Problems with Guage Lighting - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BigRed · 07-23-2003, 12:23 PM

When I bought my '86 Suburban about 2 weeks ago, I noticed that the only guage lights that were working were the ones to the right of the speedo. I could see it barely and nothing else at night. I thought, "no big deal, I don't drive much at night anyway". However, I noticed last night that none of the lights are working anymore. All the guages are working fine, but I can't see them.

I checked the one 5amp fuse that is labeld guage lights and it is not blown. What should I check next? I can't imagine that all the bulbs could have gone out. I'd rather not pull the whole cluster if possible but will if necessary.

Thanks!

bigblock73 · 07-23-2003, 12:41 PM

My money is on the bulbs. The very same thing happened to me on a truck I bought once, figured it couldn't be the bulbs as well...but it was. I replaced EVERY bulb behind there (even the working ones)...maaaaan what a difference! Check the bilbs, it will take you less than an hour to do it all.

...Jeff

BigRed · 07-23-2003, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigblock73
My money is on the bulbs. The very same thing happened to me on a truck I bought once, figured it couldn't be the bulbs as well...but it was. I replaced EVERY bulb behind there (even the working ones)...maaaaan what a difference! Check the bilbs, it will take you less than an hour to do it all.

...Jeff

Ok, guess I can do that easily enough. I pulled the one in my '75 so shouldn't be much difference. One thing I'm wondering is where do I get the bulbs? You think they carry this at any parts store?

Thanks!

bigblock73 · 07-23-2003, 01:14 PM

I got mine at Wal-mart.

...Jeff

Prerunner1982 · 07-23-2003, 01:30 PM

auto zone and oriellys have them.

Jonboy · 07-23-2003, 01:35 PM

the bulbs are 194's. You can buy them in packages of 10 at somewhere like NAPA, instead of 2 at a time. BTW, you might check the headlight switch, too.

cochino12 · 07-23-2003, 02:18 PM

dont mean to steal your thread bigred but I was wondering if while replacing bulbs anyone remembered where the wire on top right on back of gauge cluster goes to. Mine is broken off and don't know what it goes to.

Jonboy · 07-23-2003, 02:29 PM

does it go to the wiper switch?

**Captkaos** · 07-23-2003, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cochino12
dont mean to steal your thread bigred but I was wondering if while replacing bulbs anyone remembered where the wire on top right on back of gauge cluster goes to. Mine is broken off and don't know what it goes to.

Top right looking at the face of the guages? Is it your fiber optic cable that goes to the ash tray?

cochino12 · 07-23-2003, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Captkaos

Top right looking at the face of the guages? Is it your fiber optic cable that goes to the ash tray?

that could be it, thnks

BigRed · 07-23-2003, 03:49 PM

Alright, thanks guys for the help. I'll get me some bulbs and try that out.

crackajacka · 07-23-2003, 05:06 PM

my money is on the printed circut's behind the gauges that the lights connect to, the lights on mine are just fine there just loose and only work in a certain position.

79BIG10 · 07-23-2003, 05:22 PM

Scott also the speedo is hooked up differently in back but nothing hard. The newer models 84? and newer have electrical speedo compared to the older models with the actual cable.

apstguy · 07-23-2003, 08:07 PM

I have one in the speedo and one in the gas gauge that tend to go out. All I do is whack the dash then they turn back on.

I hate that flexable plastic printed circuit board. It sucks! Anyone try any different color bulbs in there?

BigRed · 07-24-2003, 08:25 AM

Thanks guys! I'm going to pick-up some bulbs today and replace them. I think I'll also paint the inside of the cluster while I'm in there. I already have some good paint for that. I'm curious how the colored bulbs will look also. I'm thinking that red probably won't show up good but maybe blue. Not sure if they come in blue though. Might try painting the cluster with that shiny blue paint and see how it looks. Guess I'll be the guinea pig! I'll let you know how it looks.

Thanks!

BigRed · 07-28-2003, 03:13 PM

Thought I'd give you an update on this. I pulled the cluster, painted it "bumper chrome" and replaced all the bulbs. I also painted the back of the black piece that goes right underneath the clear lens "annodized blue". The chrome really made things bright while the blue on the back of the other piece gave my lights a blue tint. Looks really good.

Apstguy, I also had a problem with a couple of the bulbs cutting out on me after I replaced them. The problem was the black bulb holders. There are two connectors that make contact with the printed circuit board. If you pull those out a slightly, that gives the holder a tighter fit on the circuit and then they don't cut-out anymore. Thought I'd let you know in case you want to try it out.

loweredd · 07-28-2003, 03:51 PM

yeah BigRed, I painted my taillights this weekend with the chrome paint, so I think I will use the rest and paint the dash this next weekend to see how it works out.....did you use any blue bulbs? I was curious if they worked better? I think I might get some of those RICER bulbs here at work since they tend to be a higher candle power.

apstguy · 07-28-2003, 03:58 PM

I tryed pulling the metal tabs out but the suckers always like to go back.

BigRed · 07-28-2003, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by loweredd
yeah BigRed, I painted my taillights this weekend with the chrome paint, so I think I will use the rest and paint the dash this next weekend to see how it works out.....did you use any blue bulbs? I was curious if they worked better? I think I might get some of those RICER bulbs here at work since they tend to be a higher candle power.

Nope, I just used the clear bulbs. Somebody told me that the blue ones don't light as well. Plus, if you were to keep your cluster the same color (green), the light gets absorbed pretty fast.

Guess I'm going to do the opposite as you. I need to now paint my taillights.

loweredd · 07-28-2003, 05:03 PM

LOL! It did make a BIG difference.

07-23-2003, 12:23 PM	#1
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Problems with Guage Lighting When I bought my '86 Suburban about 2 weeks ago, I noticed that the only guage lights that were working were the ones to the right of the speedo. I could see it barely and nothing else at night. I thought, "no big deal, I don't drive much at night anyway". However, I noticed last night that none of the lights are working anymore. All the guages are working fine, but I can't see them. I checked the one 5amp fuse that is labeld guage lights and it is not blown. What should I check next? I can't imagine that all the bulbs could have gone out. I'd rather not pull the whole cluster if possible but will if necessary. Thanks! __________________ Scott Shelbourne

07-23-2003, 01:30 PM	#5
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	auto zone and oriellys have them. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

07-23-2003, 01:35 PM	#6
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	the bulbs are 194's. You can buy them in packages of 10 at somewhere like NAPA, instead of 2 at a time. BTW, you might check the headlight switch, too. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

07-23-2003, 02:18 PM	#7
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	dont mean to steal your thread bigred but I was wondering if while replacing bulbs anyone remembered where the wire on top right on back of gauge cluster goes to. Mine is broken off and don't know what it goes to. __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually Last edited by cochino12; 07-23-2003 at 02:32 PM.

07-23-2003, 02:29 PM	#8
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	does it go to the wiper switch? __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

07-23-2003, 12:41 PM	#2
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	My money is on the bulbs. The very same thing happened to me on a truck I bought once, figured it couldn't be the bulbs as well...but it was. I replaced EVERY bulb behind there (even the working ones)...maaaaan what a difference! Check the bilbs, it will take you less than an hour to do it all. ...Jeff

07-23-2003, 01:14 PM	#4
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	I got mine at Wal-mart. ...Jeff

07-23-2003, 03:49 PM	#11
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Alright, thanks guys for the help. I'll get me some bulbs and try that out. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

07-23-2003, 05:06 PM	#12
crackajacka Stylin Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tuttle, OK Posts: 620	my money is on the printed circut's behind the gauges that the lights connect to, the lights on mine are just fine there just loose and only work in a certain position. __________________ Ive been traveling for some time, with my fishin pole and my bottle of shyne. Most Girls like finished products and just dont understand what a good addiction does for you http://www.paulwall.us/

07-23-2003, 05:22 PM	#13
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	Scott also the speedo is hooked up differently in back but nothing hard. The newer models 84? and newer have electrical speedo compared to the older models with the actual cable. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

07-23-2003, 08:07 PM	#14
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,087	I have one in the speedo and one in the gas gauge that tend to go out. All I do is whack the dash then they turn back on. I hate that flexable plastic printed circuit board. It sucks! Anyone try any different color bulbs in there? __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

07-24-2003, 08:25 AM	#15
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Thanks guys! I'm going to pick-up some bulbs today and replace them. I think I'll also paint the inside of the cluster while I'm in there. I already have some good paint for that. I'm curious how the colored bulbs will look also. I'm thinking that red probably won't show up good but maybe blue. Not sure if they come in blue though. Might try painting the cluster with that shiny blue paint and see how it looks. Guess I'll be the guinea pig! I'll let you know how it looks. Thanks! __________________ Scott Shelbourne

07-28-2003, 03:13 PM	#16
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Thought I'd give you an update on this. I pulled the cluster, painted it "bumper chrome" and replaced all the bulbs. I also painted the back of the black piece that goes right underneath the clear lens "annodized blue". The chrome really made things bright while the blue on the back of the other piece gave my lights a blue tint. Looks really good. Apstguy, I also had a problem with a couple of the bulbs cutting out on me after I replaced them. The problem was the black bulb holders. There are two connectors that make contact with the printed circuit board. If you pull those out a slightly, that gives the holder a tighter fit on the circuit and then they don't cut-out anymore. Thought I'd let you know in case you want to try it out. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

07-28-2003, 03:51 PM	#17
loweredd www.loweredd.com Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Struble IA Posts: 808	yeah BigRed, I painted my taillights this weekend with the chrome paint, so I think I will use the rest and paint the dash this next weekend to see how it works out.....did you use any blue bulbs? I was curious if they worked better? I think I might get some of those RICER bulbs here at work since they tend to be a higher candle power.

07-28-2003, 03:58 PM	#18
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,087	I tryed pulling the metal tabs out but the suckers always like to go back. __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32



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07-28-2003, 05:03 PM	#20
loweredd www.loweredd.com Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Struble IA Posts: 808	LOL! It did make a BIG difference.

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