Dash lights screwd up...

[1980chevy4x4]

When i first got my truck when i turned the dash lights on the gas gauge would drop all the way and the "fasten seat belt" light would come on, also it wasnt very bright at all. When i got it back from the exhaust shop (probley like 2 weeks ago) the dash lights worked perfectly, they were very bright, the gas gauge didnt drop and the "fasten seat belt" light didnt come on. Now ITS DOING IT ALL AGIN!!!!!!!!!!! MAN!! its pissen me off. What could be the prob? I cant seem to figure it out. ANy help would be much appretiated!

[Russell]

Check the connection back behind the dash, just look up from underneith your seat, and you'll see what I mean

If you need pics, I'll be glad to provide some for you tommorow afternoon. Sometimes that connection will wiggle loose, or maybe something is shorting out behind there.

[1980chevy4x4]

Yea pics are always nice!

[1980chevy4x4]

Im bringing this back from the dead becasue its still doing it....any more help??

[TrainD5115]

I can tell you that my gauges would go nuts like that if the entire housing was not setting in exactly where it was supposed to go. If you take the dash bezel off and then try to adjust the placement of the entire gauge housing this might help. Also the printed circuit overlay on the back could be detached or grounding out somewhere. Good luck.

[1980chevy4x4]

Yea i think its a ground prob but dont no were to start looking??

[85 K5]

On mine there is a sheet metal ground - 6 spade posts riveted to sheet metal above the parking brake pedal. If you have a/c you will need a mirror and flashlight to locate. Like all others have suggested remove the guage cluster and check all connections there and the printed circuit connectors. Remove the gas guage and clean the connections. I think there is a resistor between the posts.

[1980chevy4x4]

I ve done all that (taking the cluster out and cleaning)..