Classic/Antique Car Repair/Dash lights

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/18/2009


Question
1969 Ford Falcon Futura station wagon, none of the dash lights work, where should I start my checklist?

Answer
There should be a fuse on the back side of the headlight switch. Then check for voltage at the switch rheostat, the white round porcelain device, at the know end of the switch. This controls the dash lights and the dome light. Make sure that there is voltage going in and out with the headlights turned on. From there check the bulbs. It is easier to get at the switch than the bulbs.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.