Hello All, I've a 1988 Olds Custom Cruiser and both front door locks which one illuminated when you lifted the door handle have died. I understand they are on a fibre optic system. Is the light source the footwell lighting? I'm assuming it is and that the cable has broken at the door hinge from opening and closing over the years... Also can anyone recommend a source for parts? Thanks in advance. Cheers, Fenn

 

i think there a light bulb in door befind door panel that goes to fiber optic

 

Hi Cfhcar, Thanks for your reply. Sorry is the source in the door or the kick panel? Cheers, Fenn

 

Welcome to the site!
The locks are lit by fiber optics.
The interior dome lights should come on also.
The lock light source is a small bulb in a "bullet" style housing behind the front kick panel, between the middle and lower opening. At least it was in 1986. It is easy to remove so start there first.
Disassemble the housing and the bulb should pull out - a wedge shape I think.
Let me know what you find.
It could be a 558 projection bulb like the one used to light the "!" on the G body headlight switch.
If so, it is short lived. You can test the system with a regular 168 or 194 wedge bulb like from your side markers to be sure.

Post pics of your wagon when you can!

 

Hello Rob, Thank you! I've been looking at GM books and diagrams and had an idea it might be either in the footwell or from the footwell lighting. The locks stopped working within days of each other. I hope its just the bulbs and not the fiber optics...

I'm in London and the wagon is in storage in California so it will be a while until I get to check it all out and fix the issue.

Oh heres a link for my wagon on You Tube if thats of interest?


I only drive it a few weeks each year

Cheers, Fenn

 

Dude, that is one creampuff of a wagon! Very nice!
That would make an excellent coast cruiser - camp in it, too!
If it uses the 558 bulbs, then most likely they are bad. They had very short life tests. The fiber optics are flexible so they are most likely okay, esp. with only 49k miles!

Did the locks work from the other door? All the locks not working?

 

Hi Rob, The locks are all working, just the illumination problem on the front door locks themselves. The interior lights on ceiling and in the footwells all work when I pull on the handle... Now just to slip in a 403 engine! Also looking for the left centre applique moulding clip GM part 10096349 but thats another issue! Oh and thanks for the kind words on my wagon.. Cheers, Fenn

 

When you get to CA to look at it, update this thread on what kind of bulb it takes. If 558's, I have some spares in the garage that I can send out to you.
I cannot help with the clip, but start a new thread about it and someone here should know about it.
Kind words deserved, for sure! Hard to believe the seats & headliner is in such great shape as well as the original radio being there. Get the dust out of the engine bay and you will be show-ready!

 

Hi Rob, I've had the wagon since 2007 and done a little bit each time I've come over. I've had the roof lining replaced as it was bubbling, sourced an old rear bumper filler and had it installed and also bought better GM Delco radio which I had serviced and then installed too. Also added a clock on the dash as I thought it looked better that the 'Custom Cruiser' blanking plate. Yes she needs a detail in the engine bay... well a new 403 would be better. Would also like to add cornering lights and fender monitors but I think thats a dream. The seats are in great condition. I might buy some spare cloth and also a new drivers cushion as the foam could be firmer.

I see you've done a hell of a lot to your convertible all by yourself? It all looks amazing. I wish I had the opportunity but I don't think Hotel 6's like people working on their cars in their car parks while on annual road trips!