dash lights

[rrthomas1963]

i traded a 1986 Pontiac fiero for a 1985 corvette even trade what a deal. the vette needs some Tlc but i have the time. my question is the cluster lights during the day are very dim, but when i start the engine they are bright, then go dim, and at night with the head lights on that are bright, what do i need to look for can anyone help?
also looking for a service shop manual thanks r thomas

 

[Hrtbeat1]

Sounds like the daylight sensor. No kidding it really does have one. It may be dirty or the lens may be getting too much light. Mine was a little circle on the instrument cluster (near the english/metric switch) With the lights on you should be able to cover this and the dash lights will brighten. Shine a light on it and they will dim.

I may be backwards on the operation but you get the idea. The sensor is just a small hole (with a photocell inside) about the size of a pencil eraser.

Helm (new) or Ebay (used) if you are lucky, for the manual.

 

[tonylong]

I think your dash is more like my '89. The daylite sensor should be a small window just to the right of the headlamp and foglamp switches. If you shine a bright light on it, the main instrument display (speedo, tach, etc.) should get brighter, cover it and the display will dim. The theory is to not overpower your night vision. In daylight (even with headlight switch on) the change in brightness is barely noticeable. I have a similar problem - except it's only with one or the other side of the display that dims out. If needed you can replace just the sensor, but it's way under the driver's side dash. Whatever you do - DON'T try to remedy it by smacking the dash panel. Don't ask how I know this.
LOL

 

[JonM]

http://www.batee.com/corvette/

http://www.helminc.com/helm/homepage.asp?r=

 

[rrthomas1963]

DASH LIGHT

thanks for the info really big help lights are working fine i removed the cluster cleaned it up and like magic they work . thanks for the link for the manual .
85 vette for a 86 fiero even trade aint a bad deal. have a safe one thanks rt