light switch/instrument lights
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
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light switch/instrument lights
I need some help. I am restoring/repairing the instrument panel, odometer, etc., and I have found out that the lights do not work. The turn light works just fine, the temp. gauge and gas gauge work,as does the alternator light. I was hoping that a change of bulbs would do the trick, but that would be too easy! The headlights work fine, and there is power to the light switch assembly (behind the dash). Any help would be much appreciated, and I really enjoy this site and all the great info! Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 131
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check the voltage regulator that is attached to the back of the cluster. That powers the lights that don't work for you now. The lights that are working for you now don't go through that regulator, if I'm not mistaken. But I could be wrong, hopeful someone with more expereance will chime in.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,813
Likes: 6
From: Connecticut
THe voltage regulator on the back of the dash drops the voltage from 12V to 6V for the guages. The dash lights are powered thru the light switch. I'd get a test light and check for power. You may have a bad wire or bad connection on the light switch. Pull the connector off the switch and look for corroded or burnt Terminals.
Barry
Barry
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
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From: Sun River St. George
Turn the **** on the light switch to the left until it clicks. Did the dome light come on? Turn the **** to the right until it clicks and stop turning. Did the dash lights come on? If no! Remove the light switch and inspect the reostat and contact (looks like a spring around the front of the switch). Most likely the reostat is broken or the contact is corroded. I'd pop for a new switch and use plenty of bulb grease on the contacts. Clean the contacts from the wiring harness and use a nylon tie to hold the switch and plug together. To remove the switch, press the little spring loaded button on top of the switch and gently pull the **** and shaft out. Then unscrew bezel nut and pull the harness and switch down where you can work at it and unplug the wiring harness. Easy does it, those parts have been together for 40 years.
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
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Thanks for all the helpful info- so far I've finished the plastic instrument panel repair, but I think I'll have to pull the switch out and get busy! Gauges work fine, ground wire is in place. Know where I can get a new switch? Thanks.
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