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Dash Indicator Lights?

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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 07:18 PM
  #1  
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Default Dash Indicator Lights?

Okay, at the risk of this sounding completely stupid, here goes...

My '71 was not running when I bought it (15 months ago) and I just got the engine started the other evening to break-in the new flat-tappet cam, etc..

So now that it's back running (but more to do before it's ready-to-go), and because I don't really have a frame of reference from driving the car previously,some basic questions:

When I open the door, the courtesy lights should turn on (they do); should the "door ajar" light in the dash light be on then too or just when the IGN is on? When I insert the key with the door still open, the buzzer should activate?

Okay, then I shut the door. When I then turn the key to the "on" position without starting the engine, what, if any, dash indicator lights should be illuminated then?

With the key still in that postion and engine off, and I open the door, I'm assuming the door ajar and key buzzer will activate again?

I have not yet seen a wiring diagram that will help me answer this so I'm hoping someone with a similar car in good working order can quickly educate me?

Thanks in advance!
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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 09:03 PM
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Hi 3,
1. A warning light above the speedo comes on if the headlights are on but the headlight doors aren't open.
2. A light above the tach comes on if if the emergency brake is engaged.
3. If either door isn't completly closed and the ignition is on, the door warning light comes on.
4. A seat belt warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to 'on'. Push button turns it off.
5. Buzzer sounds if key is turned to off, but left in place and the door is opened.

I'd encourage you to buy an Owner's Manual, GM CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL, and factory ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION MANUAL for your 71. They'll have answers to questions you haven't even thought of yet!
Regards,
Alan
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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 09:29 PM
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I don't mean to hijack this thread but I've been searching for the answer to #3. If your in the car with the key turned to the on position should there be any indicator lights on?72 vette
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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 09:53 PM
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Hi VT72,
I believe that with the key turned to 'on' everything that's turned on, will be on..... lights, radio, gauges, emerg. break warning, seat belt light if you haven't pushed the button, blower motor, wipers. Even with the doors closed the courtesy lights could be on if you've turned the head light ****
Regards,
Alan
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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 10:47 PM
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Hi Alan,

Much appreciated, thanks for the info - it was helpful.

I do have an AIM, an Owners Manual and a Chassis Service Manual...and I'm not a first-time Corvette owner. But, if you don't have an personal / visual experience with the particular car, it's sometimes tough to figure out...none of the documentation really answers many of these questions, as they assume they're self-evident and/or they are written from the point-of-view of "everyones knows" and "this already works because it's supposed to".

Or at least I haven't found that part of the documetation. And I have to say I'm sure that there are better electrical drawings than what I have, but I don't have them...maybe someone can point me in the right direction for detailed electrical diagrams for 1971?

And I still agree with VT72's question...if everything is "off" i.e headlights, emer. brake not set et al, what is the minimum that will illuminate when the doors are closed and the ign switch is turned "on"?

As alway, Thanks!

Last edited by 3869942; Jan 22, 2010 at 10:51 PM.
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Old Jan 23, 2010 | 02:25 PM
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Hi 3,
The key has 5 positions accessory, lock, off, run/on, start.
If you get in the car, close the door, put the key in and turn to 'run/on'..... the seat belt warning comes on; the fuel gauge, ammeter, temp gauge, and water temp gauge activate but are not lit. Anything else that lights or works you must turn on (like the radio, or courtesy lights).
If you turn the key back to lock (but leave it inserted) and open the door the buzzer sounds to remind you to take the key out of the ignition. If you get in the car and insert the key before closing the door the buzzer sounds.
It's all in the owners manual. Page 11
Regards,
Alan

Last edited by Alan 71; Jan 23, 2010 at 02:31 PM.
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Old Jan 24, 2010 | 11:54 AM
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Alan,
Many thanks again for the the detailed info, it is very helpful!

I may have a different Owner's manual - it's supposedly a reprint P/N 3991062, Feb 1971 edition - and on page 11 is the first page of "Starting and Operating", sub-titled "Engine Exhaust Gas Caution (Carbon Monoxide)".

Perhaps it is buried in some other area of this particular manual, but I have read and re-read most of what I would consider the relevant sections per this topic and no decent info - oh well.

Thanks again, you have given me exactly what I needed.
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Old Jan 24, 2010 | 12:11 PM
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Hi 3,
I'd think the re-print would be the same as the originals?!?! (Oh, that's right.... repros only need to be kinda close!!!!)
The info is in the section titled Steering Column Controls.
Regards,
Alan
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