Electrical Problems
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Electrical Problems
I am a fairly new Corvette owner, having bought a 1976 about a year ago. My car is in great shape and has been trouble free for a year now but all of the sudden has developed a large amount of electrical problems. These all happened at about the same time I think yesterday:
1. Tach quit working
2. Both power windows are dead
3. Gas gauge, oil, temp frozen
4. Headlight warning buzzer on all the time when you turn lights on - goes off when you turn dimmer switch down
Those are the main problems. The only work I've done recently was to install a standard Custom Autosound radio - I followed the directions for it exactly and it works fine. These happened a few weeks after that so I don't see how they are connected. I wonder if it is a loose ground or a fuse or something but I don't have a manual - I have not looked for the fuse box and don't know what fuses run what.
Any help would be appreciated,
Thanks,
Drew
1. Tach quit working
2. Both power windows are dead
3. Gas gauge, oil, temp frozen
4. Headlight warning buzzer on all the time when you turn lights on - goes off when you turn dimmer switch down
Those are the main problems. The only work I've done recently was to install a standard Custom Autosound radio - I followed the directions for it exactly and it works fine. These happened a few weeks after that so I don't see how they are connected. I wonder if it is a loose ground or a fuse or something but I don't have a manual - I have not looked for the fuse box and don't know what fuses run what.
Any help would be appreciated,
Thanks,
Drew
Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 558
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Drew, it could very likely be a ground problem. I'm sure someone else will chime in and tell you if those functions share a ground. The fuse box is mounted to the drivers firewall under the dash. It's lots of fun to get yourself in there and pull fuses. 
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 7
From: Ontario
With multiple problems like that I do not think that the forum is going to help you much. It could be more than one cause, grounds, connectors...anything. There is just so many possibilities. I think you just need to trouble shoot each problem at a time. It is really not that difficult with a meter and a good electical diagram. I actually enjoy that type of work...feels so good when you find it. Even the Hayes manuals have electrical diagrams in the back if you do not want to spring for a shop manual.
Last edited by Retro78; Dec 4, 2005 at 01:40 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 7
From: Ontario
Well...despite my post above I may have a possibility for you. On my 78 the Gauge fuse also drives the power window relay control circuit. Check that. If you cannot see the lable for that fuse on the panel, there is fuse layout in your owners manual. It should be a 20amp fuse. I dont have a manual for your car otherwise I would point you to the exact location
Last edited by Retro78; Dec 4, 2005 at 01:42 AM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 558
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Originally Posted by carguy4sure
It is really not that difficult with a meter and a good electical diagram. I actually enjoy that type of work...feels so good when you find it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Hudson Falls, N.Y. 76 Vette Modified L-48
I agree with the blown fuse reply...when you start customizing, especially an older car, you run the risk of wacking something out..probably a hot wire went to gound and popped a fuse...that much stuff all at once..something isn't connected correctly...but here's hoping it's just a fuse...I'd go back and recheck the radio install...good luck(and I really mean that in such a cramped space) 
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Leander Texas
Originally Posted by Jasonty
You enjoy it? Come on over to my house. There's cold beer in the fridge, and an electrical mess in my Vette. I promise to give you all of the fulfilling feet of multiple colored wire tracing you could ever want.
DR. Jay
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
solution
Well thanks everyone - apparently it ended up being just a 10 amp gauge fuse that caused every single one of those problems - boy I really am a new Corvette owner! Everything is back working perfectly for now anyway...
Much appreciated,
Drew
Much appreciated,
Drew