Interior light issue

[grubby65]

i have a problem with the console lights in my 1964 Dodge Polara 500, they come on when I depress the brake pedal. I thought it started happening when I turned the dome light on. So I replaced the headlight switch but that did not solve the problem. I haven't really started digging around under the dash yet. I was wondering if someone else has had this problem.

 

[moparsteve636]

Check your dimmer switch!

 

[Ron H]

You may want to closely check your fuse block if that hasn't been refurbished. I had a weird electrical issue going on in my '63 Plymouth and found some wires were fusing together due to both worn insulation and overheating. The fuse block size is a joke considering all the room under the dash but what was engineered was tiny block jamming the fuses and wiring in a small area. To boot some spade connectors should have been insulated; but who knows...Chrysler didn't give much thought to 50 plus years in operation..

 

[furyus63]

I agree with Ron H. This happened to me on my '62, start from the fuse box. The stop light and dome light should be on the same 9 amp fuse. When the brake light switch is on it's sending power to the dome light so I'd start there and see if they're joined by bad insulation.

 

[Shorthorse]

Interesting problem because the brake light switch provides +12V to the brake lights when activated. Its path is through the turn signal switch. Courtesy/interior lights have +12V at all times and are activated through the various switches by supplying a ground. The power for both brake and courtesy lights is unswitched and able to light regardless of the ignition key position.
http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1964/64PolaraA.JPG
http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1964/64PolaraB.JPG

 

[furyus63]

I must correct myself & reply after finding my problem. My brake light switch was not aligned properly with the brake pedal. The plunger was being pushed to the side and when the brake pedal made contact with the brake light switch housing shorting out and blowing the fuse. The dome light would not work since the fuse was blown.