Lighting issue
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 2
Lighting issue
My dash lights stopped working out of nowhere. I also noticed that after driving, my battery terminals were very hot to the touch. (I have a shut off on my negative terminal)
Thanks
Jax
1977 L-82
Thanks
Jax
1977 L-82
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Check for a blown fuse for the lights, also there is a ground on the driver's side, below the a pillar, up under the dash. Do some basic diagnostics with the charging system, check bat voltage with and without engine running. Loose or dirty battery cables can increase resistance, creating heat
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,214
Likes: 1,173
From: Southlake, TX
Also, ALL gauge lighting both cluster and console?
On my 82 (so at least a 78-82 should be similar, there is a dedicated fuse for "instrument lamps" with a 7.5 amp fuse near the top of the fuse box.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Hot batt terminals means high current flow whether charging or discharging. I dont know what shut off a batt terminal means other than disconnected that term.
U need a wiring diagram for your car to find the power source for your dash lights. Do you know how to use a multimeter to measure voltage and resistance? If not your troubling shooting will be limited to pulling an checking fuses and will need trained help.
Good luck.
U need a wiring diagram for your car to find the power source for your dash lights. Do you know how to use a multimeter to measure voltage and resistance? If not your troubling shooting will be limited to pulling an checking fuses and will need trained help.
Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,417
Likes: 1,554
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Is the 'Tail Lamp' fuse good?
Tail lamp fuse sends power to the instrument fuse.
If the instrument fuse blows only the dash lights will be off.
If the tail lamp fuse blows both the tail lights and the instrument lights will be out.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&p...TUxMDNiMTY3Nzk
If the instrument fuse blows only the dash lights will be off.
If the tail lamp fuse blows both the tail lights and the instrument lights will be out.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&p...TUxMDNiMTY3Nzk
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 2
Tail lamp fuse sends power to the instrument fuse.
If the instrument fuse blows only the dash lights will be off.
If the tail lamp fuse blows both the tail lights and the instrument lights will be out.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&p...TUxMDNiMTY3Nzk
If the instrument fuse blows only the dash lights will be off.
If the tail lamp fuse blows both the tail lights and the instrument lights will be out.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&p...TUxMDNiMTY3Nzk
Thanks
Jax
"1977" L-82
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: Claymont Delaware
Figure I'll ask my question here too. I also have no light to my gauges or cluster. Replaced fuses and still nothing. I have light and power to everything else. Tails cabin the works. Could it be as dumb to say the bulbs are out because it doesn't seem to be any other electrical problems. Unfortunately yea changing fuses is as far as my electrical knowledge goes for this car right now. Seems like a simple issue I'm just failing to see the solution or I'm failing to notice a bigger problem. Thanks