Curious glowing on my Tail lamps

[ronzet]

Ok,

57 MGA, new wiring harness... has been working for about a month...The turn signals had been working....

Now...

When I turn on the ignition switch...the tail lights glow dimely WITH THE LIGHT SWITCH OFF ... work fine when light switch is on.. Turn signals do not work....Brake lights work fine. Front parking lights come on with the switch on.. The top fuse on the fuse box blows out once in a while.

I suspect that the turn signal interruptor box is at fault.... BUT...thought I would ask...

Any suggestions before I pull the rest of my hair out???

 

[DrEntropy]

Something is using the taillamp circuit to ground THRU the lamps. Effectively making the bulbs into fuses... I think you should try and get to the bottom that one. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif

Start with pulling devices out of circuit *at the device* and observe the lamps. Are you sure the front running lamps aren't doing the same thing?

 

[ronzet]

DrEntropy,

Thanks for the reply... In all candor, I am not sure that the fronts are not glowing also. I will need to do the ol' 'cup your hands over and look through the fingers' technique this evening to see.

You are right, I need to eliminiate nodes in the circuit...

I will advise my progress..

 

[David_DuBois]

Ron - Do you know which filament is glowing? Is it the tail light or brake light filament? You may have to disconnect the appropriate wire to determine this. I suspect that it is the brake light filament and yes, it could be the turn signal relay. If you have access to it, remove the cover and use a wooden or plastic probe, try gently moving the contacts to see if any are sticking shut. If you need a new relay, contact me before you plunk down a lot of money on a new one.
Cheers,

 

[PAUL161]

I think Mr. Lucas is back there playing his little games.

 

[ronzet]

David,

Thanks for the suggestion...I will be isolating components this weekend....

If it turns out to be the signal relay.. I'll definitely contact you...

I am, like the rest of us, adverse to plunking down a lot of money needlessly. We do it all too often with these cars... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smirk.gif

I appreciate the offer.... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif

 

[ronzet]

Paul,

Me thinks there be something amiss....

Ah, Mr. Lucas.. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif

 

[jlaird]

Check for proper smoke level.

 

[ronzet]

Jack,

Ah, the smell of ozone while the wires glow
the electrons a shortcut they did go

you can sit and ponder the reasons why
as the harness so costly it did fry

The smoke in the air it did rise
'tis Lucas electric, no surprize /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

 

[jlaird]

LOL, well done.

 

[ronzet]

Jack,

Thanks....

A poet lauriate I scarcely be
but when the mood arives we shall see... LOL /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

 

[DrEntropy]

...hoooboi...

 

[ronzet]

DrEntropy,

ah well.. that's why I get paid the big bucks..... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

 

[PAUL161]

Hey! Can we put that poem in the BCF archives? Actually, I think it should be embossed on all Lucas parts. (As a reminder of days gone by of course).

 

[ronzet]

Paul,

I am flattered that you like my ditty.
As a poem 'tis completely sh*(#y

Take it and post it with your name
you can garner the wealth and fame...

They may call you great, a scholar
yet in your pocket, not a dollar.... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

 

[jlaird]

Man, you out of sight. What a talent.

 

[DrEntropy]

But do his taillamps work yet? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif

 

[ronzet]

DrEntropy,

Ah, nope.. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wall.gif

 

[DrEntropy]

Well... considerin' th' season an' all, just name th' thing "Rudolph".


...with th' glowing err, ummm,


<span style='font-size: 8pt'>nevermind</span>

 

[ronzet]

DrEntropy,

I have been trying to come up with a name for the A...

By George, I think you have it...

Rudolph it is...