piece you need. I bought one from him last year; he'll give you great service.

 

this is what it looks like if the picture uploaded

 

when I looked at the the attached photo it showed up small I don't know why hope you can see it

 

Ok, that's not what I was describing. That's the unit that screws into the horizontal part of the dash below the ash tray. The location you described is correct - 2 phillips head (flush mount) screws hold it in there.

Here's what mine looks like


Yeah, the pic was small but I recognize the part. I have around 5 of them. It's completely different than the ashtray light.

 

Luckily I have my dash sitting on the floor in a spare room so I was able to get a good picture of everything. The grey bulb is the smaller bulb and Scott was right it is for the ashtray. The map light is also shown in the picture and has the two prong orange wire with connector on the left and a black female connector on the right. The black wire does come out of the courtesy wire harness.
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That's great I don't understand why my black and orange wires are both in the connector I will remove the black and install it as your picture shows.If you have or know someone who has the bracket I'm missing for the ashtray light it would be appriciated and agin thanks for the pictures they really helped me

 

Scott Winn has that for sure. Those ashtray lights are riveted in place so they don't just pop off. The bulb holder also has a little slit to let light out and there's a round green insert on the side of the dash it diffuses light though.

If you're going this far with the dash lighting, do you also have the bulb holder for the far left side 'LIGHTS' switch?

 

I am sure Scott has what you need, shoot him a PM he is great to work with. As for your wires both being in the connector-I am assuming it is something that would over ride the switch or possible if a different bulb from a different application was used. I have no idea but just in looking at how it is connected you can see how the circuit is completed by using the switch. Good luck

 

Did you notice that just to the right of the radio speaker control **** is another 'option' switch area that was never used? Probably was intended for a power antenna switch but I'm only guessing at that. I'm planning to cut it out on my car and install a battery disconnect switch there with different label of course. Already have the trim bezel that matches the Cruise switch.

 

@oldsdriver1218: Perhaps the conclusion to the map light saga I went through, posted this past Sunday in the 'Electrical' section will assist you in getting the light hooked up. Regards, Howie. And now I know where that loose socket with gray wire and bulb goes too, Another piece of the puzzle solved!

 

I have a picture of an unknown light on the left hand side that is similar to the one at the ashtray I took a picture of it can you tell me where it goes. I think I also figured out my picture size problem thanks

 

I guess I have not got the picture problem solved sorry

 

every small bit helps love this site

 

That is for the light over the headlight switch. That little tab on the round part is indexed to the light switch & only goes on one way. It is not fun at all to install it. Lots of patience & some choice words will help. The light that goes in it is similar to the one for the ash tray. I do have all these parts, call me & we'll make it happen?
Thanks.
Scott
c.317-727-7041

 

To install you will need to remove the headlight switch. That's where the PITA comes in unless you have small hands that work for those cramped spaces. It's even worse if you have AC because the vent tube is in the way.

 

just wanted to thank everyone for there help