Door Switch Turns on Different Lights

[69L48Z27]

Sorry for the odd title but I'm not sure what else to call it. I have a new, to me, 68 GTX. It's a very original car and its 'uncut'. The only dash add on was a radio. This weekend I removed the radio and installed the original 8track, fixed the 4-way flasher switch, and the dimmer switch. I also tracked back the wiring harnesses and it looks like all harnesses are intact and not cut.

So... Here the build up to the question. When I open the driver's door the console lights come on, no dome or map. When I open the passenger door the dome light and map light come, no console.

Is it supposed to work this way or should all lights come on when either door is opened? If it is, has anyone seen this before and have a quick fix?

My dash dimmer is 100% function, roll it up and the map and dome come on but no console.

I have wiring diagrams, before I dig into this one I want to make sure this is not normal.

Thank you - Garth

 

[Ranger16]

I doubt there is much difference between your 68 GTX and my '69 Road Runner (wiring wise). On mine, both console lights and dome light come on when either door is opened or when turned on by the dimmer switch. I have no map light. I would suspect a connection or ground problem.

 

[69L48Z27]

Thanks. I figured all lights are supposed to come on but wanted to make sure. Just seems odd, there is a break in the power circuit from side to side. Left side kick panel might be where the problem is.

 

[miller]

Yup. Power source for all those lights are tied together, lights working off their switch.

 

[Shorthorse]

Remember, courtesy lamps have 12V supplied at all times. All the various switches supply a ground to those courtesy lamps.

 

[69L48Z27]

I think the 12VDC side is good since everything lights up. Seems my grounds are separated between console and left side. I'll see if I get some time this weekend and report back. I've been studying wire diagrams.

 

[miller]

Might be nothing, but keep in mind there's a ground attached to the body, behind each kick panel. If you get in there, worth checking.

 

[69L48Z27]

Will do. I thought the door plunger itself was the ground. I'll check it out.

 

[69L48Z27]

Well, that was easy.

Couldn't help myself, ran into the garage and removed the kick panel and right there was the missing link between the two sides of the car. Factory bullet connector on the yellow circuit. Plugged it back in, now all lights work on both doors. Connector needed some help staying together, I don't think it was seated properly from day 1.

I'm amazed at the electrical gremlins on this car for the condition of the car and wiring. I was expecting to find a bunch of cuts and screwed up wiring. Nothing like that, all factory harnesses and connectors intact. Makes me think that dome light may have been and issue for a looooong time.

 

[miller]

I thought the door plunger itself was the ground.

Door switch, like many other switches, are grounded, by how they are mounted. The grounding wires I mentioned are 'system' ground, for many of the light sockets that run a ground wire, such as tail lights.
Yeah, doesn't take much to make things quit working. Hard part on wiring is finding it!