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Topic: Instrument Lighting Flicker

in Forum: C3 Electrical

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Instrument Lighting Flicker (1/6)
1/24/16 1:58pm

HotIguana
Former Member
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, - Canada

Vette(s):
1972 ZZ454 Coupe

Joined: 8/21/2015
Posts: 7

Howdy folks...

I'm having a small but nagging issue with my interior instrument lights...when headlights are turned on, the Tach and Speedo lights flicker, and the turn signal both light up and "freeze". ?? All other instruments do not.

I have the entire dash removed, so I can inspect wiring, connections and ground. I know this is a ground issue but cant track down where it might be weak. ??

I've been fiddling with this all winter, so far no luck...does anyone have some experience with this? I know the birdcage is my only source for a good ground...but short of rewiring the light switch, I wonder if there are easier options or answers....???

cheers

Glenn

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Re: Instrument Lighting Flicker (2/6)
1/25/16 1:53pm

Adams' Apple

Lifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20129

With JUST the running/park lights on, does this happen?

Do the instrument lights in the tach/speedo respond to turning the dimmer?

Do the turn sigs work correctly otherwise?

Do the lights flicker when you press the brake pedal also?

It could certainly be a ground issue, but it could also be a headlight switch issue.

Chances are, it's a problem with the tach/speedo panel ground itself, if all the other instrumentation lights work without the flicker.

|UPDATED|1/25/2016 10:53:32 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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Joel Adams
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Re: Instrument Lighting Flicker (3/6)
2/4/16 6:40pm

HotIguana
Former Member
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, - Canada

Vette(s):
1972 ZZ454 Coupe

Joined: 8/21/2015
Posts: 7

Thanks for your thoughts...

my response in BOLD to your questions....

With JUST the running/park lights on, does this happen? YES

Do the instrument lights in the tach/speedo respond to turning the dimmer? YES

Do the turn sigs work correctly otherwise? YES, WHEN LIGHTS TURNED OFF

Do the lights flicker when you press the brake pedal also? NO

It could certainly be a ground issue, but it could also be a headlight switch issue. YES, it seems that way to me...just wanted to get some feedback before making the decision what to do.

Ive got a couple months before the weather changes and driving again...so I will fiddle a bit more, but prob buy a new switch if no other answer shows up....

I will let you know how it goes...

appreciate the input!!

Glenn

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Re: Instrument Lighting Flicker (4/6)
2/5/16 10:47am

dwa175
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leesburg, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1979 coupe and now 2007 c-6

Joined: 7/19/2014
Posts: 195

bad ground my be hard to find,make your own ground jumper lead and test dwa

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Re: Instrument Lighting Flicker (5/6)
2/6/16 12:13pm

ctmccloskey

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Fairfax, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1968 Corvette Roadster, 427,12.25-1 comp ratio, 582 Hp, 4 sp., 3.36, Steeroids rack and pin. pwr strg, pwr bks, serp. pulleys, 1968 (Factory) L-88 Hood, Vette Br. suspension, Both tops, MSD ign.

Joined: 8/26/2002
Posts: 38

This idea might help a bit, I had issues with flickering lights inside the car and when I messed with the headlight switch it seemed to have an effect. I took a can of "Electrical Contact Cleaner" and use it carefully but try to get it on the contact surfaces inside of the switch. It stopped the issues with my headlight switches for many many years. Otherwise find the "Power Probe" on Ebay and it might help you solve the ground gremlin a bit faster. Good luck and if I can be of any other help please feel free to contact me. The newer "Master Kit" from the Power Probe people has a ground fault finder in its kit.

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Re: Instrument Lighting Flicker (6/6)
2/6/16 2:12pm

HotIguana
Former Member
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, - Canada

Vette(s):
1972 ZZ454 Coupe

Joined: 8/21/2015
Posts: 7

Thanks for the ideas Christopher...very good!

I will check out the first option...and see what happens, if not, option 2 will help me figure out where the issue definitely is!

cheers

Glenn

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