The 1966 Ford Fairlane was a classic American car that still holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. As with any classic car, it’s important to have a good understanding of the electrical system, including the wiring diagram. Below is a comprehensive guide to the 1966 Ford Fairlane wiring diagram, including tables and FAQs, that will help you maintain and repair your classic car’s electrical system.
History of the 1966 Ford Fairlane
The 1966 Ford Fairlane was part of the fifth generation of Fairlane cars produced by the Ford Motor Company. The fifth generation was produced from 1966 to 1967 and included several different body styles, including two-door and four-door sedans, and two-door hardtops. The 1966 Ford Fairlane was a popular car due to its affordability, dependability, and classic styling.
One of the key features of the 1966 Ford Fairlane was the electrical system. The car’s electrical system was designed to be reliable and efficient, utilizing a wiring diagram that has become a classic in its own right.
The 1966 Ford Fairlane Wiring Diagram
The 1966 Ford Fairlane wiring diagram is a comprehensive guide to the electrical system of the car. The wiring diagram includes all the electrical components of the car, including the battery, starter, alternator, distributor, ignition coil, and more. It is important to have a good understanding of the wiring diagram to ensure that the car’s electrical system is functioning properly.
| Component | Color Code | Wire Gauge | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | Red | 4 | Power |
| Starter | Red/Blue | 12 | Start Signal |
| Alternator | Yellow | 10 | Battery Charging |
| Distributor | Black/Green | 16 | Ignition Signal |
| Ignition Coil | Black/Pink | 16 | Coil Power |
The table above shows the color code, wire gauge, and function of some of the key components of the 1966 Ford Fairlane electrical system. It is important to have a good understanding of these components and their wiring to ensure that the car is running smoothly.
Battery
The battery is an important component of the 1966 Ford Fairlane electrical system. The battery provides power to the car’s electrical system, including the starter and alternator. The battery is typically located under the hood of the car and can be easily accessed for maintenance and replacement.
When checking the battery, it is important to ensure that it is properly secured and that the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. Corrosion on the battery terminals can cause a poor connection and lead to electrical problems.
Starter
The starter is responsible for turning over the engine when the car is started. The starter is typically located near the bottom of the engine and is connected to the battery and ignition system. When the ignition key is turned, the starter receives a signal to engage and turn over the engine.
When checking the starter, it is important to ensure that the connections are tight and that the starter is properly lubricated. A poorly lubricated starter can cause the engine to turn over slowly or not at all.
Alternator
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery and providing power to the car’s electrical system while the engine is running. The alternator is typically located near the top of the engine and is connected to the battery and electrical system. When the engine is running, the alternator produces electricity to charge the battery and power the car’s electrical system.
When checking the alternator, it is important to ensure that the connections are tight and that the alternator is producing the correct amount of voltage. A poorly functioning alternator can cause electrical problems and drain the battery over time.
Distributor
The distributor is responsible for distributing high voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the engine. The distributor is typically located near the top of the engine and is connected to the ignition system. When the engine is running, the distributor sends high voltage to the spark plugs to ignite the fuel mixture in the engine.
When checking the distributor, it is important to ensure that the connections are tight and that the distributor is properly lubricated. A poorly lubricated distributor can cause the engine to misfire or not start at all.
Ignition Coil
The ignition coil is responsible for producing high voltage for the distributor to distribute to the spark plugs. The ignition coil is typically located near the top of the engine and is connected to the battery and distributor. When the ignition system receives a signal to send high voltage to the spark plugs, it sends a signal to the ignition coil to produce high voltage.
When checking the ignition coil, it is important to ensure that the connections are tight and that the coil is producing the correct amount of voltage. A poorly functioning ignition coil can cause the engine to misfire or not start at all.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the wiring diagram?
The wiring diagram is a comprehensive guide to the electrical system of the 1966 Ford Fairlane. It includes all of the electrical components of the car and their connections. The wiring diagram is important for maintaining and repairing the electrical system of the car.
2. Where can I find a copy of the wiring diagram?
You can find a copy of the wiring diagram in a repair manual for the 1966 Ford Fairlane. You can also find the wiring diagram online or from a car enthusiast community.
3. How do I test the battery?
You can test the battery using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to DC voltage and connect the positive lead to the positive terminal of the battery and the negative lead to the negative terminal. A fully charged battery will read between 12.6 and 12.8 volts.
4. How often should I replace the battery?
The lifespan of a battery depends on several factors, including usage and climate. In general, a battery should be replaced every 3-5 years.
5. What should I do if the engine does not start?
If the engine does not start, check the battery, starter, and ignition system. Ensure that the battery is fully charged and that the connections are tight and clean. Check that the starter is properly lubricated and that the ignition system is producing high voltage.
Ensuring that the electrical system of your 1966 Ford Fairlane is functioning properly is essential to maintaining the reliability and performance of your classic car. By understanding the wiring diagram and the key components of the electrical system, you can diagnose and repair any electrical problems that may arise. Use the information in this guide to keep your 1966 Ford Fairlane running smoothly for years to come.
