Lightbar Shenanigans

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    Author Topic: Lightbar Shenanigans  (Read 1076 times)

    Offline Trifecta

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    Lightbar Shenanigans
    « on: June 17, 2014 - 05:48:07 PM »
    I have a restored gauge cluster and full switch panel (switches too) loaded back into the chally and I'm having a little complication with my lightbar.  Incidentally the lightbar and lights were working fine before the gauge cluster went out for restoration. 

    The left most light in the lightbar, which throws light down on the switch panel, is coming on when any one of the 4 remaining light sockets are inserted into the light bar.  It seem the ground is coming from the orange wire that includes the sockets for the 4 elongated bulbs in the light bar. 

    Any had a similar experience / grounding with the orange wire in the lightbar?  To better illustrate the circumstance, I've attached an image shows what happens when the two bulbs meet.  Seems like the orange wire is grounded.

     :popcorn:
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    Offline anlauto

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    Re: Lightbar Shenanigans
    « Reply #1 on: June 17, 2014 - 06:01:45 PM »
    If the orange wire is plugged into the correct plug in the wire harness and it's not pinched anywhere....It shouldn't be a "ground".....but I guess you already know that....weird problem for sure :dunno:
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    I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
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    Offline ammo

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    Re: Lightbar Shenanigans
    « Reply #2 on: June 17, 2014 - 06:44:22 PM »
    On mine the far left dash light that's lights up the switches is tied into the dome and ignition light when the door opens.  That particular light grounds out the metal dash bezel for the other dash bulb lights.  Mine seemed to run on a timer and had a mind of its own.  Sometimes would go off correctly, other times not.  the dome and ignition light always worked correctly.  I ran another ground off of that far left light where the screw in bracket for the light sits.  Ran that ground to a under dash ground point and problem went away.  Not sure if that helps any but figured I'd toss it out there
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    1973 dodge challenger

    Offline Trifecta

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    Re: Lightbar Shenanigans
    « Reply #3 on: June 18, 2014 - 07:22:48 PM »
    Suspect I've pinched the llightbar wire somewhere   Comîng apart this weekend.
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    Offline dodj

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    Re: Lightbar Shenanigans
    « Reply #4 on: June 19, 2014 - 07:10:03 AM »
    The grounding of the metal plate that the switches are mounted on is very important. I ran a separate ground wire (metal plate to body) to ensure a solid ground. Make sure the lower screw that attaches the bottom of the  switch plate to the dash frame is installed. It is the only factory ground.
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    Scott
    1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
    2007.5 3500 6.7 Cummins Diesel, Anarchy tuned.
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    Offline ammo

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    Re: Lightbar Shenanigans
    « Reply #5 on: June 19, 2014 - 07:34:56 AM »
    Quote from: dodj on June 19, 2014 - 07:10:03 AM
    The grounding of the metal plate that the switches are mounted on is very important. I ran a separate ground wire (metal plate to body) to ensure a solid ground. Make sure the lower screw that attaches the bottom of the  switch plate to the dash frame is installed. It is the only factory ground.

     :iagree:  You said that much better than I did.  I Re-read my post about adding a extra ground and even I didn't understand it.    :eek7:
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    1973 dodge challenger

    Offline Trifecta

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    Re: Lightbar Shenanigans
    « Reply #6 on: June 19, 2014 - 11:16:25 AM »
    Ahh...Thanks.  All the switches are operating with the exception (maybe) of the dimmer.  I'm thinking another possibility is the socket connection at the switch has come loose during install process.  Not looking foward to taking the switch panel back out.  Its a bit delicate.
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    Offline dodj

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    Re: Lightbar Shenanigans
    « Reply #7 on: June 23, 2014 - 06:48:52 PM »
    Quote from: ammo on June 19, 2014 - 07:34:56 AM
    :iagree:  You said that much better than I did.  I Re-read my post about adding a extra ground and even I didn't understand it.    :eek7:
    :smilielol:
    I actually thought you were talking about running a separate ground for the light bar.

    If you do have a bad dimmer, member Slotts does a good job of reconditioning I hear. :2cents:
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    Scott
    1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
    2007.5 3500 6.7 Cummins Diesel, Anarchy tuned.
    Good friends don't let friends do stupid things. ........alone.

    Offline spamtank

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    Re: Lightbar Shenanigans
    « Reply #8 on: June 23, 2014 - 08:18:15 PM »
     :popcorn:
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    Rick, Manchester, NH
    1970 SE 383 2V AT Challenger
    1977 M882/W200 Power Wagon
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    Offline Trifecta

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    Re: Lightbar Shenanigans
    « Reply #9 on: June 26, 2014 - 11:25:18 AM »
    Postmortem on the light bar issue.  As you all expected the ground was the issue.  So now all the lights passing through the dimmer switch are operational.  Still sorting other interior lights including the constantly burning switch plate light.  Appreciate all your input in sorting this.
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