I don't think my dash gages (sp?) work
- Thread starter Stallion
- Start date
JonM
Well-known member
I will let someone more proficient with the 78 answer your question…but are you talking about the gages themselves, or the lights for them? Did you check the fuses? And BTW…welcome to the Corvette world of Nickel and Diming you to death. You will never have any money anymore.
N
nstg8r
Guest
if your gagues are like mine they are all connected in the back by a circuit board and the wiring harness plugs into this board. When I first got my 81 some of the gagues worked and others didn't. That plug can easily come loose and the way the leads are on the circuit board can get messed up too, I would look at that connection if it's all of them.
7
78SilvAnniv
Guest
guage cluster
By not working...they don't register any information when the engine is started?...they don't light up with the headlights on?...no movement at all?
Clock has not worked in years.
Oil pressure is between 25 and 60, depending on rpms.
Battery registers about 15.
Temp is usually 190 after warmup.
Gas guage shows whatever I have in there.
Kenny usually does these repairs, but I understand that sometimes these can be a bad fuse, connection or at the least, the guage will need to be replaced. I think it is odd that all of the guages in your cluster are not working.
I think replacing the guage is pretty straight forward, but it may require removing part of the dash?
Heidi
By not working...they don't register any information when the engine is started?...they don't light up with the headlights on?...no movement at all?
Clock has not worked in years.
Oil pressure is between 25 and 60, depending on rpms.
Battery registers about 15.
Temp is usually 190 after warmup.
Gas guage shows whatever I have in there.
Kenny usually does these repairs, but I understand that sometimes these can be a bad fuse, connection or at the least, the guage will need to be replaced. I think it is odd that all of the guages in your cluster are not working.
I think replacing the guage is pretty straight forward, but it may require removing part of the dash?
Heidi
yellow_2002_germany
Well-known member
It's not too tough...
to take out the guage cluster. If you have an original radio, remember to remove the knobs first. If you have an aftermarket radio you may have to remove it. I had to remove the aftermarket radio on my '78. Originals are rear mount, aftermarkets are usually front mount.
There are at least 4 screws that hold the guage in. I can't remember where they are. Then carefully pull the assembly forward and remove the connector which is in the middle of the rear of the assembly. You should be able to use a multimeter to check the guages.
Power and readings are distributed to the guage cluster through a printed circuit. If yours has shorts in it you will have to replace it or try to repair it. New ones cost about $90 or so.
You should only need to do this after all of the easier suggestions.
to take out the guage cluster. If you have an original radio, remember to remove the knobs first. If you have an aftermarket radio you may have to remove it. I had to remove the aftermarket radio on my '78. Originals are rear mount, aftermarkets are usually front mount.
There are at least 4 screws that hold the guage in. I can't remember where they are. Then carefully pull the assembly forward and remove the connector which is in the middle of the rear of the assembly. You should be able to use a multimeter to check the guages.
Power and readings are distributed to the guage cluster through a printed circuit. If yours has shorts in it you will have to replace it or try to repair it. New ones cost about $90 or so.
You should only need to do this after all of the easier suggestions.
- Thread starter
- #6
Stallion
Well-known member
Even if I have to replace the circuit board it doesn't sound too expensive or anything. Where would I get these parts, anyway? I want them to look stock. I just don't see why I should get non-stock looking gages for this. You know?
TR
Thanks!
TR
Thanks!
If you start taking things apart I'd recommend a digital camera and take TONS of pics. I thought my project was just going to last no more than a day or two...now my dash has been apart for more than a month...and I'm glad I got the pics so I know how to put it all back together.
silver 80
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2001
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- madison,wi
- Corvette
- 1980 silver with blk interior 1987 blue / blue
I think there are two screws that attach the shifter console to the gauge console. do you have the service manuals yets or the assembly manual. very helpful.
tom
tom
- Thread starter
- #9
JonM
Well-known member
TR...you need to go to all the parts sites and grab the free catalogs.
ecklers.com
midamerica.com
corvetteamerica.com
trimparts.com
anyone else is welcome to add to the list
ecklers.com
midamerica.com
corvetteamerica.com
trimparts.com
anyone else is welcome to add to the list
- Thread starter
- #11
Stallion
Well-known member
Thanks for those links. I'll definitely look around and see what I can find. I don't know when I'll be able to work on this. I have to work on the vaccuum system and the distributor first. That's closest to a "must".
Thanks!
TR
Thanks!
TR
7
78SilvAnniv
Guest
Priorities
Safety
Reliability
Cosmetic
This is how I determine what needs to be done with our 78.
I'd certainly get all of the catalogs you can, it will give you a great reference for prices. I also think you will need the 1978 Assembly Manual, mine has been invaluable. We also have a Haynes Manual.
Many people recommend getting two manuals, like a Haynes and a Chiltons. The reason behind this is that each will have different descriptions, drawings and photos...and between the two repair guides, you will be able to get a good picture of what needs to be done. Some explanations will be easier to understand when read from a different author, while the other may have better drawings or photos. Combined, they make a great guide for your project.
Good luck with your projects.
Heidi
Safety
Reliability
Cosmetic
This is how I determine what needs to be done with our 78.
I'd certainly get all of the catalogs you can, it will give you a great reference for prices. I also think you will need the 1978 Assembly Manual, mine has been invaluable. We also have a Haynes Manual.
Many people recommend getting two manuals, like a Haynes and a Chiltons. The reason behind this is that each will have different descriptions, drawings and photos...and between the two repair guides, you will be able to get a good picture of what needs to be done. Some explanations will be easier to understand when read from a different author, while the other may have better drawings or photos. Combined, they make a great guide for your project.
Good luck with your projects.
Heidi
H
hotrodd
Guest
Just my 02cents but getting the bezel the plastic part out is kinda tough because of the two screw's in the bottom that hold it and the console together.Be extra careful because the plastic strip's and the screw hole's crack out easily.T hat copper circuit board is kinda fragile ahd clean it well and utmost check for a good ground. If I had it down that far I would put in all new bulb's and the socket's they go in.As far as the gauges I personally have found that a bad connection or sending unit for them is usually the problem.Also I thought I had a Temp problem and the stock gauge read's well until about 180 degree's and then it will read about 30 degree's higher than an autometer gauge.Just a problem that took patience to figure out.Good luck and I hope this help's you
8
84Vette
Guest
How To take the dash apart
1.Take the sides of the console of both drivers side and passenger side there are 3 screws on both sides. one up by where your feet go one about 2 inches behind the front of the seat and one behind the seat. it takes some time to find each screw be patient.
2. take the 2 screws out the hold the shifterconsole to the guage console.
3. Take the four screws out that go around the guage console.
4. Take knobs off radio
5. Pull down and out on the top of the guage console. B/c there is a light up there and could crack your dash if pulled straight out. it will seem like it is stuck but just wiggle it a little b/c the circuit board behind the guages catches something. It Will come out so far. unclip the male/female plugs from the top light should get alitte more room to pull and stck your hand behind the consle and unplug the guages plug. and your set to pur it back just reverse the steps.
Just did this not even 2 weeks ago so pretty fresh mind /memory of how to do it. I replaced the radio just take your time it took me two weeks to get my radio near finished.
BJ
1.Take the sides of the console of both drivers side and passenger side there are 3 screws on both sides. one up by where your feet go one about 2 inches behind the front of the seat and one behind the seat. it takes some time to find each screw be patient.
2. take the 2 screws out the hold the shifterconsole to the guage console.
3. Take the four screws out that go around the guage console.
4. Take knobs off radio
5. Pull down and out on the top of the guage console. B/c there is a light up there and could crack your dash if pulled straight out. it will seem like it is stuck but just wiggle it a little b/c the circuit board behind the guages catches something. It Will come out so far. unclip the male/female plugs from the top light should get alitte more room to pull and stck your hand behind the consle and unplug the guages plug. and your set to pur it back just reverse the steps.
Just did this not even 2 weeks ago so pretty fresh mind /memory of how to do it. I replaced the radio just take your time it took me two weeks to get my radio near finished.
BJ
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