Question: Dash lights kill guages

[emcee]

Greetings, first time posting. Fisrt time corvette owner.
I am the proud new owner of a 1980 L-82 350/TH350. It took 40+ years but I finally got mine. This is one that Bubba has had for a while, several systems modified or missing. But it runs good and drives pretty good so a good place for me to throw my money. Haven't done any research yet but I have a problem I'm not sure how to troubleshoot.
When I turn on the dash lights, the guages quit working. Turn the dash lights off guages work again. Anyone had this problem or ideas how to start repair.
Been reading here a lot in the last month and it seems you guys collectively know everything there is to know about corvettes.
Thanks, Michael

 

[minifridge1138]

Welcome to the forum.

I can't answer your question (i've never heard of that happening) but I'm sure someone here can come up with an idea or two.

Good luck and welcome!!!!

 

[gmjunkie]

Greetings, first time posting. Fisrt time corvette owner.
I am the proud new owner of a 1980 L-82 350/TH350. It took 40+ years but I finally got mine. This is one that Bubba has had for a while, several systems modified or missing. But it runs good and drives pretty good so a good place for me to throw my money. Haven't done any research yet but I have a problem I'm not sure how to troubleshoot.
When I turn on the dash lights, the guages quit working. Turn the dash lights off guages work again. Anyone had this problem or ideas how to start repair.
Been reading here a lot in the last month and it seems you guys collectively know everything there is to know about corvettes.
Thanks, Michael

You have a bad ground somewhere,I'd start buy checking the All the Chassis,Engine and Body grounds!Grounds make electrical systems do weird things!!I've also seen a poor connection at the cluster or in the fuse panel do this,but it's usually somewhere where you wouldn't think it could possibly be the problem!

 

[Vette79]

Get yourself a shop manual. You will be using it a lot. I totally agree with what gmjunkie said. The center cluster can be difficult to remove so be careful.

 

[6880 Mike]

Sounds like the rheostat in the light switch might be the culprit. Turn the rheostat down to about half; turn on the lights; still have gauges?

 

[joefloyd]

Dash lights killing gauges

Greetings, first time posting. Fisrt time corvette owner.
I am the proud new owner of a 1980 L-82 350/TH350. It took 40+ years but I finally got mine. This is one that Bubba has had for a while, several systems modified or missing. But it runs good and drives pretty good so a good place for me to throw my money. Haven't done any research yet but I have a problem I'm not sure how to troubleshoot.
When I turn on the dash lights, the guages quit working. Turn the dash lights off guages work again. Anyone had this problem or ideas how to start repair.
Been reading here a lot in the last month and it seems you guys collectively know everything there is to know about corvettes.
Thanks, Michael

Michael, I have an 80 myself and lived with the same problem for 3 Years. Last winter I decided to find and fix it. I removed the center gauge cluster, and carefully cleaned and aligned all the small brass tabs on the back of the cluster. When I snapped the connector plug on I made shure it was fully locked in to place, and the problem was solved. I have told others what worked for me, they tried it and it worked for them. There is not a lot of slack on the plug connecter and it can pull loose from the bottom snap, make sure that its in tight.

Good luck Joe.

 

[emcee]

Thanks for all the replys. Ordered the AIM and am going to check all suggestions. Again thanks all