When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I just purchased a 1981 C3 with 29k original miles. Clean car. All original. EXCEPT...previous owner attempted to modify the radio. The center gauge cluster where the radio goes has been modified. The wiring going to the radio plugs have been cut.
The previous owner advised all electronics worked until he attempted to install the new radio.
Now....The coolant temperature gauge is not working, the oil temperature gauge is not working. The power mirrors are not working. The power door locks are not working, the gauge lights are not working, the seatbelt light stays on, but will go off when you turn the headlight dimmer switch to "off".
I'm not sure if there are multiple issues or if its as simple as a ground has come loose. Fuses appear to be good.
Also there are two gray wires pictured that are not connected to anything and are sitting loose behind the console. Can someone tell me what these go to?
I've been reading alot on your posts and replies in the c3 forum, a wealth of knowledge here. Thanks in advance.
Last edited by Billz593; Aug 26, 2020 at 11:15 PM.
Hi bill welcome to the forum. it is a great place with great people with a lot of knowledge. I highly recommend you get a copy of the service manual as well as the assembly manual if you plan of doing work to your car they come in very handy. I have a wring diagram for the '81 vette.
If you want it let me know and i can send it to you via e-mail.
Last edited by larryg3; Aug 27, 2020 at 09:45 PM.
Reason: added a comment
Welcome to the forum! I too have been dealing with gauge/power lock issues on my recently purchased '79 (oddly enough the coolant temperature and oil pressure gauges are the only two that ARE working aside form the tach haha). I don't know enough yet to give you any guidance but just wanted to let you know you're not alone! I second getting the manuals. They are incredible! Luckily the previous owner of mine gave me the '79 ones. Goodluck!
I got the manuals on the way along with a wiring diagram. Im hoping this is a easy fix along the way. I've dug through several of the forums and haven't found the exact remedy to this situation. Again, thanks in advance!
Hi bill welcome to the forum. it is a great place with great people with a lot of knowledge. I highly recommend you get a copy of the service manual as well as the assembly manual if you plan of doing work to your car they come in very handy. I have a wring diagram for the '81 vette.
If you want it let me know and i can send it to you via e-mail.
That would be great! I got one on the way, but a digital copy would be great to have as well. wcbraden@gmail.com
Fixed my rear lighting issue, ended up being a bad ground in passenger side tailight. So next on my list, onto the guages. I still havent figured out what these wired connectors are for behind the radio. Anyone know right off?
Fixed my rear lighting issue, ended up being a bad ground in passenger side tailight. So next on my list, onto the guages. I still havent figured out what these wired connectors are for behind the radio. Anyone know right off?
I believe those two wires shown above go to the top of center console. There is a light that shines down, the socket when connected touches those wires.
1981 Corvette Gauges/Lights Issue
