how to make a check engine light, and low fuel light work again

[topless82vette]

I am try to put a set of digital gauges in my 82. Problem is this when you install the center gauges theres no way to mount the check engine light or the low fuel light (I think thats the only two idiot lights located there) but at any rate there is no mention of this how to in my instructions.

when I pulled the original center gages out there was a metal housing where the gauges mounted directly, then some rectangular plastic pods for these idiot lights for these two lights, then another metal bezel and the plastic lense.

re-assembly says install plastic lense, then the metal bezel, then bolt down digital cluster so howwwwww do I get a check engine light and low fuel light again?

I can live without the low fuel light but the check engine light is mandatory so any tips on how to make it work again?

 

[topless82vette]

his kit says its for 77-82 but being it is set up for a clock instead of the oil temp. gauge leads me to think this is why there is no provision for a check engine light. Well unless check engine lights were on pre 82 cars which I am not sure. But did the earlier cars have a low fuel light too?

I think I can bond these rectangular pods in place but how can I make a light work in them again since one side of the pod is completely open.

also how does the ecm trigger this light? I would assume I run an ignition source to the bulb and then the ecm sends a ground signal to turn this light on?

beginning to wish I left it stock at this point:W

 

[6880 Mike]

81s had computers and may have had the Check Engine and low fuel lights.

The clock in the center cluster was standard. If you went to the optional ETR stereo, the clock was replaced with the oil temp gauge in the cluster because a digital clock was included in the ETR stereo.

My advice is to contact the manufacturer of your aftermarket kit and see what they say about getting everything hooked back up with their kit.

 

[topless82vette]

81s had computers and may have had the Check Engine and low fuel lights.

The clock in the center cluster was standard. If you went to the optional ETR stereo, the clock was replaced with the oil temp gauge in the cluster because a digital clock was included in the ETR stereo.

My advice is to contact the manufacturer of your aftermarket kit and see what they say about getting everything hooked back up with their kit.

they probably aren't in business anymore

 

[pbcanney]

unless I'm mistaken, the ecm is on its own circuit and has nothing to do with the gauges themselves. The low fuel indicator, again my understanding, is activated by the ohms (0 to 90) reading from the sender and works in series with the gauge. (IE: without the low fuel printed circuit, the gauge reads incorrectly)
There are 2 other idiot lights.. low battery and buckle yee bell tup


remember: I'm no expert

 

[topless82vette]

Not what I wanted to hear. So there a combination of two lights per side in the center gauges? Also this digital gauge setup for the center part has a 3 wire toggle switch. What could this possibly be for. I think this instruction manual is missing something LOL ....

 

[topless82vette]

well, I'm going to try bonding some plastic on these little pods and then drill the plastic to put in lights. I'm suprised the maker of these gauges didn't make something to keep these lights working.

I did find reference to this toggle switch though. It is to set the clock