69 Electrical Short

[69vetteman]

Gents,

I have a parasitic draw coming from an electrical short in my '69 Vette. It's a really strong draw. I've traced it to the "courtesy" fuse--the one that the cigarette lighter and much of the dash works off of, and pulled out the fuse. I thought I'd check here to see if you had any advice as to where to start looking--looks like a LOT of stuff runs off of this fuse. I bought the Vette recently, and don't have a lot of experience with it yet. The problem just started recently "out of the blue". Does anyone know if the '69 is particularly given to certain types of electrical shorts?

Thanks!

 

[Mike Carter]

I don't have a 69 electrical diagram, but I would get one then remove each load until I found the bad guy, best advice I can give is reference material, I have a big binder and I collect info and put it in there, even printed posts from this forum.

Mike

 

[ChuckG]

I'd check the cigarette lighter first, as you describe it as a strong draw. Look at the wiring diagram, and see precisely what comes off of that circuit. The clock, the cigarette lighter, and the windshield wiper over-ride switch are 3 of the biggest culprits when it comes to electrical "draws". 69's are no more prone to problems than any other year. Chuck

 

[69vetteman]

Chuck,

Thanks. I did try the cigarette lighter first (it was too easy), and it wasn't there. Your comment about the wiper switch really has me thinking. My wipers stopped working right about the time all this happened...the cover opens up and the wipers stop coming out. I was suspecting the switch, but hadn't gotten to it yet. Hmmm. Coincidence? Maybe. I'll have to check out the diagram like you guys are suggesting.

Frank

P.S. Nice Cars!