Dash Lights Fading In and Out - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

padreisla · 08-10-2003, 09:23 PM

My dash lights fade in and out. I remember reading in a thread awhile back about grounding the dash. I have even changed out the printed circuit board and it still fades in and out. I cannot tighten down the dash as the lights will fade and the indicator lights will come on. I am guessing that I have a ground problem or a short but not sure where to begin. Also on the same line, I purchased a set of Sunpro guages because the ones on my dash are not working correctly and I really wanted to replace them anyway. But not sure how to wire up the volt meter. I got the temp and oil pressure guages working fine. Anyway I welcome any ideas. Also thanks to Ed at Mothertruckers, I got all new windows seals installed. Thanks for the tips....

WTB....If anybody has either a set of used lowering blocks or used lowering (2" front and 4" rear)coil springs for sale let me know. I would love to go new but the budget really limits what I can buy right now.

67 C20
402BB
THD 400

Denny · 08-10-2003, 09:27 PM

Sounds like it could be your headlight switch. Sometimes they are dirty inside, might want to try some contact cleaner on it. Good luck.

jef5150 · 08-10-2003, 09:34 PM

i agree,,,,turn the dimmer switch left to right a few times while u squirt it...jeff

padreisla · 08-10-2003, 09:36 PM

Sorry Denny let me clarify. The lights ony seem to fade in/out when I tighten/loosen up the dash screws. But I will check the light switch just to make sure. The truck had been sitting for years so they probably need cleaning anyway.

67 C20
402BB
THD 400

Longhorn Man · 08-10-2003, 11:06 PM

Does the fuel guage get all stupid when the lights go out?
Soiunds liek a ground issue if it does.
Just hook up a ground strap to any bolt on the back of the panel, and then place the other end of the ground strap through a screw that you install the panel with. (In a pinch you can use wire too)
As for the guage problem, if it is a volt guage and not an amp guage, then just run it to the fuse box and plug it into an IGN circuit. SunPro has them read a volt or 2 high to compinsate for wire harness voltag drop, so you don't need to run a relay or anything that is a PITA like that.

08-10-2003, 09:23 PM	#1
padreisla Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 141	Dash Lights Fading In and Out My dash lights fade in and out. I remember reading in a thread awhile back about grounding the dash. I have even changed out the printed circuit board and it still fades in and out. I cannot tighten down the dash as the lights will fade and the indicator lights will come on. I am guessing that I have a ground problem or a short but not sure where to begin. Also on the same line, I purchased a set of Sunpro guages because the ones on my dash are not working correctly and I really wanted to replace them anyway. But not sure how to wire up the volt meter. I got the temp and oil pressure guages working fine. Anyway I welcome any ideas. Also thanks to Ed at Mothertruckers, I got all new windows seals installed. Thanks for the tips.... WTB....If anybody has either a set of used lowering blocks or used lowering (2" front and 4" rear)coil springs for sale let me know. I would love to go new but the budget really limits what I can buy right now. 67 C20 402BB THD 400

08-10-2003, 09:27 PM	#2
Denny Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cedar Hill, MO Posts: 426	Sounds like it could be your headlight switch. Sometimes they are dirty inside, might want to try some contact cleaner on it. Good luck. __________________ 1969 Chevy C10. Dakota Digital Gauges, 383 Votex Engine, MSD 8361 Distributor, MSD 6A Unit, Demon Carb, Phoenix Transmission 4L80E trans, 3:73 Posi Rear End Early Classics 6 Lug Disc Brakes and Spindles All Stainless Lines Last edited by Denny; 08-10-2003 at 11:53 PM.

08-10-2003, 09:36 PM	#4
padreisla Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 141	Dash Lights Fade In/Out Sorry Denny let me clarify. The lights ony seem to fade in/out when I tighten/loosen up the dash screws. But I will check the light switch just to make sure. The truck had been sitting for years so they probably need cleaning anyway. 67 C20 402BB THD 400

08-10-2003, 09:34 PM	#3
jef5150 Inline 69 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: valleysprings,california Posts: 1,018	i agree,,,,turn the dimmer switch left to right a few times while u squirt it...jeff

08-10-2003, 11:06 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Does the fuel guage get all stupid when the lights go out? Soiunds liek a ground issue if it does. Just hook up a ground strap to any bolt on the back of the panel, and then place the other end of the ground strap through a screw that you install the panel with. (In a pinch you can use wire too) As for the guage problem, if it is a volt guage and not an amp guage, then just run it to the fuse box and plug it into an IGN circuit. SunPro has them read a volt or 2 high to compinsate for wire harness voltag drop, so you don't need to run a relay or anything that is a PITA like that.



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