Question about 1971 Map Light

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BinaryBo

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In the market, as it were
I have a question about the map light on a 1971. Is that light supposed to come on when you open the door, or just when you turn on the switch?

Thanks!

-Bo

 
There's a three way position switch on the map light: on all the time, on when the door is open, and off. I believe off is the center position.

 
The map light was an option at least for the '71 Mustang.

My Grande has a light that is either on all the time

or only when either door is open. It appears to be a two

position switch, but it is 42 years old and I never change the

position anyway.

mike

 
The map light was an option at least for the '71 Mustang.

My Grande has a light that is either on all the time

or only when either door is open. It appears to be a two

position switch, but it is 42 years old and I never change the

position anyway.

mike
Thanks Mike. That's what I thought, but wasn't sure.

The map light was part of the Convenince Package option. This picture of a 71 looks like a 2-position switch to me. Midlife, are you sure they used a 3 position in 1971? Does anyone else have one of these lights that could chime in. I'd like to know what is the correct functionality for a vehicle made in early January, 1971.

Thanks in advance for your added assistance!

-Bo

_3P60YI9J3.jpg

 
Last edited by a moderator:
The map light was an option at least for the '71 Mustang.

My Grande has a light that is either on all the time

or only when either door is open. It appears to be a two

position switch, but it is 42 years old and I never change the

position anyway.

mike
Thanks Mike. That's what I thought, but wasn't sure.

The map light was part of the Convenince Package option. This picture of a 71 looks like a 2-position switch to me. Midlife, are you sure they used a 3 position in 1971? Does anyone else have one of these lights that could chime in. I'd like to know what is the correct functionality for a vehicle made in early January, 1971.

Thanks in advance for your added assistance!

-Bo
I believe they all are 3 way switches.

 
Gauges, wood grain plastic, and A/C vents, throw in a working map light and you're just showing off now. Ha!
I wish I was showing off...the car was for sale on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mach-1-Fastback-Sportsroof-2-2-/281044067920?ru=http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=281044067920&_rdc=1&forcev4exp=true

must have went for a few beanies!

-Bo



I believe they all are 3 way switches.
Thanks for the confirmation Don65Stang. If I would have scrolled down a little furter on the page I found the first picture, I would have seen this one...

http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv3/vapor08GT500/Mach/Mach1-2236.jpg

The interior lights are on and the map light is off...so there would HAVE to be a 3rd position on the switch. (Unless the light bulb burned out between pictures ;) )

I'm sorry I doubted you Midlife. I just needed to be sure.

Thanks all for your assistance.

-Bo

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Gauges, wood grain plastic, and A/C vents, throw in a working map light and you're just showing off now. Ha!
I wish I was showing off...the car was for sale on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mach-1-Fastback-Sportsroof-2-2-/281044067920?ru=http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=281044067920&_rdc=1&forcev4exp=true

must have went for a few beanies!

-Bo



I believe they all are 3 way switches.
Thanks for the confirmation Don65Stang. If I would have scrolled down a little furter on the page I found the first picture, I would have seen this one...

http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv3/vapor08GT500/Mach/Mach1-2236.jpg

The interior lights are on and the map light is off...so there would HAVE to be a 3rd position on the switch. (Unless the light bulb burned out between pictures ;) )

I'm sorry I doubted you Midlife. I just needed to be sure.

Thanks all for your assistance.

-Bo
My switch will move to a position that turns the light off, but I don't

think it is a "hard" stop. It feels like it is between two contact

points. Here is a diagram I found.

mike

P4090306.JPG

 
My bad...I just pulled out my replacement swtiches, and there are three wires, but two positions.

When the switch is put to the #53 wire (black/blue), then the map will come on only when the door is open.

When the switch is put to the #54 wire (green/yellow), then the map will come on regardless of any other condition (except maybe when the #54 wire fuse is blown).

You can put the switch to the intermediate position, but it is not stable there. If you can put the switch there, then the map won't work no matter what you do to it.

I have to stop relying upon memory so much...

 
I've yet to see a map light's wiring in good condition. Most map light housings are fairly rusty. I don't believe they are reproduced either. The sub-harness for these attaches to the right hand door jamb switch, if my memory doesn't fail me once again...

 
71-3's are plastic housings with brass terminials.

The only ones I have had that did not work were stuck switch related - a drop or two of oil and they free up

They are not reproduced

There was an early 71 seperate harness for the light -that you could use to " plug N play "

I have found it in some 72 and 73 convertibles - but it might have been an item you could buy at the dealer to add on.

Pretty sure after the early 71 harness, they were hardwired into the harness- you could not seperate the wiring.

None at this time - they sell quick

Don

 
I may have one housing in stock, but it is very rusty.

 
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