Speedometer light and gauge lights out
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Speedometer light and gauge lights out
so after getting my 79 running again I noticed only the tachometer and gear selector light lights up. the speedo and gauges are dark. only the right turn signal indicator works. the headlight switch works to turn on the headlights and dim the two functioning lights. since not all of the lights are out, what can be the problem? my research is pointing towards the circuit board.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Bulbs burnt out, bad grounding connections/wires, defective circuit board (if your model has one).
To check if grounding is a problem, you can run a jumper wire (with alligator clips, perhaps) from a known good point of chassis ground (or fuse block ground) to metal part where bulb socket is installed. When light power is applied. Light should work, if grounding is the problem and bulb/socket is good.
To check if grounding is a problem, you can run a jumper wire (with alligator clips, perhaps) from a known good point of chassis ground (or fuse block ground) to metal part where bulb socket is installed. When light power is applied. Light should work, if grounding is the problem and bulb/socket is good.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Dec 28, 2015 at 02:42 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 664
Likes: 89
From: Marysville Ohio
I would start with grounding and connections around the fuse box- had a similar (intermittent) issue with my 79, and had to clean and tighten up connections around where my fuse panel mounts to the firewall.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
IF you have SOME gauge lights that work and others that do not...that is telling me that the circuit is working...and YES...you either need to inspect the printed circuit board for the speedo/tach etc....or you have bad bulbs.
FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH....
if you go to remove your speed/tach cluster...it is wise to drop the steering column a bit so it will come out a little bit easier.....BUT BE CAREFUL.....because the bottom plate that is welded to the mast jacket of the steering column itself....where you remove the 2 bolts under the column...this wide plate can damage your dash panel if you are not careful. And it is also wise to carefully loosen the two nuts at the firewall where the steering column gets secured to it also....so the column can lower a bit.
DUB
FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH....
if you go to remove your speed/tach cluster...it is wise to drop the steering column a bit so it will come out a little bit easier.....BUT BE CAREFUL.....because the bottom plate that is welded to the mast jacket of the steering column itself....where you remove the 2 bolts under the column...this wide plate can damage your dash panel if you are not careful. And it is also wise to carefully loosen the two nuts at the firewall where the steering column gets secured to it also....so the column can lower a bit.
DUB
