dash lights and radio not working just bought this 66 grand prix and looking for suggestions for common problems

Baranoa · Member

dash lights and radio not working just bought this 66 grand prix and looking for suggestions for common problems

seventy2plus2 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Re the dash lights and radio, check your fuses first. They'll be on separate circuits. As I always suggest for electrical problems, get a hold of a service manual for a wiring diagram.

A common problem for dash lights is a faulty potentiometer on the light switch, turn the light switch clockwise/counterclockwise numerous times to possibly clean it. Re the radio, does it work at all when turned on? Any sound, etc.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Hi Andy

Welcome here.

A few of us here happen to have 66's as well. Is your's a US model, a Grand Prix? I know occasionally people call my Canadian 66 Grande Parisienne a Grand Prix. The reason I ask is because the electrical portion of the dash lights on the back of the instrument cluster is completely different between the US and Canadian model.

Also, the floor pan is not the same between a Grande Parisienne and a Grand Prix.

Baranoa · Member

Hello

yes it is american car and yes i will get wiring schematic and check for power

Baranoa · Member

Thanks i was going to start with the switch

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

-fuses are all good? Do your tailights work? I am pretty sure the dash lights and tail lights use the same fuse on your car.

-test light on the fuse on each side to make sure?

If you need to work on that switch, it's a bit nasty to get at. Does the car have factory air? If so, you're almost better off to remove the dash pad from the top to be able to get at the switch.

Our sponsor at the top of the page, NOS Reproductions is an excellent place to check for floor pans. You will find them great to deal with.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

I am not certain but I think my Canadian GP uses the same switch. I know mine had a melted connector on it when I got the car a couple of years ago.

dualquadpete · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Agree with Carl, my 64 Catalina was much easier to take the top off the dash then try & go up under!! Not so bad on the "back" either!!!! Might have to try Ammes in NH or EMS in Ohio for the floor pan if NOS can't help Pete

Greaser · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Baranoa wrote:
just bought this 66 grand prix and looking for suggestions for common problems also looking for right front floor pan at canadian supplier

AM radio ? If so,.....first check if there any AM radio stations in your area.......maybe there are none, won't get much then.

.....drove my Poncho from northern Sask........only had one station, thought the radio was dead.

Baranoa · Member

havent really looked but whats involved in taking the dash pad off? and yes it is an AC car

Baranoa · Member

Thanks will try to remove dash pad

it needs to be changed anyhow if i can find one

seventy2plus2 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I think I'd check a few things before removing the dash pad.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Baranoa wrote:

Thanks will try to remove dash pad
it needs to be changed anyhow if i can find one

If you've never had the dash pad off of a 66 before, just know that you have to remove the cowl panel outside of the car behind the hood. Once you have it off, you will see a stud sticking through at the center of the cowl. Remove that nut before you try to pull the dash pad off inside!

Also, besides the screws going up into the dash pad from the underside of the pad, there is a horizontal stud at each end of the pad that pushes through a somewhat unique one way clip, at each end of the pad. I can post pictures for you if you like, the pad is off mine right now.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Oh, and don't get your hopes up looking for a good a/c dash pad for you car... If you find a good one, be prepared to need a wallet full of cash! They are out there, but $$$$.

Baranoa · Member

Thanks Carl pictures will probably help

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Ok, it will likely be a couple of days. My camera is away until Monday!

Baranoa · Member

Ok thanks