86 dash cluster......now what?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: Bruce WI
86 dash cluster......now what?
Just when I'm starting to think I've got all the bugs and issues sorted out and I can just drive
The gauge cluster acts up! Figured I'd ask befor I start digging. The left side of the gauge group ( oil temp/range and half the gas gauge) went dim. Is this just a bulb behind the digital readout that went out or is this the begining of the end for the dash?!?
The gauge cluster acts up! Figured I'd ask befor I start digging. The left side of the gauge group ( oil temp/range and half the gas gauge) went dim. Is this just a bulb behind the digital readout that went out or is this the begining of the end for the dash?!?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,629
Likes: 7
From: Lawrenceville PA
Could be a ground or a bad bulb but could also mean you'll need to send it out for repair. Try this website for troubleshooting;
http://www.batee.com/corvette/index.shtml
http://www.batee.com/corvette/index.shtml
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 12,182
Likes: 1
From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey
Let's discuss two most likely scenerios.
1. Loose/bad connection: this happens usually to the whole cluster, it'll go dark and then the two turn signal arrows as well as the high beam indictor lights up. The easy dumb fix is to bang on it. The correct way is to remove the cluster, open it up, then clean up the contact points. One of the connectors, white-colored, rectangular shape, may have slight burn marks. Clean that up and you should be good to go. Take your time.
2. Burned bulb: can be replaced without taking out the cluster. Take off the front trim panel and you'll see four round metal covers. They cover the bulbs. Take off the one in question, us a small needle nose plier and try to carefully pull out the bad bulb. Replace the same. This is not for people with bone crushing Hulk Hogan hands.
The alternative is to remove the whole cluster, open it up, then replace the whole bulb unit from behind. Clean up any connections while you're at it.
Good luck.
1. Loose/bad connection: this happens usually to the whole cluster, it'll go dark and then the two turn signal arrows as well as the high beam indictor lights up. The easy dumb fix is to bang on it. The correct way is to remove the cluster, open it up, then clean up the contact points. One of the connectors, white-colored, rectangular shape, may have slight burn marks. Clean that up and you should be good to go. Take your time.
2. Burned bulb: can be replaced without taking out the cluster. Take off the front trim panel and you'll see four round metal covers. They cover the bulbs. Take off the one in question, us a small needle nose plier and try to carefully pull out the bad bulb. Replace the same. This is not for people with bone crushing Hulk Hogan hands.
The alternative is to remove the whole cluster, open it up, then replace the whole bulb unit from behind. Clean up any connections while you're at it. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
2. Burned bulb: can be replaced without taking out the cluster. Take off the front trim panel and you'll see four round metal covers. They cover the bulbs. Take off the one in question, us a small needle nose plier and try to carefully pull out the bad bulb. Replace the same. This is not for people with bone crushing Hulk Hogan hands. The alternative is to remove the whole cluster, open it up, then replace the whole bulb unit from behind. Clean up any connections while you're at it.
Good luck.
The alternative is to remove the whole cluster, open it up, then replace the whole bulb unit from behind. Clean up any connections while you're at it. Good luck.
The bulb is an 882. I got mine at Napa $9. This bulb can be hard to find at local parts stores. Go slow pressing it in. The plastic holder socket can be brittle. If you break it, you have to pull the cluster, seperate the electical boards, and install from behind as mentioned.
