Triumph Repair: spitfire 1500 1979, test light, dash lights

Question
QUESTION: Hi

My rear lights and interior dash lights have stopped working but my headlights indicators and reverse are all fine. My hazards also have stopped working. Any ideas please

ANSWER: Hi Kevin,
You need to pick only one of the circuits to trace with a wiring diagram and a test light. I only have one "right hand steering" Spitfire diagram and it is not specific as to what year 75 to 80 year models.
If you don't have a diagram I would be glad to put it up on my web site for you to copy if you want it.

I found in working is dealerships on electrical problems, it was of no use trying to figure out what is wrong but to just pick only one of the failed circuits and trace that circuit with a diagram and a test light.
Many times finding the fault in that circuit will correct the other problems. If you correct one and there are more, then do the second the same way. Some mechanics like to start at the source (the power supply) and work their way to the load (a bulb or what ever don't work)

I usually work the other way by starting at the load (bulb or what ever don't work) and go one step at a time toward the power supply, following the trail as per the wiring diagram.

Let me know if you want to copy the diagram I have.
Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Howard

Thnaks for your reply, a copy of the diagram would be most helpful. Do you think it could be the switch? I am thinking maybe not as the front lights work, but I am an enthusiast not an expert, so this may be a draw out process for me
My Spitfire is right hand drive.

Kind Regards

Kevin


Answer
Kevin, you will need a 12v test light and just pick only one circuit to test and stop trying to guess what is wrong. Follow the diagram like a road map and start at a bulb that you know does not work and with that light turned on if you find no power look on the diagram for the next point to test and check there for power and continue on to the source which is probably a fuse or the battery until you find where it has the power interrupted.

http://mg-tri-jag.net/RHDSpit11x1.jpg  for the diagram
http://mg-tri=jag.net/RHDSpit21x1.jpg  for the index to the diagram

Let me know how you do.
Howard