Dash lighting problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: San Jose California
Dash lighting problem
Hello everyone, i finally finished installing my new l98 motor back ito my 89 vette. b4 i replaced the engine the dash light display would somtimes loose light on one side but just enough so i could see all gauges. Although today both sides went out and i am unable to read my speed at night. the gauges still work but i cant see them for shiz. do i need to replace the gauge cluster or is there some grounding issue?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,330
Likes: 7,901
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I own 2 C-4 vettes. If your dash lights are only a problem with the headlights off it could be the light sensor. If they are a problem all the time I would check the ground first. A real pain to get to! However it sounds like your digital display may need rebuilding. Good luck to you.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,342
Likes: 264
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
gauge cluster
pull the cover(black) off of the gauge cluster. There are 4 metal covers over the bulbs that provide the backlighting.
pull them off, get the bulbs out, go to NAPA, and get 4 more, install, and see if that was the problem.
pull them off, get the bulbs out, go to NAPA, and get 4 more, install, and see if that was the problem.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: San Jose California
i dont think its the bulbs because somtimes it works and somtimes it dosnt. if i tap on the top of the dash somtimes they come back on. so i doubt it the bulbs. maybe a ground wire is loose?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
It MAY be the bulb sockets---this last weekend I took out the cluster, took off the metal backing and unscrewed the top circuit board. The sockets (with bulbs) are located on the lower board and simply twist off. Take out the sockets and bulb, and clean the contacts on the socket and "bend" the metal prongs on the socket out so the blubs fit firm inside, and the socket fits firm when you screw it back in. Or, you can simply get new sockets (which I will do next time if this problem recurs).
/s/ Chris Kennedy
/s/ Chris Kennedy
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
gage cluster
If this problem is not your bulbs (which is probably is not), you will have to have the unit serviced (rebuilt) for about $200. I had mine rebuilt a couple of years ago with similar problems and it has worked just fine since. Let me know if you need a recommendation on a good rebuild shop.
P.
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
My '87 automatic coupe with 70,000 miles has a similar problem. It has 4 new bulbs in it, but when I go over a severe bump, the cluster goes dark. If I bang the carpeted panel under the dash on the left side of the steering wheel with my hand, the cluster lights up again. I'm sure this isn't the ground wire. I know where that is located. Could it be that the cluster really needs rebuilding, or is there a connector that could be causing this problem. It happens at night with the lights on, or during the day with the lights off. All other dash lights operate properly. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Ed
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Let me type this yet one more time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The cluster has two circuit boards that plug together with a single row of pins on the front board to a socket on the rear board. The end pin closest to the center of the circuit board carries the lamp current and this current flowing through an age relaxed spring on the socket causes enough heat to unsolder the pin. Resoldering the pin will not fix this problem. I soldered a short piece of small insulated hookup wire from the pin to the socket about 7 years ago and my 87 hasn't had a problem with the dash illumination since and I drive it everyday.
The cluster has two circuit boards that plug together with a single row of pins on the front board to a socket on the rear board. The end pin closest to the center of the circuit board carries the lamp current and this current flowing through an age relaxed spring on the socket causes enough heat to unsolder the pin. Resoldering the pin will not fix this problem. I soldered a short piece of small insulated hookup wire from the pin to the socket about 7 years ago and my 87 hasn't had a problem with the dash illumination since and I drive it everyday.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
You probably forgot to reattach this ground when installing the motor. You have to pull the wiper motor cover and motor to get to the back of the head.
