So, with the ignition off, key out... lights still work, brake lights work..????

AND: fuses good, but NO fuel gauge, no dome light, no radio????


Anyone been there/done that already?

 

Check the Bulk head connector at the fire wall.....


This might do you some good also....
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...p-gauges.shtml

 

Thanks! That is not an very encouraging article.... Shouyld the electrical part of the ignition switch be replaced on a 72?

Is this the right one? http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/197...on_switch.html

 

Sounds like the ignition switch is working ok......

If it has an aftermarket radio... Check that fuse...

Did you test the wire for the fuel gauge?

 

Checking for electrical problems is a lot like looking for a blockage in the house plumbing. You go to a point and see if it's getting there or not. If it's not you back up to the point prior. If it is, go down stream to the next point and see if it is getting to that point.

While the fuel guage and radio could be related, they probably aren't. Is the fuel guage stuck on E or F or somewhere in the middle? Usually it is a ground issue from the sending unit forward on most fuel gauges.

On the radio you need to see if it is getting voltage. If it is, see if it has a good ground. If it isn't trace the wire back to the fuse block. If someone installed an aftermarket radio, make sure they didn't put the radio's ground wire to the brown dash light wire (a common mistake).

The dome light is the same process. Is it getting voltage? Does it have a ground? Where does the voltage stop if it isn't getting any? Use the wiring schematic to pick points along the path to check for voltage if it isn't getting any.

It's doubtful it's the ignition switch if these are the only problems you are having. And yes the brake lights and headlights have power with the key off.