I have 2 questions regarding the 4 center dash switches on my 1969 Convertible (See picture below).
I recently had the dash pad off and after reassembly I’m noticing the switches are acting up.
The far left switch (Map) works the Map light over the glove box, but the next one over, from the left (Courtesy), doesn’t seem to do anything and I can’t remember what it did prior to the dash removal/replacement. The third one, over from the left (Panel), turns on and off the floor lamps but that switch is acting intermittently and I’ll probably swap it with the unused “Aux” switch on the far right.
Can anyone please tell me what the Courtesy switch is suppose to do? I’m hoping it’s just a bad bulb somewhere.
My second question is…
Is there a way to remove the switch panel without removing the entire dash? I just got it all back together and I was hoping not to have to take it off again. I’m hoping I can work it out from the front some how? Is that possible or is it secured from behind?
Thx,
Jay
I just stepped out into the garage and confirmed that my '69 XR7 convertible’s switches work just as yours do. So, unless you and I both have our wires crossed, I believe yours is working just as it was designed (except for that intermittent issue).
I believe the COURTESY lights are used in the '69 XR7 hardtop to illuminate the rear courtesy lights in the side rear areas over the package tray. I have always been told by Cougar experts that the ACCY switch was a dead switch, reserved to be used as your nitrous activation switch, or for the rare, dealer-installed option of the mother-in-law ejector seat…
I just had the dash out of another '69 this summer, and I don’t believe the switch panel can be removed without removing the dash pad.
Unless you want to cut a big hole in the top of the dash pad you will not get the switch panel to separate from the pad without removing the complete pad. The switch panel has two studs on the back of it that are then bolted to the pad. So, yes, it attaches from the backside.
Optional rear window defogger was controlled by a switch that hung down from behind the dash pad above the radio in 69. The far right switch was unused in 69 but was used for the convertible top switch in 70 XR7 only or for the defogger on hard top XR7s.
Appreciate the feedback, I could have sworn the “Courtesy” switch did something, but Greg was able to confirm in his convertible the same situation and to his point it is highly unlikely we both have the same wiring issue.
Thank you.
Jay
Mike, I believe the panel switches are an XR7 thing not a standard.
Looking deeper into it and interpreting the wiring diagram/schematic (as best as I can read the small print and follow the lines (wires) on the diagram), it looks to me that the “Courtesy” switch should turn on and off the side door lights (door courtesy lamps) without the doors being opened (as we all know that’s the normal way they turn on). When I open the doors those lights do go on, but the Courtesy switch does not affect them either with the door open or closed. If the switch was broken open or a wire is broken/plug undone, that would explain the lights not going on with this switch. I know Greg confirmed his car works the same as mine currently does and it unlikely we both have a similar issue, but you never know, that’s why they have recalls on mass produced cars, right? Many cars can have the same problem.
When I get a chance I’m going to verify the switch is working and it’s truly wired that way. The car is garaged but it’s unheated and it’s cold up here in N.E., also I just reinstalled my dash so I’m not relishing the thought of removing it again to check the switches and plugs.
The switch panel as shown in the first two posts in this thread were only installed in an XR-7. All 1969-1970 standard Cougars received the warning light panel in this same location. The 1969-1970 Eliminators also received the same warning light panel as a standard Cougar the only difference was the Eliminators received a black cover for the panel unless the optional lights on warning light was ordered.
So after much effort and snooping, I determined that I had two issues with my panel switch.
First, I got confirmation (off-line) from another XR7 convertible owner that the courtesy switch on an XR7 convertible does indeed turn on the side door courtesy lights as well as the floor/foot lights when activated.
So the two issues I had were;
Bad courtesy switch. I was able to get it working using some old TV tuner cleaner that was hanging around the shop. I guess I just gave away my age!
After checking the wiring in the panel switch harness several times and comparing that to the wiring diagrams and schematics for the car I determined that two wires that were both female needed to be connected together.
One (black/white) wire with red female connector from the harness, and the other black\blue wire coming from the side door courtesy light.
I can’t explain how two female wires are supposed to go together (I guess I’m old fashion that way (Jk)). I can’t imagine that Ford would have done that, possibly I’m missing some fusible link/wire harness part that correctly mated the two, or the circuit is normally made via another path and I just found a work around, IDK.
Either way I got it working by connecting those 2 wires together (And fixing the switch). (see picture below).
The intermittent Panel switch was fixed by swapping it with the unused Accy switch. I ordered a switch awhile back from WCCC to replace the intermittent switch but being an east coaster it didn’t come in yet and swapping to an unused switch will be fine. If it comes in before I put it all back together I might use it for the Accy switch so I know I have a good working spare for future switch needs.
Jay
