1985 Corvette Digital Dash Problem
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
1985 Corvette Digital Dash Problem
Hey guys, I have a 1985 Corvette and recently I noticed that the dimmer switch didn't work to control the dash. What happens is, when I turn the key on, the lights come on decently bright on the dash cluster, but if I pull the headlight switch to head or park, and try to dim the lights, nothing happens. The radio and HVAC controls dim though.
I tested the wires and I am getting power and ground to the digital dash cluster.
I tested the photocell because I thought maybe that was causing the lights to be always on, but the photocell checked out okay.
Does anyone know how I can repair this inside the cluster? It's not really a big deal, but I'd like to have this feature.
Thanks!
I tested the wires and I am getting power and ground to the digital dash cluster.
I tested the photocell because I thought maybe that was causing the lights to be always on, but the photocell checked out okay.
Does anyone know how I can repair this inside the cluster? It's not really a big deal, but I'd like to have this feature.
Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
for most DIY cluster repairs go to Batee.com
this might be dimmer related...if you have a DVM test the dimmer (lite switch)to see if its sending the variation. The light switch is responsible for lots of things and it takes a beating with voltage and resistance.
this might be dimmer related...if you have a DVM test the dimmer (lite switch)to see if its sending the variation. The light switch is responsible for lots of things and it takes a beating with voltage and resistance.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Hi, I used a power probe and rotated the dial on the dimmer switch, the voltage did follow the movement.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Actually I may have tested the photocell improperly. When I shine a flash light at the photocell, the brightness doesn't change, same thing if I cover it with my finger.
I think it worked for a minute or so the other day and then stopped working again. Is it possible there is a loose connection that I can fix on my own?
I'd like to get the dash back together ASAP but I need the cluster out to fix it.
Thanks!
I think it worked for a minute or so the other day and then stopped working again. Is it possible there is a loose connection that I can fix on my own?
I'd like to get the dash back together ASAP but I need the cluster out to fix it.
Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 8
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Have seen several posts on the brightness issue where people have bypassed the photocell by placing solder across the two terminals, bypassing the photocell will make the gauges brightest.
The photocell should respond brighter when a flash light is illuminating it and the display go dark when placing a finger over it, so you obviously have a bad photocell sensor.
Remember when you have the dash out, (is easier when you remove with the dashpad out) replace the lights with the cooler xenon lamps.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/84-89-CORVETTE-DASH-INSTRUMENT-CLUSTER-LAMPS-BULBS-XENON-Replaces-882-halogen-/281217367302?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACorvette&hash=item4179dc7d06&vxp=mtrreplace
The photocell should respond brighter when a flash light is illuminating it and the display go dark when placing a finger over it, so you obviously have a bad photocell sensor.
Remember when you have the dash out, (is easier when you remove with the dashpad out) replace the lights with the cooler xenon lamps.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/84-89-CORVETTE-DASH-INSTRUMENT-CLUSTER-LAMPS-BULBS-XENON-Replaces-882-halogen-/281217367302?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACorvette&hash=item4179dc7d06&vxp=mtrreplace
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
here we go
http://batee.com/corvette/dcrg/photocell/
http://batee.com/corvette/dcrg/photocell/
he can go look at Batee.com for some detailed instructions
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
Actually today I just went out, covered the photocell, turn the ignition on, lights came on, and dimmed down a little bit, still wasn't able to use the dimmer switch in either head or park positions. I was able to get the photocell to respond a few times, then it wouldn't respond anymore.
Not really sure what's going on, guess I'm just going to have to live with it, I'm not going to risk damaging an $800 part to fix a $25 part using solder. I did that once with a face plate for a radio.
Not really sure what's going on, guess I'm just going to have to live with it, I'm not going to risk damaging an $800 part to fix a $25 part using solder. I did that once with a face plate for a radio.