1985 instrument light question

[Volkspanzer]

the right side of my dash has gone almost completely dark but the left side is nice and bright. Any ideas as to what this might be?

 

[3dale1]

I don't know how familiar you are with this dash, but there are 4 high intensity bulbs which light the dash. These can be accessed by removing the trim panel. They are behind 4 metal heat shields which pop off, bulbs are behind them. To remove, grap them with a small piece of tubing slipped over the bulb and pull out. Needle nose works too if you're careful. Try not to touch the bulbs when reinstalling (oils on fingers)
It's odd that 2 on the same side would randomly go out at the same time though, but i'd start there. On my '85 all 4 wouldn't light, and it was a lack of power to the bulb circuit from the harness. Most posts I read usually tied this condition to a bad ground or a bad photo cell in the dash, so that seems to be the most common cause.

Also, try this site for troubleshooting the dash:
www.batee.com
Good luck & hope its an easy one!

 

[Volkspanzer]

I just bought the car yesterday and it's my first vette so I'm learning as I go along haha. While out driving around today the brightness came back for a while then it went dark again. I can see the tach and all the guages still were working even though it goes dark.

 

[Jeb]

If the problem is intermitent, I'd be checking for a loose ground.

Check G-110 on the rear of the driver's side engine block and work toward the panel from there.

Good luck.

Whoa. If the problem is confined to only the two rightside illuminator bulbs, first look at the back of the panel for a bad connection which serves both lights.

 

[JonM]

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/1999/dec99/dash/dashp1.asp