ignition bulb change
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
ignition bulb change
Very basic simple problem!!!! The ignition warning light fails to come on when key is turned on.Everything else works,turn signals good and engine starts. The alternator is giving a healthy voltage output. The wire from the alternator which goes to bulb is good and when engine is running that wire loses the ground through the alternator. The car is a 1978 model. Looking at some of the posts it seems you have to remove the gauge console to replace anything on that unit. That then involves possibly removing seats,carpet panels etc. There must be an easier way to change a bulb than stripping half the interior out? I have owned many old cars over the years and this dash seems to be a failing of the C3. There must be an easier way to change any bulb on that unit. Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
The 78 has the newer style dash. I'm used to the 77 and down set-up.
I have read on this forum that the 78 up dash is a bit easier to dissassemble and reassemble than the earlier cars.
In my 77 I believe the bulb your referring to is the Gen light.
Lights up on key on and goes out when the alternator starts charging. The idea is the current going through that bulb also excites the alternator.
However your alternator is working just fine.
Most of these bulbs in the dash or center gauge cluster are an absolute bear to replace. Sorry, no short cuts.
I have read on this forum that the 78 up dash is a bit easier to dissassemble and reassemble than the earlier cars.
In my 77 I believe the bulb your referring to is the Gen light.
Lights up on key on and goes out when the alternator starts charging. The idea is the current going through that bulb also excites the alternator.
However your alternator is working just fine.
Most of these bulbs in the dash or center gauge cluster are an absolute bear to replace. Sorry, no short cuts.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
ignition light
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
Thanks for your reply, did it the short cut way by removing glove box and you can just get to the bulb holder to remove it and replace bulb. Any other bulb on that panel and you would need to to remove it
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,749
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From: Fairfax Virginia
Welcome to the Corvette Forum frogeyeman!
This is the place to be if you are dealing with any issues or have questions about our favorite subject the Corvette!
I have a 1968 C3 and I am still using the original factory gauges. I heard about a material called DeOxIt and it really wipes of the corrosion easily. Using a tiny bit of DeOxIt on a q-tip and wipe both sides of the connection. I cleaned the tail light socket power connectors then the Tail-light Bulb is brighter without anything but cleaning a socket. I guess when your car is 56 years old it probably has more corrosion than I am aware of. I keep the bottle of DeOxIt in my tool bag and use it frequently when working on my C3.
This is the place to be if you are dealing with any issues or have questions about our favorite subject the Corvette!
I have a 1968 C3 and I am still using the original factory gauges. I heard about a material called DeOxIt and it really wipes of the corrosion easily. Using a tiny bit of DeOxIt on a q-tip and wipe both sides of the connection. I cleaned the tail light socket power connectors then the Tail-light Bulb is brighter without anything but cleaning a socket. I guess when your car is 56 years old it probably has more corrosion than I am aware of. I keep the bottle of DeOxIt in my tool bag and use it frequently when working on my C3.
Last edited by ctmccloskey; Feb 4, 2024 at 08:21 PM.
