!972 Dash issue questions.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Pa
!972 Dash issue questions.
Hey i couldn't find any info on old threads when i searched. My trip odometer doesn't reset when the **** is pressed. I don't know if it is supposed to be spring loaded but to cycle it you need to pull it out and push it in. When i turn the lights on i also have no back lights for any of my gauges. The clock also doesn't work. When i store the car i guess i will just pull the whole dash apart and investigate all these issues. I was wondering if their are any tricks or tips for removing the dash or if their is a common problem/fix for no gauge back lights working. Such as a broken dimmer switch....etc. Any help or info is appreciated.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton Alberta
It's really not that hard to remove and reinstall the dash. Take your time and it will go well. Try searching for a thread like "69' dash installation" and you will quickly figure out what order you need to do things in to remove the 3 dash sections without problems.
As for a likely cause of your problem it could be a combination of a bad ground wire or even multiple burnt out bulbs although the latter is unlikely if ALL your lights are out. I suspect you'll find a wire has been knocked loose somewhere and it is likely going to be a common ground.
As for a likely cause of your problem it could be a combination of a bad ground wire or even multiple burnt out bulbs although the latter is unlikely if ALL your lights are out. I suspect you'll find a wire has been knocked loose somewhere and it is likely going to be a common ground.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,423
Likes: 1,558
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Welcome,
For the clock:
Check the fuse first and make sure they pass the power from clip to clip.
For the dash lights"
Turn the lights on and check the INST fuse.
Here's a schematic, it's good except for the distributor direction of rotation.
http://www.vetteprojects.com/bmv/mis...tte%201972.pdf
For the clock:
Check the fuse first and make sure they pass the power from clip to clip.
For the dash lights"
Turn the lights on and check the INST fuse.
Here's a schematic, it's good except for the distributor direction of rotation.
http://www.vetteprojects.com/bmv/mis...tte%201972.pdf
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Pa
It's really not that hard to remove and reinstall the dash. Take your time and it will go well. Try searching for a thread like "69' dash installation" and you will quickly figure out what order you need to do things in to remove the 3 dash sections without problems.
As for a likely cause of your problem it could be a combination of a bad ground wire or even multiple burnt out bulbs although the latter is unlikely if ALL your lights are out. I suspect you'll find a wire has been knocked loose somewhere and it is likely going to be a common ground.
As for a likely cause of your problem it could be a combination of a bad ground wire or even multiple burnt out bulbs although the latter is unlikely if ALL your lights are out. I suspect you'll find a wire has been knocked loose somewhere and it is likely going to be a common ground.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton Alberta
There are several "common" ground wires that provide ground to multiple instruments/backlights such as to the back of the center console so I'd really encourage you to trace these and check them once the dash is apart and things accessible. As for bulbs, I do think it is unlikely, however having said that, my 72 has low miles and had only a few owners. Nonetheless when I had my dash apart I had to replace 5 bulbs - not many car owners would bother to do so. When these old filament bulbs go they just leave them for the next guy to worry about.....
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,226
Likes: 4,321
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi SB,
It might well be that the fuse for the gauge lights needs to be replaced... but have you tested to see that the pull stalk on the head-light switch is turned or not... it controls the brightness of the gauge lights (and interior courtesy lights).
Also, if you end up taking the dash apart be very careful. The dash pads if original are quite fragile, and it's very easy to break the center gauge cluster bezel if you push or pull on it too hard.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
It might well be that the fuse for the gauge lights needs to be replaced... but have you tested to see that the pull stalk on the head-light switch is turned or not... it controls the brightness of the gauge lights (and interior courtesy lights).
Also, if you end up taking the dash apart be very careful. The dash pads if original are quite fragile, and it's very easy to break the center gauge cluster bezel if you push or pull on it too hard.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Pa
Hi SB,
It might well be that the fuse for the gauge lights needs to be replaced... but have you tested to see that the pull stalk on the head-light switch is turned or not... it controls the brightness of the gauge lights (and interior courtesy lights).
Also, if you end up taking the dash apart be very careful. The dash pads if original are quite fragile, and it's very easy to break the center gauge cluster bezel if you push or pull on it too hard.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
It might well be that the fuse for the gauge lights needs to be replaced... but have you tested to see that the pull stalk on the head-light switch is turned or not... it controls the brightness of the gauge lights (and interior courtesy lights).
Also, if you end up taking the dash apart be very careful. The dash pads if original are quite fragile, and it's very easy to break the center gauge cluster bezel if you push or pull on it too hard.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan