Hi everyone, new to this forum and I have a question hopefully someone has an answer for? I have a 66 Cutlass that was my dad's and now I'm working to get it drivable again. My question is this, when I turn on the headlights, I only have running lights in the rear, not the front? However, if I just turn on the running lights, both front and rear work fine. Both work on the turn signals and flashers just not when the headlights are on? I replaced the switch thinking that might be the problem but it still persists. Am I missing something? Thank you in advance for any ideas you have.

 

Yes, you are missing something. Parking lights were not on with headlights until 68. In 67 and earlier, what you describe is correct behavior. Saves bulb life and lens heat issues, too. You are good to go.

 

Yep. Note that they are "parking lights" and not "running lights". That distinction says it all.

 

Thank you very much for the information. I never thought about parking vs running lights. You saved me a lot of frustration and one more thing I can check of my list.

 

If car has underhood, glovebox and trunk lights don't be surprised if the lights have to be on for those to work. The A-body car may have switched to full-time 12v power for those by that time.