Question: 1981 - Gauges not working

[dap220]

Hi All,
I just picked up a 1981 Corvette with the standard 350 motor that has been sitting idle for years.
None of the gauges; oil pressure, oil temp, water temp, volts and fuel are working.
I am about to start trying to get them all back in working order but really could use some help on where to start.
1. Would anyone be able to tell me if these gauges are wired for power through the fuse panel so maybe I should start there?
2. Is there a way to check the gauges to be sure they are working properly?

Any tips will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Dale

 

[Antz81]

1. yes all powered by a fuse in the fuse panel. see attachment. If the fuse is good then likely a bad ground somewhere.
Be aware this circuit links to a few other places as well so if the fuse blows the fault may not be at the guages.

2. Easiest way to check the operation is to power them up and see what happens. If all going they should all return to the appropriate positions. If not then the fault can normally be diagnosed (at least partially) by what the guage does.

 

[dap220]

Thanks for you reply but here is the kicker.
None of the gauges move at all once the car is started.
I am hoping this is going to be fuse related and start by replacing all the fuses in the panel.

 

[Peer81]

Look behind the panel if the connector is inside the panel
Without it none will work!

Greetings Peter

 

[dap220]

Look behind the panel if the connector is inside the panel
Without it none will work!

Greetings Peter

Hi Peter,
I'm not sure I understand what you are saying. What connector?
Thanks,
Dale

 

[Antz81]

Hi Peter,
I'm not sure I understand what you are saying. What connector?
Thanks,
Dale

On the back of the guages there is a connector that plugs into the circuit board that runs most of the guages. this is a flexible board and is easily damaged. Since you have said you oil temp guage doesn't work the connector is probably ok. (The oil temp doesn't run through this board)

 

[dap220]

Ok, I see what you are saying. I'll be pulling the gauges soon to work on them and will check this for sure.
Thank you for your help.