electrical problem

[Gene Gamache]

I have two problems with my 62'. My fuel gauge does not go to E when the key is turned to the OFF position and the brake alarm flashes with the key in the OFF position. Could this be caused by a defective ignition switch? The car starts and shuts down fine. The fuel gauge does go to E when I disconnect the battery.
I would appreciate any help. Thank you

[Ed Jennings]

Re: electrical problem

I haven't sen this particular problem on C1's before, but there are three terminals on the perimeter of your switch. Two are powered up all the time and one is only powered with the ignition on. Without looking at a wiring diagram I don't remember where the gas gauge is fed from, but it may be that one of these circuits is the source. You may need to swap some wires. If you don't get a more learned answer before this evening, I'll look at a diagram when I get home and try to figure it out.

[John M.]

Re: electrical problem

That is what it sounds like to me as well, someone just hooked to the wrong terminal on the back of the switch.

Regards, John McGraw

[William V.]

Re: electrical problem

Gene

You need to trouble shoot your electrical problem using the 62 wiring diagram and VOM. It sound like there may be some flopped wiring.

However, this does remind me of a humorous problem I found in a 63 coupe. (I think it the same or similar ignition switch as the 62) The owner of the 63 kept complaining that something was draining his battery. The first two times he brought the car over I had a solid NO TROUBLE FOUND. The third time after he parked the car I found there was a solid drain on the battery. Through using the 63 wiring diagram and my excellent trouble shooting ability I traced the trouble back to the ignition switch. The fix was simple I just turned the switch from ACC to the lock position and the battery drain went away.

Good luck

Bill

[John H.]

Re: electrical problem

Does your temp gauge react the same way? On a '62, that circuit feeds from the ignition switch (14-ga. pink wire, all by itself on one terminal on the switch) and powers only the fuel gauge (18-ga. pink), temp gauge (18-ga. pink), and the radio (16-ga. yellow, from a fuse junction in the fuse block).

[Gene Gamache]

Re: electrical problem

I want to thank everyone who responded. I did have the 14g wire on the wrong pin on the ignition switch! Everything works the way it's suppose to.
This technical discussion board is great!