This question is spawned by my problem posted in Troubleshooting. The front left turn signal doesn't work and I THOUGHT the parking lights weren't working 'cause they go on when the switch is pulled halfway out, but turn off when it's all the way out (headlights on). I didn't notice before if this was true or not. Anyone with a '67 care to shed some light and hopefully help me keep my sanity?

And...please explain WHY they would set it up that way? I don't get it. Who drives around with the parking lights on and headlights off?

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Tom H.
Member #259
Indianapolis,IN www.iquest.net/~bharold/chevelle/ (http://www.iquest.net/~bharold/chevelle/)

check the headlight switch

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members.aol.com/jnkb2cool/chevelle9.jpg (http://members.aol.com/jnkb2cool/chevelle9.jpg) members.aol.com/jnkb2cool/350.jpg (http://members.aol.com/jnkb2cool/350.jpg)
John Krenn
1970 malibu SS look-a-like well kinda
307/200-4r (soon to be 355 or 383)

Ft.Worth, Tx

Starting in 1968, when side-marker lights were introduced, the parking lights remained on when the headlights were switched on. Prior to that model year, the parking lights switched off when the headlights were switched on. I believe this pertains to all GM vehicles.

I own a 67 SS396 Chevelle, and found an easy way to change this without adding anything or cutting any wiring (and its completely reversible). The hardest part, especially on a 66-67 Chevelle (with A/C yet), is removing the light switch from the dash.

Play it safe, and disconnect the battery first. Then disconnect the light switch from the dash, and drop it down below the edge of the dash. Before you unplug the wiring harness from the switch, look at the position of the purple wire in the connector. It will be in a slot which is at the end of the switch, farthest from the dash. Look for an open slot in the conector which is at the other end of the connector, towards the dash. Remove the connector from the light switch, and then release the terminal of the purple wire from the connector using a small screwdriver (you do this from the light switch side of the connector). Insert the terminal of the purple wire into the open slot of the connector which you identified earlier (the one closer to the dash). Then just reconnect the wiring harness to the light switch, and reinstall the light switch into the dash, and reconnect the battery. Now the parking lights will function as before in the halfway position, but remain on when the headlights are switched on.

I did this two years ago on my Chevelle and on a 65 Impala, and haven't had any problems from it. I don't remember if there are any numbers on the slots in the connector, or if there was more than one open slot.

CC67,
DAMN that's cool!

Now, what's up with my turn signal?(Troubleshooting Forum)

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Tom H.
Member #259
Indianapolis,IN www.iquest.net/~bharold/chevelle/ (http://www.iquest.net/~bharold/chevelle/)

About the most useful place for parking lights is a drive-in movie theater. Granted, there aren't many left, but the ediquette was if you're driving while the movie is playing, use your parking lights.
Some people use them at dawn and dusk, but I believe that's illegal in some states.