It had to have been the flaky connectors on the printed circuit board. I think one was touching an other. Thanks joefloyd and thanks to all that helped.
Gauges only work when headlights are off?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Ofallon MO
Gauges only work when headlights are off?
I just got done installing a new head unit and everything seemed OK, until I turned on headlights. Gauges all go dead. They are still lit up, but ain't moving. If I just turn on the parking lights, everything works.
I used an adaptor for the new unit, so I am plugged into the existing harness. I did cut into an orange wire for my constant hot. Any ideas where I should start looking.
I used an adaptor for the new unit, so I am plugged into the existing harness. I did cut into an orange wire for my constant hot. Any ideas where I should start looking.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Ofallon MO
Anybody know if one of the wires that screw to to the top(back) of the bezel could somehow be a ground for the headlight switch?? Just remebered I left them disconnected because I thought they were just for the little light that is right there. Now I'm wonderin if that could be my problem. bump
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Revere Massachusetts
Had the same problem on my 80
I just got done installing a new head unit and everything seemed OK, until I turned on headlights. Gauges all go dead. They are still lit up, but ain't moving. If I just turn on the parking lights, everything works.
I used an adaptor for the new unit, so I am plugged into the existing harness. I did cut into an orange wire for my constant hot. Any ideas where I should start looking.
I used an adaptor for the new unit, so I am plugged into the existing harness. I did cut into an orange wire for my constant hot. Any ideas where I should start looking.
joe.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Ofallon MO
Thanks guys. I'm a complete amateur when it comes to cars but I'm trying to fix that.Well I attached the wires that I previously left off but that didn't do it.
Joe, The brass contacts don't look dirty or mis-aligned but I will clean and double check them.
redwingvette, If the contacts aren't the issue your saying it would be safe to run a wire from the back of my bezel to ground?
If the headlights are whats causing the problem, would it be easier to just to make sure that headlight switch has a good ground or would that just be a "band-aid" and still leave something incorrect? Last thing I need is a dash fire.
Joe, The brass contacts don't look dirty or mis-aligned but I will clean and double check them.
redwingvette, If the contacts aren't the issue your saying it would be safe to run a wire from the back of my bezel to ground?
If the headlights are whats causing the problem, would it be easier to just to make sure that headlight switch has a good ground or would that just be a "band-aid" and still leave something incorrect? Last thing I need is a dash fire.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski