Topic: Like to get my Dash Lights working again
in Forum: C3 Electrical, Body and Interior
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A snowy April 1st so I decided to tackle something I been wanting to get around to for a couple of years.
No dash lights on my '78. Did a forum search but not sure where to go. loosened the side of the dash and got the AC vent out of the way. PIAPut a test light on the fuse block and they all work except the small one on the bottom that says "inst". No power on either side of the fuse. Could that be in the switch? Next I checked the thick red wire on the top of the light switch behind the dash and that has power. The coiled spring on the switch that I assume controls dash dimmer has power.
Should I just get a new switch (which I can't figure how it comes out without removing the knob somehow) or could it be something else?
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Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2475
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
Jeff, "IF" , and that's a BIG IF, you can pull back the dash, or reach up from the bottom, on top of the head light switch is a small button. You need to push the button DOWN to release the lock on the rod that activates the switch and pull the knob gently while pushing the button. The rod SHOULD come out of the switch. Then undo the collar on the dash, screw the retainer off the switch, and unplug the connector. You should be able to bring the switch out from behind the dash and replace it. ALSO, you might try turning the knob for the lights. It is a rheostat that controls the intensity/brightness of the dash lights. I THINK if you turn it to the right they SHOULD get brighter. There is a notch, so to speak, at the end of the travel that you can feel in the movement that turns on the interior lights while the door is closed. Turning it to the left will lessen the intensity and eventually turn the lights off. LASTLY, that is how my 72 works. Not sure if yours is the same. Hope this helps. A new switch in mine made a huge difference. Age has a way of changing the way things work. I'm sure you will concur .
Thanks Mark. I found the button and it was on the bottom, pulled right out.
|UPDATED|4/2/2017 12:56:52 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
I checked the fuse block again after messing with the switch and found that now I have power to one side of the inst fuse. Crossed it with a screwdriver and a buzzer sounded and it looks like dash lights came on. Too much light in garage from windows now so I'll recheck later.
Maybe a wire was loose on the switch but I might just order one anyway cause part of the ceramic casing around the coiled spring broke and fell off.
How many more days till spring?
|UPDATED|4/2/2017 12:56:52 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2475
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
Good enough. You'll get it.
in Forum: C3 Electrical, Body and Interior
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