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Topic: Just about done but instrument lights inop

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Just about done but instrument lights inop (1/24)
6/24/15 10:47pm

Babyblue 78
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Vette(s):
1978 Corvette Light Blue Pulled from the swamps of Miami! Its a driver and back on the road!

Joined: 12/3/2007
Posts: 280

Well I have two options for getting the rear window trim piece back on but the rest is coming along and almost time to get her back on the road after the long re-paint!!!!!

So the instruments all work but no lighting.

1. The ight swicht is not in right but al outside lights work and when turned to full postion the feet and dome light work?????

2. In working with the feet kick panel by the driver I removed the ground wire????

3.It states the instrument lights work off the 6A fuse Inst Lps on the fuse block and the fuse is good!

4. The Inst Lps fuse is hot from the Tail fuse according to the book I have. so not sure other then the light switch itself is not installed right or the light harness is not attached right behind the dash, but the exterior lights all are working.

NY OTHER IDEAS OF WHY NO instrument lights would be appreciated...

Just want to get her back on the road but want to get all working first.

I know the windows switch has no power but I think it touched and shorted while I was doing the center shift panel but not worried about those till fall as the windows are always down.

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (2/24)
6/25/15 12:28pm

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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

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ALL of the gauge/instruments lamps, just the speedo/tach panel, or just the center gauge cluster? The speedo/tach cluster and the center gauge panel have different ground, so if one or the other is working, then you would be looking for a ground issue. If NEITHER panel is lighting up, then I would start with the light switch.
Did you check the fuse with a meter or light, or did you just look at it? Need to make sure there is voltage on both sides of the fuse with the light switch on. If no voltage with the switch on, then there is a problem with the switch, or it's not plugged in well.

|UPDATED|6/25/2015 9:28:11 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (3/24)
6/25/15 1:12pm

Babyblue 78
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Vette(s):
1978 Corvette Light Blue Pulled from the swamps of Miami! Its a driver and back on the road!

Joined: 12/3/2007
Posts: 280

Both the spee/tach and center cluster center panel lt by the shifter are inop. I thought I replaced the fuse but will check both sides and or put in a new fuse. I,m guessing the light switch as I had some trouble getting the light round switch back into the light fixture behind e dash. But also thought it might be a ground looking at the diagram. I know I must have shorted something when I was taking the window switches out of center panel I heard a short as I sure one of them touched something and sparked, the switches are not working. I see the large silver round breaker which I did not pull yet and have not put a meter on the wiring yet,as the windows are not in with e re-paint, I will be putting them n this fall and working on the switches then. The fuse for the dome lights and floor lights did blow but new fuse and working now. So all I see not working is the dash panel lights and center D N R light by shift. I will put a meter on and check. Thanks I will let u know why I find but am I correct it's only the 6 amp short fuse? The diagram shows another 20 fuse I believe that's labeled Tail? Thanks Mark

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (4/24)
6/25/15 1:24pm

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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

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Wiring diagram doesn't call out specific fuses, or fuse ratings. The diagram shows only ONE fuse for the instrument lamps. 12v comes from the light switch, then thru the fuse, then out to the various instrument lamps, including the shifter light. Make sure to test the fuse with the switch ON. The fuse can be good, but if there is no power going to it, the lamps will not work, regardless. If you're going to crawl up under there, check ALL of the fuses while you're there. That way you'll know for sure which ones are good and which ones are not. Thumbs Up

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (5/24)
6/25/15 2:58pm

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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!

Joined: 12/2/2003
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One more note. The 20 amp feeds the parking/running lights outside the car. Those feed the smaller fuse that powers the dash lights. It also goes to the dash dimmer in the headlight switch. If the exterior lights are not on, the dash lights won't light.

The head light switch is really several seperate switches

headlights

park/tail/running lights

dash dimmer (rotates)

dome light (when fully rotated)

Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (6/24)
6/25/15 8:40pm

Babyblue 78
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Vette(s):
1978 Corvette Light Blue Pulled from the swamps of Miami! Its a driver and back on the road!

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Parking and running and heads all working and turning knob puts on the dome and kick panel lights just no instruments lights. I will recheck all fuses and check amps as time permits. Thanks a lot . Mark

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (7/24)
6/26/15 7:27am

Redwoman
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Bellingham, MA - USA

Vette(s):
1980 loaded red on red. 68,000 original miles. Second owner. Well documented with all original paperwork. NCRS Founders Award 9/27/14. NCRS Top Flight 10/12/14.

Joined: 6/23/2014
Posts: 175

On my 1980 you can not see the instrument lights or shift lights unless it is pitch black out. The only place I could see dash lights during daytime was thru the slot on the wiper switch. Some people put in brighter bulbs but I used the 194.

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (8/24)
6/26/15 3:17pm

Babyblue 78
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Vette(s):
1978 Corvette Light Blue Pulled from the swamps of Miami! Its a driver and back on the road!

Joined: 12/3/2007
Posts: 280

First of all Thanks for all the imput I appreciate it.

Second anyone want to buy a 78 corvette light blue color car??????????????????????????????????

Kidding but in another week if this keeps up Ill be ready....

Ok who is the engineer that decided to put the fuse box in an unreachable place, and who is the manager who approved putting it in an unreachable place??? Maybe without all the add on's that have a little cumbersome box to them you would be able to see the fuses but even if you can get a light up there and see them and try to get both hands up there to test them and have light shine through your invisible hands......... very frustrating.....

Ok here is what I have fund out maybe?????

Yes I know the bulbs are not bright but in the dark of night in the garage I see nothing out of any of them?

I tried to put my light tester on both sides of the fuse but one end is pointed and the other has a clip which I tried to rig to slide a wire in the other side of the fuse holder but unable????

I put the ohm meter on from my battery tester and ok I got current or capacity for current to go from one side of the fuse to the other....not sure if this tells you anything???? But then tried it with the light switch on and it worked the same........

one post said try it with the switch on??? but I get the same ohm on or off, so I'm thinking this is not what I'm looking for the light tester is checking something else??? I need to get the electrician book out and read I guess. I would think with the light switch on I would get a vilt amp reading through the fuse but got 0.....switch on or off,,,and this from the inst 6amp fuse

so I tried the wiper 20amp fuse and got the same no volt/amp reading on or off????? but the ohm reading shows so the fuse is good and the wipers work fine????????

I guess I am aiming to pulling the dash left side enough to look at the wire harness ift on the back of the switch?????? I think I rather use a red hot poker to.........................then pull the dash@@#$%^&*()_+__(*&^$#@@@

The know and the triangle shape metal rod behind it only looks like it can go into the light switch one way, but I will pull it out if I can reach the release button and try resetting the wire harness on the back and see what happens.......

Thanks all again for the info!

BB78

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (9/24)
6/27/15 4:06pm

dwa175
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leesburg, FL - USA

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1979 coupe and now 2007 c-6

Joined: 7/19/2014
Posts: 195

I cant see my dash light only incompete darkness,fuse panel,my back is nut and bolted togeather getting to fuse box not in this world , if you find this guy string him up with the fuse box dwa Beer

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (10/24)
6/29/15 7:12pm

Babyblue 78
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Vette(s):
1978 Corvette Light Blue Pulled from the swamps of Miami! Its a driver and back on the road!

Joined: 12/3/2007
Posts: 280

I got the check light working and there is light on both sides of the fuse!

I will double check the ground if I can find it and then pull the left dash off to get to the switch and try and check the harness is attached securely and then try to remove the knob and re-insert it and see if it does any good. I'm sure its the original one?

Keep you posted!

Thanks again for all the info! Have a Happy and Safe 4th!

BB78

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (11/24)
7/6/15 10:31pm

Babyblue 78
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Vette(s):
1978 Corvette Light Blue Pulled from the swamps of Miami! Its a driver and back on the road!

Joined: 12/3/2007
Posts: 280

Well I hit spell checker and my post disappeared so this is the short version.

I inverted myself and twisted my head under the steering wheel and pulled the light switch.

There was a plastic art missing and the knob was not moving the low to bright for the lights on instruments so I finally got the release to work and pulled the switch. I will be ordering a new one in the morning so hopefully that will work. all the other lights worked fine and this switch did prior to putting in the new dash.

Thanks again for all your posts and I wil let you know the results...

BB78

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (12/24)
7/7/15 7:02pm

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Lemon Grove, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.

Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041

Hopefully that will fix it for you.

Then you can wait a while for the next thing to not work.

Two things that make me happy and that is driving the corvette and watching my friend put even more money into his 28 foot boat than I have in my corvette.

There are a few things in life more of a money pit than a C3. Two of them are a wife, a boat. A good wife is worth it watching my neighbor makes me think the boat isn't.

Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (13/24)
7/9/15 6:48pm

Babyblue 78
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Vette(s):
1978 Corvette Light Blue Pulled from the swamps of Miami! Its a driver and back on the road!

Joined: 12/3/2007
Posts: 280

Yes I have put some money into the car , but I really enjoy it as never having anything like this as a younger kid like other's had back in the early 70's. I will never get my money back from it but it does not matter I will never get rid of my first Corvette.

So hopefully the new light switch will work and I get instrument lights back on and then get the rear window trim on then its the endless summer drive it drive it drive it,,,

BB78

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (14/24)
7/11/15 10:48pm

Babyblue 78
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Vette(s):
1978 Corvette Light Blue Pulled from the swamps of Miami! Its a driver and back on the road!

Joined: 12/3/2007
Posts: 280

"Houston" We have instrument panel lights! Ok should have done this first but the switch worked fine before the paint job????

Just installed the new light switch and the instrument panel lights up very well. Even the special Krypton bulb to light the AC panel is working!!!!!

I said no drives until she is finished but she is going out on the road for a long ride tomorrow and then the Chrome trim strip one more time to try and get the clips in and installed. I got some advice form a fellow C3VR member and will give it a try!

Thanks again for the inputs hopefully the lights keep on burning so I can keep on turning!

BB78

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (15/24)
7/12/15 9:24am

Redwoman
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Bellingham, MA - USA

Vette(s):
1980 loaded red on red. 68,000 original miles. Second owner. Well documented with all original paperwork. NCRS Founders Award 9/27/14. NCRS Top Flight 10/12/14.

Joined: 6/23/2014
Posts: 175

Awesome!! Mystery solved. Enjoy the ride.

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (16/24)
7/12/15 10:23am

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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

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Joel Adams
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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (17/24)
7/12/15 4:53pm

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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

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1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!

Joined: 12/2/2003
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Excellent.

Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (18/24)
7/12/15 5:44pm

Babyblue 78
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1978 Corvette Light Blue Pulled from the swamps of Miami! Its a driver and back on the road!

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Confused

Houston we have a problem!

I should have held off celebrating as its a CORVETTE?????????

So after multiple times of trying to get the bolt from the front of the dash to line up and screw into the switch behind the dash took quite a long time and then the knob would not go into the switch all the way to click and attach. Playing with the release button I got it to attach and it operated normally. So after stretching out my back from the twist and turn of getting the ac/duct and the light vacuum switch attached and the left dash screwed back to the post I put th seat back in and attempted to start the car?????? It hardly turned over???? Ok I jump it and it starts right away????? Now Im driving down the road and I have the lights up and on headlights. And maybe my coffee was not that strong but it took me a while to notice that the center instruments were not working..Speed and tach ok but eng inst notttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt.

I was so tired last night when the instrument lights came on and I really could not tell you if the center instruments all went off as the lights came on. I don't know but this is what happened today!!!!!!!

SO until tonight I will test the lights and see if they are still working but do not know why the center instrument cluster goes dead when putting the headlights on??????

Something Shorting but what where????????

SO back to the drawing board. It was great driving it since that's only the second time after the new paint job other then to get her inspected, but Im going to get everything working one way or another.

Sorry for jumping the gun.

BB78

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (19/24)
7/12/15 11:08pm

Babyblue 78
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Vette(s):
1978 Corvette Light Blue Pulled from the swamps of Miami! Its a driver and back on the road!

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Just got back from the nigh test run to see what is working and what is not.

1. When I pull the knob out all the way and the knob is fully rotated to the right all exterior lights work as they should.

2, No dash lights are on at this time but the speedo/tach and the center instrument panel gages all work fine and indicate correctly.

3. When I turn it to the left the first click the speedo/tach lights come on dim, the center instrument lights do come on but very dim but the instrument gages all at once go off and needles go to the left side.

4. as I turn the knob further left each click on the rheostat the lights get brighter in the center panel cluster shifter lights and sometimes the super bright bulb on the ac panel will all work, BUT the gages/needle go further to the left as the knob is moved to the left or brighter intensity.

5. And full left to the click puts on the dome light and it works fine.

turning the knob back to the right just puts everything in reverse until I get to the full right position and the little click then lights go off and the center instrument gages and needles work fine.

??????

BB78

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (20/24)
8/2/15 3:38pm

Babyblue 78
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Vette(s):
1978 Corvette Light Blue Pulled from the swamps of Miami! Its a driver and back on the road!

Joined: 12/3/2007
Posts: 280

Ok and now for the rest of the story????

I checked all I could with the light switch and came to the conclusion that the only thing that handled both the power for the lights and the power for the gages was the wiring harness that clips into the back of the center gauge cluster. I remember now when I was putting it back together after the new dash that the male end had two missing gold contacts,, I'm guessing for options that I id not order or other. And It really did not show which way was up or down. And the female receptor for the harness had gold contacts on every slot so could not tell right from wrong there either. So I pull out the gage cluster in the center and make sure all gold contacts are not touching and shorting and put the harness back in the opposite end up this time...and Bingo the lights and gages work fine now........ I have no diagram or picture or indication that I can see on the plug at the end of the harness that would tell you which way is up or down????

Hopefully this saves someone else some head scratching if they run into the same issue.

So now its just the rear chrome trim to attach and then I'm done till October..

Its time to drive the car!

BB78

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (21/24)
8/2/15 5:31pm

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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!

Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424

Sounds like you have a bad ground.

Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (22/24)
8/3/15 7:50am

Redwoman
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Bellingham, MA - USA

Vette(s):
1980 loaded red on red. 68,000 original miles. Second owner. Well documented with all original paperwork. NCRS Founders Award 9/27/14. NCRS Top Flight 10/12/14.

Joined: 6/23/2014
Posts: 175

This should help! If the pic loaded. Passenger side of circuit board. Top to bottom 1. Ground Tach-Black 2.tach signal Yellow 3. 12 V tach red 4. Ground black Driver side 7.Rh turn signal 8. LH turn signal 9. Brake Red 10. Dash light hot red. I found this at wilcoxcorvette.com under repairs. Real helpful site. Also I bought the laminated wiring diagram VWD5382 Wilcox part number. It is made by Lectric Laminated. Bairs is our sponsor great people to do business with.

|UPDATED|8/3/2015 4:50:33 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (23/24)
8/3/15 4:05pm

Babyblue 78
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1978 Corvette Light Blue Pulled from the swamps of Miami! Its a driver and back on the road!

Joined: 12/3/2007
Posts: 280

I did not see a picture attached but thanks for the info.

BB78

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Re: Just about done but instrument lights inop (24/24)
8/3/15 5:05pm

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Sykesville, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops

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At least you got it working! It's a great feeling when you sort out a problem that was driving you nuts! Have a great drive!!!! From your fellow Frost Blue (except mine's a '79!).

Barry

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