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Tail light bulb replacement

1969CoronetR/T

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Is there a trick to putting the tail light bulb back in on a 1969 Coronet R/T?

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You'll notice a gap in the "fingers" that hold the socket in place.That gap aligns with a notch in the tail light housing.
 
Cool. I got the middle and outer ones out without a problem, but the inside one is a different story. Also, I went to check the brake lights and turn signal and as the turn signal was on, smoke came out of my steering wheel and now the tail lights are al out. I noticed earlier in the week that the horn was not working so I am wondering what happened.
 
Cool. I got the middle and outer ones out without a problem, but the inside one is a different story. Also, I went to check the brake lights and turn signal and as the turn signal was on, smoke came out of my steering wheel and now the tail lights are al out. I noticed earlier in the week that the horn was not working so I am wondering what happened.

Yikes.
 
The power looped back through rather than grounding and you smoked a wire. Could be at the horn button out of position or signal switch toast. You may also have a poor ground either front or back. Check all wires at the lower socket coming out of the column to ground. If you get continuity in any socket port, change the column wiring.
 
Another thing. I was checking the oil yesterday and I hit the oil dip stick against the battery terminal and it sparked. I think the battery is not grounded as the keys were out of the ignition when that happened. The dip stick spark and horn not working were yesterday and the tail lights and smoking steering column was today. I have to check the dash and see if all the gauges work as the turn signals are gone.
 
Always disconnect the battery while working with anything electrical.
 
So, I am guessing the battery is not grounded and I fried tail lights? I just got it back from the transmission shop on Friday and the mechanic noticed that the battery terminal (closest to the fire wall - positive?) was taught against the engine. He was worried that the vibration of the engine would knock the terminal loose.
 
Is there a trick to putting the tail light bulb back in on a 1969 Coronet R/T?

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I would highly recommend you download an electrical diagram for your particular car. Make a few copies and using colored pens trace the various circuits for the various functions - brake circuit, tailight circuit, turn signal circuit on a separate diagram and use only those pages for that particular circuit: (http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=24) The diagram will also show the color codes for the wires of each circuit. You will know exactly which wire goes where in each circuit. Isolate your individual circuits by pulling the fuse to that circuit and check for continuity or grounding to chassis. All circuits work on only one of two principles: 1) you send power down a wire to a particular load like the head lights which are always grounded or 2) you always have power going down the circuit and complete the circuit to ground with a switch like interior lights with jamb switches or your brake lights via the brake switch. Only with the use of an electrical diagram can you ascertain how the circuit works. Common issues are: poor grounding, bulkhead connector contact deterioration, faulty bulb sockets, shorted signal flasher unit, arced fuse holder unit and bare worn wiring. Isolating each circuit in turn will help you find the issue but it's tedious and requires the use of VOM meters, electrical probes and of course a comprehensive wiring diagram. You don't need the key on to short your battery to ground and yes, the cables to the battery should never be taught. Grounds must be maintained between the battery, engine and body of the car and should be run in a manner to loop all three as though they were one. Certain rag joints on steering columns will isolate the upper part of the column from chassis ground and require a jumper wire in order for the horn to work. There is always power to the horn relay and you complete the circuit via the horn contact under the steering wheel but if the ground is poor at the upper column the horn will never function. Good luck and think of this as a learning experience you'll never forget and get that wiring diagram.
 
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Ok, the mechanic said that the LED bulbs drew too much amperage and fried my turn signal switch located behind the steering wheel (where I saw it smoking). Does anyone know a source for the turn signal switch for a 1969 Coronet R/T?
 
I'm curious to know how much amperage your mechanic believed these LED bulbs drew from your harness? AFAIK LED lights are very low draw current wise. I have yet to have a problem with any of mine...other than fragility.
 
I think there was another issue as the horn failed to work the day before I put the LED lights in. I will ask him for details.
 
Does anyone know where to buy the socket for the rear tail lights 69 Plymouth GTX?
 
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