1980 cluster illumination not working
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
1980 cluster illumination not working
Hello,
I’ve used this forum for years and it has been an asset, I greatly appreciate all of the knowledge offered by all of you.
Unfortunately, I have been unable to find much about the current problem I have, so I made an account to ask.
The illumination lights in my tach/speedo cluster do not work. They have before, but suddenly went out. The turn signal indicators still work, high beam, etc. only the illumination is out, but the illumination lights in the center console gauge cluster works, which is why I’m at a loss.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
I’ve used this forum for years and it has been an asset, I greatly appreciate all of the knowledge offered by all of you.
Unfortunately, I have been unable to find much about the current problem I have, so I made an account to ask.
The illumination lights in my tach/speedo cluster do not work. They have before, but suddenly went out. The turn signal indicators still work, high beam, etc. only the illumination is out, but the illumination lights in the center console gauge cluster works, which is why I’m at a loss.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 247
Likes: 43
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
I am going through this same issue right now on my '78. From my research, you need to check the rheostat inside of the headlight switch. The switch itself is pretty cheap to replace, i just bought one yesterday from Willcox for like $30. Looks easy enough to change out. This is all assuming you already checked out your fuse as well. If fuse is good, most of the time its the headlight switch with a bad rheostat.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 247
Likes: 43
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...p-switch-78-82
This is the one I ordered yesterday. Same one for you
This is the one I ordered yesterday. Same one for you
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Next step may be to remove the speedo/tach cluster and check the bulbs. I replaced mine years ago and never another problem. I went ahead and replaced the bulbs in the center cluster while I was at it and even replaced the bulb that fires down onto the shifter/ashtray for good measure.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 209
Likes: 33
Mine did that. It was the power plug on the bottom of the speedo cluster that came unplugged. Right at the bottom below bulbs, black plug , energizes entire metal gauge back makes lights on both light up. Headlight switch us a likely culprit too.
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