Dash Lights Not Working
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Dash Lights Not Working
Just picked up a 74 coupe and already having electrical issues. My dash lights do not work. I have read other threads and they mention the INST fuse (small fuse on the bottom). I do not have power to either side at any time. I have tried with the headlight switch in both "on" positions turned both directions and get nothing. The dash pad and gauges are currently out of it.
I believe the INST fuse should only have power when the headlight switch is on.
Could a bad headlight switch be the problem? Is there a way to test it? Should all the wires coming off of the switch have power when it is pulled on?
The headlights also do not pop up when I turn them on (they do light up though), but I figured there was issues with the vacuum system (currently working on that too).
I believe the INST fuse should only have power when the headlight switch is on.
Could a bad headlight switch be the problem? Is there a way to test it? Should all the wires coming off of the switch have power when it is pulled on?
The headlights also do not pop up when I turn them on (they do light up though), but I figured there was issues with the vacuum system (currently working on that too).
Last edited by YeahDoggie; Mar 1, 2018 at 10:33 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Hi and Welcome!
The 'tail light' fuse feeds the instrument fuse so see if the tail light fuse is good.
While you are under there check the gauges fuse.
Here's a head light vacuum guide:
http://www.corvette-101.com/vacuum.htm
While you are under there check the gauges fuse.
Here's a head light vacuum guide:
http://www.corvette-101.com/vacuum.htm
Racer
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 336
Likes: 29
From: Il.
Best way to trouble shoot an electrical problem is to get a wiring diagram and start at the source ,fuse ,battery . and with a tester trace the circuit until you find the fault .It is not a good idea to trouble shoot by just changing parts that may fix the problem but it might cost you alot of time and money.
To answer you're question it could be the headlight switch or a bad wire or a connector somewhere in the circuit.
To answer you're question it could be the headlight switch or a bad wire or a connector somewhere in the circuit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 407
Likes: 14
From: Mulberry Florida
Just picked up a 74 coupe and already having electrical issues. My dash lights do not work. I have read other threads and they mention the INST fuse (small fuse on the bottom). I do not have power to either side at any time. I have tried with the headlight switch in both "on" positions turned both directions and get nothing. The dash pad and gauges are currently out of it.
I believe the INST fuse should only have power when the headlight switch is on.
Could a bad headlight switch be the problem? Is there a way to test it? Should all the wires coming off of the switch have power when it is pulled on?
The headlights also do not pop up when I turn them on (they do light up though), but I figured there was issues with the vacuum system (currently working on that too).
I believe the INST fuse should only have power when the headlight switch is on.
Could a bad headlight switch be the problem? Is there a way to test it? Should all the wires coming off of the switch have power when it is pulled on?
The headlights also do not pop up when I turn them on (they do light up though), but I figured there was issues with the vacuum system (currently working on that too).
Last edited by C376FL; Mar 2, 2018 at 09:19 AM. Reason: first you need to see why you have no power to the fuses
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Good catch.
I should have clarified that the dash lights were not working when the dash was installed. I was using a test light to check for power at the wires.
Interestingly enough, I was messing with the switch again last night and they started working all of a sudden. The switch is old but perhaps the repeated twisting and pulling got something working.
I should have clarified that the dash lights were not working when the dash was installed. I was using a test light to check for power at the wires.
Interestingly enough, I was messing with the switch again last night and they started working all of a sudden. The switch is old but perhaps the repeated twisting and pulling got something working.
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