Been messing around with my 72 Cutlass and got the dash lights fixed and the original clock working again. While under the dash I noticed a whole bunch of plugs/wires/connectors that seemingly were attached to nothing.

I've attached pictures below - if anyone can provide some enlightenment (I know, cheesy joke) I'd appreciate it.

The first photo is this dangling from under the glove box

The second and third photos are the same bunch of wires just two different angles. This may be for the stereo. I have the original AM unit in there but it doesn't work. Potentially just not plugged in, haven't checked yet

The fourth one is a bit more difficult to see - the connectors are toward the upper left of the picture. This is closer to the drivers side.



The stuff that ain't working - cigarette lighter, AM radio - otherwise everything in the dash seems to be working. Any ideas?

 

Wow, that's a bit of a mess.
First things first


The yellow wire is probably the original wire for your radio. If it's missing the connector. The 'plug' with the metal end is the antenna that comes from the front windshield and plugs into the back of the radio. (That would be a good reason you don't have reception on the radio). The bulb looks like the one that illuminates the 'heater' panel. If you turn on the park lights, this light should come on. If it goes on when you open the door without turning on the lights, it's part of the convenience light package.

The orange connector in the background could be the connection to the cigar lighter, or the connection to the maplight in the lower dash.


The relay that's hanging down could be the seat belt warning buzzer. Check by having someone hold the car in drive (has to be running) with the driver seatbelt undone.

Anyway, try that for starters. Does the one under the drivers dash have 2 prongs? If it does it might be for your emergency flashers. It's really hard to see in the pic.

 

3rd pic - Seat belt warning buzzer with green and black wires going to it.
Possible old radio dial lamp hanging on gray wire
Yellow wire - to stock radio

4th pic - Connector with pink and orange wire is for TH400 tranny kickdown switch. On TH350 trannies, it is just not used. Yellow/black stripe wire and connector go to neutral switch on column - part of the seatbelt warning buzzer circuit.

 

Rob, you sure? that looks a LOT like the connector for the emergency flasher - connectors are at 90° angles to each other.

 

I would bet a beer on that one...
See it here just to the right of the column on the neutral switch:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/...dae378b0_b.jpg

It prevented the buzzer from sounding in any gear but forward.

 

If I was down there, I'd buy you that beer - nice and cold. I always wondered why the seat belt buzzer would only sound in forward gears. Great pic BTW.

 

That bulb could also be the one that illuminates the ash tray?. It pushes in & turns into a riveted hole on the passenger side of the ashtray. It can be a pita to install!