Gauge cluster lights question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ovidiu · 10-02-2007, 11:24 PM

OK guys, so I'm trying to work out a few things here and there to get the truck inspected... today's project, figuring out why the gauge cluster lights don't work.

I bought a new light switch, and that turned on one bulb, so that fixed something. I checked the bulbs (duh) and some are good, some are bad. Problem is, I can't get any of them to work anymore, and I suspect it's the weird plastic sheet with printed lines on the back that transports the current to the bulbs.
Any idea if I can buy that anywhere?

SacramentoJoe · 10-02-2007, 11:29 PM

Typically, only 4 lights illuminate your gauges. The others are for the idiot lights and the turn signals. I tried new bulbs and was able to get each of the four to work. I have a old illustration that I can try to dig up. Keep trying and Good Luck.

Ovidiu · 10-02-2007, 11:31 PM

Aaaah, that might make sense then!!! I'll stop by the auto parts store and buy all new bulbs tomorrow.

My question still stands though... Can I buy the printed plastic thingie anywhere?

70GMCer · 10-03-2007, 02:25 PM

Also, take some fine emery paper and clean up where the bulbs go into the sockets. Another thing to do is to check continuity in the circuits, to make sure voltage is going to the bulbs. Get a low volt multi meter for this.

Jim_PA · 10-03-2007, 02:31 PM

Yes, you can buy a new circuit board. Just about every one of the board vendors sells them.

Ovidiu · 10-03-2007, 09:21 PM

Ok guys, it was the bulbs, I replaced them all and cleaned the backside and now it all works.
And yes, I need a multimeter for my next "project", figuring out why the horn does not work.

Longhorn Man · 10-06-2007, 12:42 AM

you can do with just a test light, the meter is nice on some jobs, but a PITA for stuff like horn repair.
if you are just trying to get your inspection sticker, you might want to take a look at the list they use... as of a few years ago, TX didn't inspect dash lights.

72armyswbtruck · 10-06-2007, 03:07 AM

Damn those Safety inspections.
But, Hey I won't complain, go to Germany and any vehicle with rust has to be either painted or panels replaced. Amongst other very stringent restrictions.

Longhorn Man · 10-06-2007, 08:57 AM

you can go just over to PA to get rules like that. They'll fail a truck for a rust hole in the bed.

10-02-2007, 11:24 PM	#1
Ovidiu Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 14	Gauge cluster lights question OK guys, so I'm trying to work out a few things here and there to get the truck inspected... today's project, figuring out why the gauge cluster lights don't work. I bought a new light switch, and that turned on one bulb, so that fixed something. I checked the bulbs (duh) and some are good, some are bad. Problem is, I can't get any of them to work anymore, and I suspect it's the weird plastic sheet with printed lines on the back that transports the current to the bulbs. Any idea if I can buy that anywhere?

10-02-2007, 11:29 PM	#2
SacramentoJoe Always Fixing Things Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 390	Re: Gauge cluster lights question Typically, only 4 lights illuminate your gauges. The others are for the idiot lights and the turn signals. I tried new bulbs and was able to get each of the four to work. I have a old illustration that I can try to dig up. Keep trying and Good Luck. __________________ Just an Average Joe ‘68 GMC 307 3spd – My dad's original truck 310,000 miles

10-02-2007, 11:31 PM	#3
Ovidiu Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 14	Re: Gauge cluster lights question Aaaah, that might make sense then!!! I'll stop by the auto parts store and buy all new bulbs tomorrow. My question still stands though... Can I buy the printed plastic thingie anywhere?

10-03-2007, 02:25 PM	#4
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: Gauge cluster lights question Also, take some fine emery paper and clean up where the bulbs go into the sockets. Another thing to do is to check continuity in the circuits, to make sure voltage is going to the bulbs. Get a low volt multi meter for this. __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

10-03-2007, 02:31 PM	#5
Jim_PA Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: PA Posts: 2,696	Re: Gauge cluster lights question Yes, you can buy a new circuit board. Just about every one of the board vendors sells them.

10-03-2007, 09:21 PM	#6
Ovidiu Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 14	Re: Gauge cluster lights question Ok guys, it was the bulbs, I replaced them all and cleaned the backside and now it all works. And yes, I need a multimeter for my next "project", figuring out why the horn does not work.

10-06-2007, 12:42 AM	#7
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Gauge cluster lights question you can do with just a test light, the meter is nice on some jobs, but a PITA for stuff like horn repair. if you are just trying to get your inspection sticker, you might want to take a look at the list they use... as of a few years ago, TX didn't inspect dash lights.

10-06-2007, 03:07 AM	#8
72armyswbtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,034	Re: Gauge cluster lights question Damn those Safety inspections. But, Hey I won't complain, go to Germany and any vehicle with rust has to be either painted or panels replaced. Amongst other very stringent restrictions. __________________ "Remember, They can Kill You, but they can't eat You, That's against the law!!!!!!!!!"

10-06-2007, 08:57 AM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Gauge cluster lights question you can go just over to PA to get rules like that. They'll fail a truck for a rust hole in the bed.



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