Gauge Lights Went Out

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Oct 20, 2006 | 02:42 PM

Young69Owner

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2006

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From: Henrico VA

Gauge Lights Went Out

I was driving in Colorado one day and all 7 just went out at once. My courtesy lights and all my exterior lights work fine. My bright indicator also works, but none of the other interior lights work. I know that there is a brake indicator that worked a few months ago and a door ajar light along with some others in the center console that never worked. I'd love to get those working as well, but for now I just want to get it so that I know how fast I'm going at night. I know that there are 4 screws that hold up the steering column and that the 2nd 2 of them are somewhere near the firewall. I also know that a mechanic tested the electrical wire going to the speedometer and said it had no power. Does anyone know where the wire is most likely to have frayed? Are these lights in series or parallel? Thanks for any help.

-Adam

Oct 20, 2006 | 04:45 PM

Z-man

Race Director

Joined: Nov 1999

Posts: 10,643

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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible

Maybe it's just a fuse. Have you checked your fuses?

Oct 20, 2006 | 05:05 PM

moosie982

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 3,547

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From: Carbondale Pa.

Have you tried turning the headlight **** either way (with the headlights or parking lights on, natch), a lot of times on these old jewels the rheostat gets corroded and loses contact, counter clockwise will brighten them (& turn on your courtesy lamps) and clockwise will make them dim. Dont know if you've tried this but had to add it any way,,,Good luck. Peace,,,Moosie

Oct 20, 2006 | 05:20 PM

icanfixitforyou

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 876

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From: Same as our leaders Out of my mind

I agree with Moosie, try rotating and/or jiggling the headlight switch, if that doesn't work then it sounds like you lost the ground for the gauge lights.

Oct 20, 2006 | 06:24 PM

Young69Owner

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 1,044

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From: Henrico VA

I like the ground idea

I looked at the fuses a while ago; I wish it had been that. I also know about the courtesy light switch (I just fixed the driver's side door jam **** and now it makes that key in the ignition noise...I don't know whether to be happy or annoyed, but it goes away once the car is on). So if I did lose my ground and I drop my steering column tomorrow, where would it be. That sounds like a great place to start.

-Adam

Oct 20, 2006 | 09:38 PM

75Brickie

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 243

Likes: 4

From: Heath Texas

Try the light switch

Had a similar problem with my 75 - no gauge lights but everything else seemed to be working fine. Replaced the fuse and it immediately blew out again. Traced the problem, a short I believe, back to the light switch. Replaced the switch, and another fuse, and all is good. Now I have lights at night again.

Oct 20, 2006 | 10:02 PM

Amature

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Twin Lake Mi

I don't remember now if my interior lights were out when we had trouble with the headlights & tail lights a couple of years ago. It turned out that part of the harness that runs to the back of the car on the driver side was hanging down far enough that the wire burned through on the muffler & took out the fuse instantly. It was fairly noticeable if I remember right.

Oct 21, 2006 | 03:59 AM

Young69Owner

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 1,044

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From: Henrico VA

Hmmm

I remember that Zip Corvette said they replaced my light switch when we were working on my courtesy lights. All the fuses seem fine as well. You say that it is possible that the wiring harness under the car went, then I'll try to get it on a lift real soon and check. Thanks.

-Adam