Dash lights

[Jmoney01]

I have a 1980 gmc. For some reason the dash lights quit. Does anyone know the color wire that comes from the light switch? Figured I'd start there and trace it out.

Thanks
Jeremy

[kipps]

Quite sure it's a gray wire by the time it gets to the instrument panel connector. Should be the same at the headlight switch, but can't guarantee that.

The headlight switch can be disassembled, but do so very carefully. There's a lot of little parts in there. I got a bunch of pics of how it goes together if you open it and get stuck.

There's several separate switches in the headlight switch. The main incoming wire goes through a thermally operated circuit breaker, then is switched onto the park lights and headlights. You'll see a small jumper going from a park light hot to the variable resistor for the dash lights. The last switch connects the white wire to ground to illuminate the dome and courtesy lights.

[Dead Parrot]

Double check the fuse for the running lights. Had an Impala where the dash lights and running lights were on the same fuse. Brake/turn were on separate fuse.

Also possible the rheostat for the brightness adjustment has gone out.

[Jmoney01]

The rheostat is in the light switch isn't it? If I dont have power to the gray wire I will just replace the switch and see what I have. Went through all the fuses yesterday

[Jmoney01]

Checked for power.... I have power to the dash. It would have to be in the circuit behind dash then, correct?

[kipps]

Originally Posted by Jmoney01

Checked for power.... I have power to the dash. It would have to be in the circuit behind dash then, correct?

Uh... Define your terms. "Dash" refers to the all-encompassing chunk of metal and plastic in front of the driver and passenger. "Instrument cluster" or "instrument panel" is the molded plastic piece that contains the 5 or 6 gauges.

Quick first check. Do any lights come on with the headlights at the radio or heater controls? If so, the gray wire circuit is working correctly from the headlight switch.

If you pulled the instrument cluster out of the dash, and unplugged the connector from that, you should get 12 volts on the gray wire when the headlights are on. If the instrument panel lights still don't work, it could be one of three problems.

#1, the printed circuit on the back of the instrument cluster is defective. I would remove the instrument cluster from the vehicle, and check it closely for problems. Both visually and with a multi-meter.

#2, you have a bad ground connection. The ground on the instrument cluster should be a black wire. There might be more than one. I'd assume if your gauges are still working correctly, you don't have a ground issue. But depending on which printed circuit you have, it's possible the grounds are separated by task.

#3, all the light bulbs are blown out, and just need to be replaced.

[Jmoney01]

Yes, the cluster. I have power to the gray wire at the plug. I picked up a couple of bulbs today to check that out. Is the printed circuit available or is it a junkyard find and hope it works?

[Dead Parrot]

Originally Posted by Jmoney01

The rheostat is in the light switch isn't it? If I dont have power to the gray wire I will just replace the switch and see what I have. Went through all the fuses yesterday

Yes on rheostat. After a few decades, they get a bit twitchy. Mine is down to two options, full bright or off. And full bright is getting harder to get.

If you can snake a hand up to the cluster connector, might try gently rocking it and make sure it is still fully seated.