Cargo Compartment Lights

[tn2]

Can anyone enlighten me on how the cargo compartment lights are wired up. I guess the correct name for these compartments is Trunk Lights. I have a switch on the dash that when switched on a green light comes on at the switch but none of the lights work. I've checked a few of the bulbs and they are good. I take it that these lights are wired in series....one switch operates all lights. Does anyone have a wiring diagram of these lights on a 78 Argosy 28ft motorhome.
Thanks much
Charles

[bobchevy89]

I had the same problem, I started at the switch wit a probe light went down the wire till I found where there was no powerlooked back to where power was last put in a jumper wire and had power found 2 more broken spots putting in jumper wire helped till I can replace the whole wire.

[HowieE]

The lights will be wired in parallal with each light tapping off the wire as it goes throughout the rig. This may look like a series circuit but it not, each light has it's own power source off the wire and it's own
path to ground. As noted above if all the compartments are out the brake in the wire will be between the switch and the first compartment.

If you find an open in the wire and install ajumper make sure you cut the original wire at each place you install the jumper. If you just clip on to the original wire and the wire is broken somewhere in the chassis it could short at the brake and cause other problems.

The fact that all the lights are out looks like a wire problem but make sure the sockets are not just corroded. Test the first one to a good ground with a good pointed test point.

[tn2]

I would assume that the "first" lite in the string would be in the compartment that is located front left. Thanks for the help.
Charles

[tn2]

I think I found the problem at the switch behind the dash. Found a wire pulled out of a switch...not really sure yet that it goes to the trunk lights....did not have time to hook it up....started to rain and I had to get some things out of the rain so I will hook it up tomorrow. I did look at several of the light assemblies and they are in poor shape.....probably will end up replacing them all with new. Thanks to all for your input...
starting to rain again....got to get the coffee and set on front porch....Favorite passtime....LOL
Charles

[balrgn]

I have the same switches, one day I'll look at what the heck is what...

[tn2]

I don't have a switch for Aux Lights....what exactly is Aux Lights? I do have a hole and the label is there but there are no wires behind the dash for Aux Lights. Seems to me ...when I first took my dash out... there was a switch in that hole but I don't think it was wired up

[balrgn]

Originally Posted by tn2

I don't have a switch for Aux Lights....what exactly is Aux Lights? I do have a hole and the label is there but there are no wires behind the dash for Aux Lights. Seems to me ...when I first took my dash out... there was a switch in that hole but I don't think it was wired up

My Aux lights are Fog lights mounted on the front bumper. I think that I have a short in the wiring for them, If I flip the switch, the fuse blows...

[tn2]

Oh...that explains that....I don't have fog lights

[balrgn]

Originally Posted by tn2

Oh...that explains that....I don't have fog lights

Me either till I find the short

[cmadmaxman]

Took them off. (fog lights) Now the switch controls my transmission cooler fan, until I put a thermo switch for it! Also did not connect the indicator light. Way to bright driving at night!

[tn2]

The loose wire fixed the lights....however....most of the light assemblies are so corroded that it took some giggling and rotating of each bulb to get them to light....so I will be replacing them all. I have a project on the to do list of cleaning and painting all the compartments so I will change the lights at that time also. Anyone know a good source for these lights.
Charles

[cmadmaxman]

Here are some ideas in LED's Charles.

Super Bright LEDs

I will be upgrading mine to LED's soon. They cost a little more, but if left on, low battery drain.

Peterson Mfg. makes a nice fixture for the standard bulb, and has a push button switch on the unit as well. I have used them before and they work well and put out good light.
Here is a link: Peterson Manufacturing Company

You should be able to get these at Walmart, NAPA or such. I took off the Micky Mouse bracket AS had, and mounted this directly to cabinet wall.

[tn2]

Thanks for that webb site....I'm sure they will have a light assembly that will work.

Charles