electrical ? problem

[kasearch@ix.netcom.com]

69 GT500 with A/T, A/C and 8 track AM radio.  All stock

I need some help.  Electrical issues are my kryptonite.

I have a sound coming from under my dash that I cannot find the source of. It almost sounds like a relay trying to engage. The sounds is constant whether the key is on or off. Same with the engine running or not. I notice a flicker in the interior courtesy lights (with the door open) ever time I hear the click, which is about 1 a second. I have to disconnect the battery to keep the battery from running down. I have attached a sound recording, if that helps. What relays are under the dash? What else could cause this sound?

[Royce Peterson]

I had a similar sound in a car I had just replaced the steering wheel in. Turns out the sound was coming from the headlamp switch. It seems the headlamp switch is the location of several circuit breakers including the horn circuit breaker. In my case the horn had been assembled in China and the screws were too long. Replacing the screws with proper length ones solved it.

[kasearch@ix.netcom.com]

Very interesting. Which screws did you replace? Horn, headlamp switch, Steering wheel component?

[TA Coupe]

For disconnecting, the battery, make it easy and Google "Bluetooth wireless battery disconnect", and you'll find a bunch of them. And you just use a little fob to connect and disconnect the battery. I have a couple of them for my cars. They make them for both side connect, and top post batteries.

      Roy

[Royce Peterson]

I replaced the three screws holding the horn contact to the steering wheel. The screws were way too long so that when they were installed it shorted out the horn to ground - the center of the steering wheel. Replacing the screws with shorter ones fixed the problem. I had to disconnect the battery, remove the horn button and remove the steering wheel. It was not an easy job.

[kasearch@ix.netcom.com]

thanks. I will take a look

[kasearch@ix.netcom.com]

I finally discovered the source for my sound. It ended up being the relay for the switch to the interior lights on the center console.  Unfortunately, there is no part number or amp rating on the relay.  Does anyone know what size relay I should get, or where to obtain one? Especially one with a mounting bracket.  Also, it was a good thing that I took the console cover off. While there I noticed that the SWITCH for the fog lamps has melted wiring. I will post this on the wanted SAAC page, but if anyone has a lead to this switch, please let me know.

[Bob Gaines]

I finally discovered the source for my sound. It ended up being the relay for the switch to the interior lights on the center console.  Unfortunately, there is no part number or amp rating on the relay.  Does anyone know what size relay I should get, or where to obtain one? Especially one with a mounting bracket.  Also, it was a good thing that I took the console cover off. While there I noticed that the SWITCH for the fog lamps has melted wiring. I will post this on the wanted SAAC page, but if anyone has a lead to this switch, please let me know.

You had better check things as the typical cause of that breaker to make a sound is high draw or a dead short. Check the wiring schematic for clues to breaker specs. I know I have seen that same breaker used in other 68 69 wiring applications while going through donor wire harness's I have had. Maybe post a picture of the breaker to give someone a idea of what you are looking for in case someone has some donor harness like I keep around.

[kasearch@ix.netcom.com]

Thanks Bob. I will do a check on the rest of the harness.  Picture attached

[Coralsnake]

Try our friends at West Coast Cougars. I believe thats a 25 amp relay er circuit breaker

[gt350shelb]

circuit breaker not a relay

[kasearch@ix.netcom.com]

Bob, I received the 1969 Supplement shop manual for the Shelby. Since I DID determine that my issue is in the circuit breaker, I have gone thru the wiring schematics, but cannot find what SIZE breaker I need to use on the interior light switch, OR, the FOG Light switch. I thought that I remember reading a while back that Shelby changed the FOG breaker to a 25 amp, but can't seem to find that publication. Can someone verify this, or advise me of what size breakers to use for both switches. 

[FL SAAC]

do not despair as you have many options

currently one in Ebay

if you are friendly with a mom and pop auto parts store, they can attempt to match the breaker

or try our friends at West Coast Cougars. I believe thats a 25 amp circuit breaker or electrical doothingie. But do mention 25 amps....

[Coralsnake]

....or read the thread 

[Bob Gaines]

Bob, I received the 1969 Supplement shop manual for the Shelby. Since I DID determine that my issue is in the circuit breaker, I have gone thru the wiring schematics, but cannot find what SIZE breaker I need to use on the interior light switch, OR, the FOG Light switch. I thought that I remember reading a while back that Shelby changed the FOG breaker to a 25 amp, but can't seem to find that publication. Can someone verify this, or advise me of what size breakers to use for both switches. 

I believe you are remembering a TSB for the 1968 Shelby foglights . That same 25 amp breaker will work fine in the 69/70 Shelby circuit. As mentioned before check your circuit for a short or grounded circuit. you can check the switch for function but that will only confirm that it turns on and off . If the internals are worn or damaged then the switch may work but have high internal resistance and heat up. The good news is that both switch's fog and interior are not typically left on for extend periods of time so a to overly heat up if weak internally.