Dash light problem...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City Md.
Dash light problem...
The dash lights on my '82 were very dim. The entire travel of the rheostat wasn't working. I replaced the head light switch and the dash lights were bright again. The next day I started the car and the dash lights were completely OUT. Electrical systems are not my strong suit when it comes to this car. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks again for eveyones help...
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Since you just worked on it, I'm guessing that something came loose on the headlight switch. It could also be an "infant" failure of the switch itself.....I doubt that replacements ever get tested.
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
If your dash lights are out so are your tail lights.
1. look for a blown fuse.
2. check connections on light switch.
3. Thuroughly inspect wiring under the dash.
I've seen many times the wiring smoked on older GM vehicles because the headlight circuit directs all the amperage for the headlights, from the distribution block to the headlight switch then out to the headlights.
Hi resistance of the headlight switch often causes the increased amp draw thus smoking the harness.
The headlight circuit is not protected (fused)on any older GM car
1. look for a blown fuse.
2. check connections on light switch.
3. Thuroughly inspect wiring under the dash.
I've seen many times the wiring smoked on older GM vehicles because the headlight circuit directs all the amperage for the headlights, from the distribution block to the headlight switch then out to the headlights.
Hi resistance of the headlight switch often causes the increased amp draw thus smoking the harness.
The headlight circuit is not protected (fused)on any older GM car
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 847
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
The dash lights on my '82 were very dim. The entire travel of the rheostat wasn't working. I replaced the head light switch and the dash lights were bright again. The next day I started the car and the dash lights were completely OUT. Electrical systems are not my strong suit when it comes to this car. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks again for eveyones help...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City Md.
I removed the duct under the dash, lowered the steering column, removed two screws on the left side of the dash and was able to pull the dash just far enough forward to get my hand on the headlight switch. There is a button on the bottom of the headlight switch that you push to pull the shaft out. Remove the retaining nut and the switch will come out. Make note of the vacuum hose locations on the switch. One of mine had a blue stripe on it. They need to go back correctly or your headlights won't pop up. Let me know how you make out with it...
