1980 Charging / Tach / Dash lights
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 73
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From: Topeka, Kansas
1980 Charging / Tach / Dash lights
I have my 1980 back on the road enough to get groceries and drive to and from work. I am having trouble with a few issues. When I first start the car the voltage gauge shows 11.5-12 volts. The dash lights don't come on bright enough at night, and the tack bounces like crazy. After a bit of driving, everything goes back to normal. Tach stops bouncing, voltmeter goes up to 14, and the dash lights brighten up enough to drive. On one occasion, the car was warmed up, I could make the conditions appear by turning on the heater/ac. When I returned the switch to off, everything calmed down and worked as expected.
I have not pulled the speedo/tach cluster.
Could this be connected to the choke?
Where should I start?
Thanks in advance. I appreciate the wisdom of this forum.
I have not pulled the speedo/tach cluster.
Could this be connected to the choke?
Where should I start?
Thanks in advance. I appreciate the wisdom of this forum.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,870
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Sounds like a bad alternator/connections or the "GEN" light is burned out.
When you turn on the ignition - does the "GEN" light come on. If not I'd be replacing that first.
Let us know-
Richard
When you turn on the ignition - does the "GEN" light come on. If not I'd be replacing that first.
Let us know-
Richard
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 73
Likes: 36
From: Topeka, Kansas
Richard, you are right that I do not have a Gen light that comes on when I turn the key. I don’t think I have any lights that come on regularly except the low fuel light which is missing the circuit on the back.
I have replaced the alternator and believe the connections are secure.
I have replaced the alternator and believe the connections are secure.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,624
Likes: 2,450
From: Indiana
I have my 1980 back on the road enough to get groceries and drive to and from work. I am having trouble with a few issues. When I first start the car the voltage gauge shows 11.5-12 volts. The dash lights don't come on bright enough at night, and the tack bounces like crazy. After a bit of driving, everything goes back to normal. Tach stops bouncing, voltmeter goes up to 14, and the dash lights brighten up enough to drive. On one occasion, the car was warmed up, I could make the conditions appear by turning on the heater/ac. When I returned the switch to off, everything calmed down and worked as expected.
I have not pulled the speedo/tach cluster.
Could this be connected to the choke?
Where should I start?
Thanks in advance. I appreciate the wisdom of this forum.
I have not pulled the speedo/tach cluster.
Could this be connected to the choke?
Where should I start?
Thanks in advance. I appreciate the wisdom of this forum.
.my tach still bounces once in a while ...even engine off ignition on then hitting power windows i can get it to move..https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-question.html
