Dash light out after stereo install.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Dash light out after stereo install.
New 1979 c3 owner here and new to the forums. I was wiring up a stereo deck and speakers over a few days and lost my dash lights which worked fine. I had 1 serious short that blew a 20 amp guage fuse which I replaced but the inst lamp fuse is fine. I'm assuming I pulled a ground wire off or something in the process and there is a lose wire with a connector clip under the center console that's grounded but I'm not sure where it would go. Am I on the right track?
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 729
Likes: 118
From: Kelowna British Columbia
I would get a wiring diagram first or tell us the color of connector and location. \picture better. Don't plug in till you know what it is.
I would disconnect any work you did to radio for power and ground to it and get the dash lights working first. Dash lights usually get their ground behind the speedo area. Once you disconnect the power to radio (both hot and switched) and ground) check all your fuses. With a test light on both sides of the fuse as it may look ok but have bad connection as they get corroded.
I would disconnect any work you did to radio for power and ground to it and get the dash lights working first. Dash lights usually get their ground behind the speedo area. Once you disconnect the power to radio (both hot and switched) and ground) check all your fuses. With a test light on both sides of the fuse as it may look ok but have bad connection as they get corroded.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,510
From: Virginia
Always disconnect your battery when doing electrical work. My 79 has a quick release.
PM papawana for a wiring diagram.
EDIT: Here's the thread. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nyone-188.html
PM papawana for a wiring diagram.
EDIT: Here's the thread. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nyone-188.html
Last edited by Bikespace; Jan 30, 2019 at 09:42 AM.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I would get a wiring diagram first or tell us the color of connector and location. \picture better. Don't plug in till you know what it is.
I would disconnect any work you did to radio for power and ground to it and get the dash lights working first. Dash lights usually get their ground behind the speedo area. Once you disconnect the power to radio (both hot and switched) and ground) check all your fuses. With a test light on both sides of the fuse as it may look ok but have bad connection as they get corroded.
I would disconnect any work you did to radio for power and ground to it and get the dash lights working first. Dash lights usually get their ground behind the speedo area. Once you disconnect the power to radio (both hot and switched) and ground) check all your fuses. With a test light on both sides of the fuse as it may look ok but have bad connection as they get corroded.
The ground thats disconected under the center console that I think might be the cause, i used it to ground the stereo but im not sure where it goes.
Last edited by Destractions; Jan 29, 2019 at 08:52 PM.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 729
Likes: 118
From: Kelowna British Columbia
Looks like it is connected to ground. Use a test light from positive battery and touch here to see if it is ground. Just because it is attached to metal in a fiberglass car does not mean it ends up at negative battery. Also I would fix the connector on your cigar lighter as bare wire is sticking out and it is positive. If it touches that connector in hand it will be a short
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Looks like there is more than one problem.
The gray wire at the radio connector is for the dash lights. That should NOT be connected unless the radio has an input wire for "illumination."
I would also look at the 5A fuse at the fusebox- as that is probably blown.
Wiring for the radio 79-82
see link- https://www.the12volt.com/installbay...etail/510.html
The gray wire at the radio connector is for the dash lights. That should NOT be connected unless the radio has an input wire for "illumination."
I would also look at the 5A fuse at the fusebox- as that is probably blown.
Wiring for the radio 79-82
see link- https://www.the12volt.com/installbay...etail/510.html
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Looks like there is more than one problem.
The gray wire at the radio connector is for the dash lights. That should NOT be connected unless the radio has an input wire for "illumination."
I would also look at the 5A fuse at the fusebox- as that is probably blown.
Wiring for the radio 79-82
see link- https://www.the12volt.com/installbay...etail/510.html
The gray wire at the radio connector is for the dash lights. That should NOT be connected unless the radio has an input wire for "illumination."
I would also look at the 5A fuse at the fusebox- as that is probably blown.
Wiring for the radio 79-82
see link- https://www.the12volt.com/installbay...etail/510.html
thanks, yes it is grounded. I confirmed with an ohmmeter. I'm wondering what it plugs in to. Fuses are all good including tail lights and the 7.5 amp instrument panel fuse.
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