No Power to Dome Light

[Duffman]

There have been some great posts on getting the dome light to work, but I haven't found one that addresses no power to the dome light. I bought new door switches and, before I reconnected the dome light harness, I checked the voltage on the positive connection on the main harness next to the side window (which should be on at all times). Nothing, no power. Assuming something is shorted or cut somewhere (fuse looks good). My gauge lights work fine, so does the map light. Is there a way to check the continuity on the positive lead from the dash to the dome light? If so, where would be a good spot up front to hook my lead up to from my meter to test continuity to my dome light positive lead? Thanks!

[SteveJ]

The dome light should get its positive from a red/blue wire. The fuse for this wire should be the next to last fuse in the right hand column in the fusebox. (Just to make sure you have the right fuse.) Be sure to check voltage at the fusebox on both sides of the fuse.

To check continuity of the wire, here is what I suggest:

1. Remove the fuse from the fusebox.

2. Unplug the dome light from the wiring harness. This will ensure that it's not a bad dome light causing your problems.

3. Measure resistance with an ohmmeter. Don't rely on the buzzer for continuity. It will sound even if the resistance is higher than it should be.

4. Go from the inside clip for the dome light fuseholder to the red/blue wire that the dome light plugged into. The resistance should be only around 0.3 ohms.

Make sure you get a copy of the 71 FSM supplement at XenonS30.com if you don't have a paper copy of the FSM. Look at page 30. You'll see the body harness connections. There is a 6 pin connector on that drawing. You'll find it near the passenger kick panel. Make sure it is not corroded and is plugged in securely.

Let us know what you find out.

[Duffman]

Thanks, Steve, so if I get nothing than I have a break somewhere. Next, I can check from the fuse box to the 6 pin connector by the passenger kick panel, then from the 6 pin connector to the dome light, to pinpoint where it is located.

[SteveJ]

Yes, that would be a good way of breaking the circuit down. Don't be surprised if a previous owner used the red/blue wire to do something like provide constant power for a stereo.

[Duffman]

Had a break in the line, got the dome light working. Also, installed some LED lights in the footwells, using the existing harness connections, can now see at night!!

[Duffman]

Was surprised to see that when you push the dome light cover to turn it on (with doors closed) the footwell lights come on, too! Surprise benefit.

[SteveJ]

Great, now I am compelled to find the footwell light wiring in my car.

[zKars]

First clue. "blue tape"

[Duffman]

Yep, look for the blue tape!!

[SteveJ]

So, let me make sure I understand...I'll find the wires wrapped in yellow tape, right?