SECTION 12
ELECTRICAL-BODY AND CHASSIS
CONTENTS
OF
THIS
SECTION
Page
Page
System 12-1
Instruments and Gauges 12-21
Directional Signal 12r40
Windshield Wipers and Washers 12-44
Wiring Diagrams 12-56
Special Tools 12-60
LIGHTING SYSTEM
INDEX
Page
General Description
!2-i
Maintenance and Adjustments
•.................. 12-2
Headlamp Adjustment......................
12-3
Headlamp Panel Travel Adjustment.
12-5
Service Operations.
. . .. 12-5
Front Lighting
12-5
Headlamp
. 12_5
Parking Lamp
12-5
Fender Lamp
. 12_^
Headlamp Panel
12-8
Headlamp Panel Motor
^2-9
Rear Lighting
l2-10
Tail, Stop and Directional Lamps
12-10
Page
Backing Lamps
12-14
License Plate Lamp
12-14
Automatic Transmission Quadrant Lamp
12-14
Seat Separator Console Lamps
. 12-15
Lighting Switch
. . 12-15
Wiper Switch.
12-15
Stoplight Switch
12-15
Dimmer Switch
12-15
Backing Lamp Switches
12-15
Neutral Safety Switches
12-17
Parking Brake Alarm Switch
................. 12-19
Instrument Panel Compartment Lamp/Switch
12-19
Cirgarette Lighter
12-19
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
.
The lighting system includes: the main lighting switch,
stop light, dimmer, and backing lamp switches, head-
lamps, parking lamps, stop, tail and directional lamps,
instrument illumination and indicator lamps, and the
necessary wiring to complete the various circuits. A
fuse panel provides convenient power take offs and fuse
clips for the appropriate circuits (fig. 1).
Chevrolet and Chevelle headlamp installation is all
new in that the headlamps are located in the radiator
support with adjusting screws and springs. Eliminating
the need for having separate headlamp housings. Chev-
rolet and Chevelle headlamp retainers and springs are
interchangeable.
Chevy n headlamp housings are new because of revised
front end styling and Corvette front end lighting is basi-
cally carryover.
Front fender lamps have been added as an option for
Chevrolet models and as standard equipment on Caprice
series.
Camaro models use single headlamps and the Rally
Sport model headlamps are covered by a retractable
section of the grille when lamps are not used. The sec-
tion of the grille covering the headlamps folds back when
lights are required; the headlamps are stationary. The
covering is retracted by a small electric motor mounted
to the headlamp housing. The headlamps are automat-
ically uncovered when the headlight switch is pulled "ON"
for illumination. If at any time the electrical circuit
becomes inoperative, the lamps can be uncovered manu-
ally. The ignition switch must be
"ON"
in order to close
the headlamp doors.
Parking lamp for Chevelle and Chevrolet models are
new due to revised front end sheet metal and bumper
styling. Parking lamps are located in the bumper on
Chevrolet, Chevelle and Chevy n models
Camaro parking lamps are located in the radiator
grille except for the Rally Sport models on which the
parking lamps are in the valance panel. For styling
reasons, the lens is white and an amber glass bulb is
used. All Camaro parking lamps require a separate
ground wire to assure a good ground contact because of
the plastic grille and painted contact surfaces.
The Chevrolet tail, stop, and directional lamps are in
one housing with a three section lens design on Impala
and Caprice sedans. The center lens for Impala series
is the back-up lamp. The center lens on the Caprice is
a tail lamp with the back-up lamps being located in the
rear bumper. Chevrolet station wagons have three indi-
vidual housings with three lenses, the center lamp being
the back-up. Biscayne and Bel-Air sedans have a single
housing and lens for tail, stop, and directional lamp with
a similarly constructed back-up lamp inboard and adja-
cent to it.
Chevelle tail, stop, and directional lamps are a single
lens design that follows through with the rear fender
styling. The back-up lamp is located in r.ear bumper.
Camaro models except Rally Sport have tail lamps
with integral back-up lamps mounted inboard of the rear
fenders between the trunk opening and bumper. The
Rally Sport model has dual tail lamps in the rear housing
and valance mounted back-up lamps.
Corvette, Chevy n, and Corvair tail and directional
signal lights are carryover. The Corvette has new back-
up lamps center mounted above the license plate opening.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE
ELECTRICAL-BODY AND CHASSIS 12-2
FJg.
1 - Fuse Panel Assembly
All power window and tailgate circuits require the igni-
tion switch to be "ON" to open or close the windows un-
like past model designs which were operated independ-
ently of the ignition switch.
The windshield wiper and washer switch is new in that
washer button in the center of the knob has been deleted
and its function will be accomplished by pushing the knob.
A set screw is used to retain the knob to the shaft.
In addition to fuses, the wiring harness incorporates
fusible links to protect the wiring. Links are used rather
than a fuse in wiring circuits that are not normally fused,
such as the ignition circuit. Fusible links in the Chevro-
let wiring are four gauge sizes smaller than the cable it
is designed to protect. The links are marked on the
insulation with wire gauge size because of the heavy insu-
lation which makes the link appear a heavier gauge than it
actually is.
Engine compartment wiring harness incorporate sev-
eral fusible links. Each link is identified with its gauge
size.
A fusible link is a length of special wire (normally
four wire gauges smaller than the circuit it is protecting)
used in wiring circuits that are not normally fused, such
as the ignition circuit. The same size wire with a spe-
cial hypalon insulation must be used when replacing a
fusible link.
The links are:
1.
The pigtail lead at the battery positive cable (except
Corvette) is a 14 gauge, brown fusible link protecting
the 10 gange battery charging circuit. This wire is
an integral part of the battery cable assembly and
servicing requires replacing the complete battery
cable assembly. On Corvette models this link is
installed as a molded splice at the solenoid "Bat"
terminal and servicing requires splicing in a new
link.
2.
A 16 gauge black fusible link is located at horn relay
to protect all unfused wiring of 12 gauge or larger.
It is a serviceable piece with an in-line connector
and is not integral with the wiring harness.
3.
The generator warning light and field circuitry (16
gauge wire) is protected by a fusible link (20 gauge
orange wire) used in the "battery feed to voltage
regulator #3 terminal" wire. The link is installed
as a molded splice in the generator and forward lamp
harness and is serviced by splicing in a new 20 gauge
wire as required.
4.
The ammeter circuit on all models is protected by
two orange, 20 gauge wire fusible links installed as
molded splices in the circuit at the junction block or
the solenoid "Bat" terminal (Corvette only) and at the
horn relay. Each link is serviced by splicing in a
new 20 gauge wire as required.
The wiring harnesses use a standarized. color code
common to all Chevrolet vehicles. Under the color code,
the color of the wire designates a particular circuit. The
harness title indicates the type of harness, single of mul-
tiple wire, and also describe the location of the harness.
The body harness is a flat, solid wire assembly and is
routed through the vehicle near the center of the body.
Composite wiring diagrams (figs. 104 thru 124) are in-
cluded at the end of this section.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
Maintenance of the lighting units and wiring system
consists of an occasional check to see that all wiring
connections are tight and clean, that the lighting units are
tightly mounted to provide good ground and that the head-
lamps are properly adjusted. Loose or corroded con-
nections may cause a discharged battery, difficult start-
ing, dim lights, and possible damage to generator and
regulator. Wire harnesses must be replaced if insulation
becomes burned, cracked, or deteriorated. Whenever it
is necessary to splice a wire or repair one that is bro-
ken, always use solder to bond the splice. Always use
rosin flux solder on electrical connections. Use insulat-
ing tape to cover all splices or bare wires.
When replacing wires, it is important that the correct
size be used. Never replace a wire with one of a smaller
size.
Each harness and wire must be held securely in place
by clips or other holding devices to prevent chafing or
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ELECTRICAL-BODY AND CHASSIS 12-3
Fig.
2 - T-3 Safety Aimer
wearing away the insulation due to vibration.
By referring to the wiring diagrams, circuits may be
tested for continuous circuit or shorts with a conventional
test lamp or low reading volt meter.
HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENT-
T-3 HEADLAMPS
CAUTION: Check and tighten radiator support
grille retaining bolts prior to attempting head-
lamp aiming. Distorted grille or supports in
this area will hinder proper aiming of head-
lamps. On Corvette models make sure head-
lamp panel is adjusted properly - refer to
"Headlamp Panel Travel Adjustment".
When aiming headlamps, vehicle should be filled to ca-
pacity with gas, oil, and water but no load. Tires should
be uniformly inflated to recommended pressure.
the T-3 Safety Aimer-Type B (fig. 2), is used for the
headlamp aiming description that follows. An adapter is
required with the Type B T-3 Aimer when adjusting the 7
inch headlamp used on the Chevy n vehicle.
1.
Drive vehicle onto selected aiming area. Bounce
vehicle several times and allow to settle.
2.
Remove headlamp bezels.
3.
Mount the T-3 Aimers on either the No. 1 or No. 2
pair of headlamps so that "the points of the headlamps
engage the smooth inner ring of the aimers.
HORIZONTAL
AIMING
SCREW
STRING OVER
"2R" ON AIMER ARM
Fig.
4—-Headlamp Horizontal Adjustment
NOTE:
In the dual headlamp installation, the
inboard unit is designated No. 1 and the outboard
unit is designated No. 2.
4.
Secure the aimers to the headlamp units by firmly
pressing knob at center of each aimer (fig. 3). Ro-
tate crossarms inboard to approximate horizontal
position.
NOTE:
Moisten suction cups slightly to obtain
maximum holding force.
5. With both aimers in place, knot both ends of elastic
string and, using slots provided, fasten string across
horizontal crossarms of each aimer.
6. Rotate both aimers so that the string just clears the
points on the crossarms.
HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT
7. a. Turn horizontal aiming screw, Figure 4, on left-
VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT SCREW
Fig.
3 - Installing Aimer on Headlamp Unit
Fig.
5 - Headlamp Vertical Adjustment
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ELECTRICAL-BODY AND CHASSIS 12-5
Fig.
8—Turning Level Adjusting Screw to Calibrate Aimer
HEADLAMP PANEL TRAVEL ADJUSTMENT
Corvette (Fig. 9)
The headlamp panel travel is limited by two adjusting
screws which are located on the arms of the shaft
mounted stop.
Fig.
9—Headlamp Panel Travel Adjusting Screw
1.
Raise hood and as a safety precaution install a bolt
through the hole in the hood support - secure bolt
with a nut.
2.
Adjusting screw (A) limits headlamp panel travel in
open position - adjust this screw so that mounting
face of panel is within 2 degrees of vertical in the
fully open position.
NOTE: Each headlamp operates independently
of the other, therefore individual adjustment is
required for each panel.
3.
Adjusting screw (B) limits headlamp panel travel in
closed position - adjust this screw so that panel is
flush to upper body panel in the fully closed position.
4.
Lock both screws by tightening lock nut against stop.
5.
Remove safety bolt as installed in Step 1 and close
the hood.
SERVICE OPERATIONS
FRONT LIGHTING
HEADLAMP REPLACEMENT (Figs. 10 and 13)
1.
On Corvette and Camaro Rally Sport models, rotate
the headlamp panel to the open position.
2.
Remove headlamp bezel retaining screws and remove
bezel. On Chevrolet, Chevelle and Camaro models
lift bezel to disengage retaining tabs from slots in
filler panel.
3.
On Chevy n models remove three retaining ring at-
taching screws. On other models disengage spring
from the retaining ring and remove two attaching
screws.
4.
Remove retaining ring, disconnect sealed beam unit
at wiring connector and remove the unit.
5.
Attach connector to replacement unit and position
unit in place making sure the number molded into the
lens face is at the top.
NOTE: In the dual headlamp installation the
inboard unit (NO. 1) takes a double connector, the
outboard unit (No. 2) takes a triple connector
plug.
6. Position retaining ring into place and install the re-
taining ring attaching screws and spring (as
applicable).
7.
Check operation of unit and install the headlamp
bezel.
PARKING LAMP REPLACEMENT
Bulb
1.
Remove two lens retaining screws and disengage lens
from housing.
2.
Replace bulb, check operation of lamp, reinstall lens
and retaining screws.
Lamp Housing
Chevrolet, Chevelle and Chevy II (Figs. 10 and 11)
1.
Disconnect lamp wire assembly in-line connector
from wiring harness.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ELECTRICAL-BODY AND CHASSIS 12-8
is inserted through radiator support opening.
Remove two screws retaining lamp assembly to
lower sheet metal.
Remove three screws retaining lamp assembly to
lender.
To replace lamp assembly, reverse removal proce-
dure and check operation of the unit.
is aligned with flat on pivot shaft. Install stop lock
bolt and torque bolt to 45-60 in, lbs. Make sure that
side-to-side panel alignment is not changed when in-
stalling and tightening the stop.
CAUTION: Do not exceed specified torque
when tightening stop lock bolt.
HEADLAMP PANEL REPLACEMENT-CORVETTE
Refer to Figure 13 for Panel Mounting details.
1.
Remove engine compartment hood as outlined in
Section 1.
2.
Actuate headlamp panel to the open position.
NOTE:
In the event headlamp motor is inop-
erative, manual positioning of the panel can be
accomplished by turning the knurled knob at in-
board end of motor. As an assist in manual
operation of panel, apply light hand pressure to
panel in desired direction of rotation.
3.
Remove positive lead from battery terminal.
4.
Remove headlamp bezel retaining screws and bezel.
5. Remove the sealed beam housing unit as an assem-
bly - disconnect sealed beam leads at harness con-
nector and remove connector from sealed beam
leads;
remove the housing-to-panel retaining screws
and remove housing unit and wiring from panel.
6. Remove motor from panel pivot shaft - see motor
removal procedure. Then remove the panel stop
from panel inboard pivot shaft, and disconnect switch
lead wires from panel, support-mounted motor
switch.
7. Remove the panel retaining bolt access hole plugs
from inside the panel then rotate panel as required
and remove the retaining bolts and slide supports
from ends of panel pivot shaft. Remove bearing, felt
seal, retainer and washer from inboard pivot shaft.
8. Remove panel from its location by alternately disen-
gaging pivots from their retaining slots and with-
drawing unit forward through opening in body (fig.
14).
9. Loosen alien screw in spacer and disassemble parts
from the panel outboard pivot shaft.
10.
Install washer, retainer, felt seal, bearing and
spacer, in that order, to panel outboard pivot shaft.
Do not tighten spacer on shaft at this time.
11.
Position panel in body opening and index panel pivot
shafts in retaining slots; then loosely install support
retaining bolts.
12.
Install washer, retainer, felt seal, bearing and sup-
port, in that order, to panel inboard pivot shaft, and
loosely install support retaining bolts. -
13.
Check side-to-side alignment of panel, making sure
that there is no panel-to-body contact; position
spacer snugly against bearing; then tighten spacer
seat screw to 30-50 in. lbs.
14.
Install stop on panel inboard shaft so that it rests
against bearing, being sure that index mark on stop
15.
Check and align panel to body as follows:
a. Tighten panel pivot support bolts snugly but still
allowing panel to" be moved by applying hand
pressure.
b.
Position panel to the closed position and align
with body so that all surfaces are flush.
c. With the panel in the closed position the outboard
access hole is aligned with the forward bolt head.
Tighten this bolt with the panel in the closed
position - access to bolt head can be obtained by
working through opening between the hood and
body.
d. Rotate panel to obtain access to each bolt head
and torque bolts to 100-140 in. lbs.
e. Connect switch lead wires to support-mounted
limit switch.
16.
Install seaLed beam housing unit and at the same time
position sealed beam lead wires through panel out-
board pivot shaft. Install housing unit retaining
screws and install lead wires in connector, making
sure to match colors between harness and connector.
17.
Install motor assembly - see motor replacement
procedure.
18.
Connect positive lead to battery terminal.
19.
Adjust headlamp panel as outlined under "Headlamp
Panel Travel Adjustment".
20.
Adjust headlamp aiming as outlined under "Headlamp
Adjustment".
21.
Install headlamp bezel and engine compartment
hood - refer to Section 1 for hood installation.
Fig.
14
- Headlamp Panel Removal (Corvette)
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ELECTRICAL-BODY AND CHASSIS 12-10
10.
To install, replace motor assembly, and reverse re-
moval procedure.
REAR LIGHTING SERVICE
TAIL, STOP AND DIRECTIONAL LAMPS
Bulb Replacement (Fig. 17)
1.
Disconnect lamp socket from rear of lamp unit and
remove bulb from socket.
NOTE:
Bulb removal on station wagon models
and Corvette requires, removal of the lens to
gain access to the bulb.
2.
Replace bulb and plug socket back into lamp housing.
Lamp Housing Replacement
Chevrolet, Chevelle Station Wagon,
Camaro and Chevy II (Fig. 17)
1.
Disconnect bulb socket from rear of lamp unit.
NOTE:
On station wagons remove lens to gain
access to lamp or screws securing lamp housing
to body.
2.
Remove nuts at rear of housing retaining lamp hous-
ing to vehicle body, remove housing from vehicle.
3.
Remove lens retaining screws or nuts, remove lens
and transfer to new housing unit.
4.
To install reverse removal procedure and check op-
eration of lamp unit.
HEADLAMP
WIRING ASSEMBLY
MOTOR
INSTALLATION
TO PARKING LAMP
TO RETR. HDLP. MOTOR
TO HEADLAMP
HEADLAMP
DOOR ASSEMBLY
Fig.
16- Headlamp Motor Installation (Comoro)
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ELECTRICAL-BODY AND CHASSIS 12-15
Fig.
21 - Qlal Quadrant Assembly ~ Camaro
SEAT SEPARATOR CONSOLE LAMPS
COMPARTMENT LAMP REPLACEMENT (Fig.
22)
1.
Remove (pry up) switch assembly from console open-
ing in.the instrument compartment.
2.
Remove bulb from the socket.
3.
Replace bulb and install switch assembly in console
opening.
COURTESY LAMP REPLACEMENT (Fig. 22)
1.
Remove two screws and lens at rear of console.
2.
Remove bulb from retainer.
3.
Replace the bulb, position the lens and install attach-
ing screws.
QUADRANT LAMP REPLACEMENT (Fig. 22)
1.
Remove Dial Quadrant Trim plate retaining screws
and lift trim plate assembly from console opening.
2.
Disconnect lamp socket from the retainer and re-
move bulb from the socket.
3.
To install, insert bulb into the socket and snap the
socket assembly into the retainer.
Position the trim plate assembly into the console
opening and install the retaining screws.
4.
LIGHTING SWITCH REPLACEMENT (Fig. 24)
1.
Disconnect battery ground cable.
2.
Pull control knob out of headlamp ON position.
3.
Reach under instrument panel and depress the switch
shaft retainer (Fig. 25) and remove knob and shaft
assembly.
4.
Remove ferrule nut using Tool J-21932 and remove
switch assembly from instrument panel.
NOTE:
Some Chevelle models require use of
ToolJ-4880.
5. Disconnect the multi-plug connector from the lighting
switch. A screw driver may be inserted in the side
of the switch to pry the connector from the switch.
6. Connect the multi-plug connector to the replacement
switch (Fig. 23). Connect battery cable to battery
terminal and check operation of the light switch'in all
positions.
NOTE:
Ground switch- to check dome lamp
operation.
7. Position switch and bezel to panel mounting hole and
install ferrule jmt.
8. Insert switch control knob and shaft assembly into
switch until retainer engages shaft.
WIPER SWITCH REPLACEMENT (Fig. 26)
1.
Disconnect battery ground cable.
2.
Remove the connectors from the rear of the switch.
NOTE:
On Air Conditioned models it is nec-
essary to remove left A/C outlet duct for acces-
sibility to rear of switch.
3.
Loosen set screw and pull knob from switch shaft.
4.
Remove retaining nuts using special Tool J-21932
and withdraw wiper switch from behind console.
NOTE:
Some Chevelle models require special
ToolJ-4880.
5. To install, reverse removal procedure and check
operation of wipers.
STOPLIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT (Fig. 27)
1.
Disengage retaining fingers, disconnect wiring har-
ness connector from switch and unscrew switch from
mounting clip.
2.
Depress brake pedal and push new switch into clip
until shoulder bottoms out against clip.
3.
Check switch position for proper operation. Elec-
trical contact should be made when the brake pedal is
depressed 3/8" to 5/8" from fully released position.
DIMMER SWITCH REPLACEMENT (Fig. 28)
1.
Fold back upper left corner of front floor mat, disen-
gage connector lock fingers, and disconnect multi-
plug connector from dimmer switch.
2.
Remove two screws retaining dimmer switch to toe
pan.
3.
Connect multi-plug connector to new switch and
check operation. Install new switch to toe pan with
two screws. Replace floor mat.
BACKING LAMP SWITCH REPLACEMENT
Located on Mast Jacket (Fig. 29)
1.
Disconnect wiring connector at switch terminals.
2.
Remove switch attaching screws and switch from
mast jacket.
3.
Position new switch to mast jacket, install the re-
taining screws and connect wire connector to switch.
NOTE:
Position gear shift in neutral before
assembling switch to mast jacket.
4.
Check operation of switch.
Located on Transmission (Fig. 30)
1.
Raise and support vehicle.
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL
ELECTRICAL-BODY AND CHASSIS 12-16
BACK-UP LAMP CONN.
CONSOLE CTSY
LAMP CONN
CLOCK CONN
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH
Fig.
22 - AutoTrans — Seat- Separator Wiring — Chevelle
TAIL
PANEL Ll<
J
TAIL
LIGHTS ^^g
9
""TUtflll -^ ""
DOME
LIGHT
r
•I
m
/
LIGHTS
FUSE HEADLIGHTS
9R
jl PARKING LIGHTS
*^ R ATTPRY
Fig.
23 - Light Switch Terminal Connections
Fig.
24 - Light Switch and Cigarette
Lighter Installation
CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL