Electrical help on my '82 Corolla

Hey all,

The other day I noticed my gauge lights weren't working on my '83 Corolla Wagon. I think this coincided with the car not starting because the positive battery terminal was loose. I'm a slacker and cheapskate and often take the battery out of one car to start/move/drive another. So...at any given time, my terminals aren't tight and need to be cleaned/twisted to get good contact.

Anyway...I noticed the gauge lights not working and figured I'd better look at the taillights as well. They're not working either. Neither are the FRONT turn signals. (the rears work fine though).

So...My Taillights, gauge lights, and front turn signals are konked out.

All fuses that should/could be related check fine with an ohm meter. I've verified that at least some of the affected bulbs are indeed good (namely the tail lights).

The problem is too far spread for me to think it a ground issue (though I'm not smart for thinking this, I'm sure). I don't know what ground these all would have in common though.

Does anyone, by chance, happen to know what I'm missing here? what all three of these have in common?
It's a matter of time before I get myself into trouble (whether by rear-ender or a ticket).

Thanks, Clem

Oh...

And I have confirmed I have power at the "gauge" fuse in the dash fuse panel. I'm not sure which circuit the tail lights run on...

Clem

I had an 82 sedan as my first car....great little thing. Kind of off the wall, but I've seen bad ignition switches and turnsignal switches cause all kinds of weird issues....

Of course if you have POWER at the fuse, but no lights, it definitely could be the ground. Try running a temporary jumper wire and ground out the instrument cluster. That would tell you quickly if that's the problem.

Good idea.

I'm mainly concerned with the tail lights...but I have a feeling the tail lights may share a circuit with the dash lights...or at least they are both on at the same time (ignition switch...hmmm)...

Thanks, Clem

What body style do you have? I have both the factory service manual, and wiring guides for 1983 Corollas

they are available still - http://www.faxonautoliterature.com/home_one.cfm

Here is the scan I think you are after......

Make sure none of the taillights are internally shorted (assuming you have dual-filament taillights). Just take them out one at a time and see if anything changes.