So we just put the dash back together after replacing the clutch in my friends 81 GSL and we're having a bit of a problem. the radio for some strange reason now only works when the headlights are on. we didn't notice it last night (because it was night and the headlights were on) but other important information may be that the car has the stock stereo without a tape deck (radio only.) the whole thing confuses me greatly as I'm an FC guy and dont know much about first gens. I did a bit of searching but wasnt able to find anything.

 

I know that when I used to install alarms (on ANY car) we'd always have to make sure that the power you grab, both constant 12v and ignition on 12v would always remain on when you flip the lights on or any other accesory on for that matter.

But that would only need to be checked if it was a aftermarket radio...

I'd suggest you grabbed the false wire as I mentioned above, but since it's a stock radio I don't even know where to direct you to start looking...???

Sorry just thinking out loud.

Why was the dash apart for a clutch job anyways...?

 

The whole dash had to come out to get the rubber boot from around the shift **** out. in hindsight, the rubber boot was two pieces (something I didnt know) and this whole mess could have been avoided. but thats just too easy. also, now noticing that the analog "jeco" quartz clock also only functions with the light on. anyone else ideas?

 

Did we miss another ground on a different ash tray? lol

Did we ever hook that black wire up to anything?

 

no we didnt but idk where it could go. it seems like a ground but the radio wouldnt work even with the lights on if it was missing a ground. and for it to affect the clock and stereo... idk?

 

could be something to do with when ivan blew the fuse? either that or wherever all the center console electronics pull their power from if connected into the wiring for the lights but even still that wouldnt make sense. Should we check it out tomorrow after we pull some parts?

 

Ok first off why not read the fsm electrical section (wtf I sware I posted that in here)

remove the dash and trace what wires would cause that, you probably disconnected something and plugged it in wrong.

Oh hey maybe the circuit is shared and a fuse blew? My bro reversed his batt (fixed most fuses) but we noticed that with the lights up the dash would work.

 

Did you take out the steering column. There is a red/green wire that works the clock, radio. and is attached to the head light circuit, in the high low dim switch. Does the high low switch work?

 

you mean the hi lo beam rotary switch? yes that works perfectly. and yes we did take the steering column apart. jon reinstalled it. I blame him. hahaha. and i will take it apart again and have a look around in the morning when i have some light to work with...

 

I didnt connect any wiring in the column. Didnt look like any of it was apart as far as i could see. Could be it though.

 

I looked at it the day before and could swear i remember there being a loose wire. ill check it out.

 

Ok so there was a disconnected ground wire that blew 2 fuses so now the radio works correctly but any time the car is on, the illumination is also on. there were two disconnected plugs, a male and a female (not gang plug connectors, single wire.) but i cant figure out where they go... it would be silly for them to plug into each other they both come from the same loom. one red with a blue stripe and one black.

 

If you missed a ground, the lights being on could possibly complete the circut by utilizing the ground the lights would use.

12V always wants to find it's way back to ground. And if the circuts are intertwined / paralled anywhere it could definatly be utilizing the lighting circuts ground / return path when on.

Again just thinking out loud...

If you do see any grounds, just make sure wherever you put it back is a clean contact, ex no paint not allowing continuity.

 

so then what would now be in turn causing the lights to constantly remain on?

 

fuel injection FTW...