66 dart with no lights

[OChav]

Just picked up a 66 dart that has no lights except for the turn signals front and back. When I pull the light switch there is a little red light comes on the dash but that's it. I'm not sure about reverse lights yet but I have no brake lights.

I'm not sure where to even start on this one, it looks like a lot of the wiring has been messed with over the years but so far I've found nothing broken or too obvious. I would like to start new and get a whole harness but the wallet says no right now, so if anyone has some advice to start diagnosing I'd appreciate it

 

[mopowers]

I'd start by obtaining a wiring diagram and a factory service manual (they have more extensive wiring diagrams). They are available for free online if you do a quick google search.

 

[66Valiant528]

High beam switch and connector on the floor are a known issue. All the headlamp power goes through that switch. And do a relay upgrade when you get a chance.

 

[67Dart273]

^^This and treat each problem as if they are separate because they just might be.

For example, the headlight power ONLY (not park or tail) comes directly off the ammeter circuit to the light switch. There is no fuse, except the main fuse link, and a breaker built into the light switch.

Go here to download a 66 Plymouth manual for free. The site does not have a Dodge manual, but the Plymouth one will be essentially the same

Service Manuals – MyMopar

mymopar.com

Also on the same site are 2 page aftermarket wiring diagrams which are sometimes easier to follow, but which leave out some items. Unfortunately you have to screw with zipped files, but they ARE free

Wiring – MyMopar

mymopar.com

The "little red light" is your high beam indicator, and may show that you are getting power to and through the light switch AND the dimmer switch. This means that you may have bad connections in the bulkhead connector, a bad ground out on the radiator support for the headlight harness, or even both lamps blown out.