Most common problem for cluster lights not working?

[Bender]

Well the first thing I have to do before I put the dash back on is fix all the cluster lights right now the only thing that works is the E-Break light and the lighting for the cluster. What the chance the bulbs for everything eles is dead? If not whats the common cause for Seat belt lights and Door Ajar lights not working?

 

[Bender]

Do I need the computer for certain engine lights to work?

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Assuming you have power to the bulbs, which can be checked with a $10 test light, ground would be my guess.

 

[Bender]

Dont a corvette have like 9 grounds Also I have a multi metter wont that work?

 

[pgtr]

I doubt all the other bulbs are burned out. However now might be a good time to replace ALL the lights anyway since many are probably original and it's a PITA to get back in there - that's what I'm doing before my dash goes back.

On earlier C3s sometimes the headlight switch which is a combination rheostat can be the problem but since you have some on and others not - grounding sounds logical.

The test light over the multi-meter is a matter of convenience. You have to look back and forth at the meter and where you are touching - w/ a light it's easy to probe and always see the light even in your periphery vision. Lights are real cheap but if you have the meter - it works too.

 

[Bender]

Yeah I plan on replacing all the bulbs but do the bulbs come out of the little blue thing they are in when you disconnect them or do you have to buy a whole new thing.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Chevy has just the bulbs. I don't know if yours is the same as mine but the bulb above the a/c vents that shines down on the a/c controls is a special bulb that is different than the rest.

The test light is easier to work with. Clip one end to a ground and probe with the sharp end.

The switch ideas sounds good except that the Seat belt and Door Ajar lights are not part of that circuit.


I'm not sure of the 81 is the same as the 77 but here is the light circuit. If I read this thing correctly, then the ground is at the left hinge pillar aboove the courtesay light.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Well the first thing I have to do before I put the dash back on is fix all the cluster lights right now the only thing that works is the E-Break light and the lighting for the cluster. What the chance the bulbs for everything eles is dead? If not whats the common cause for Seat belt lights and Door Ajar lights not working?

The dashboard lights come off the dimmer resistor on the headlight switch. It's possible that the switch is not making contact with the dash circuit, thus not turning on the cluster of lightbulbs.You should have a variable voltage coming out of the headlight switch when the knob is turned.

 

[Bender]

Where do you get the bulbs?

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Auto parts stores.

 

[Bender]

O I see the bulbs come out of the blue/gray thing.

 

[mike weyman]

check the bulb contacts

about three bulbs worked in my 75 . i took each bulb out and cleaned the contact by pushing it out where the bulb goes in. also clean the sides. i had only replace 4 bulbs wich were actually burned out the rest had bad corrosion on the contacts. mike.