Warning lights don't work...1980 Corvette..Dash and center cluster
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Warning lights don't work...1980 Corvette..Dash and center cluster
I have a 1980 Corvette. None of the warning lights on the dash or center cluster work. Will replacing the printed curcuit boards make the warning lights work again? or are there other issues I should be looking into?
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 594
From: South Jersey
RE: Warning lights don't work...1980 Corvette..Dash and center cluster
Part of the problem could be the circuit board, or you could do like I did and plug in a connector I found that was unplugged in my center console, that caused a battery drain (there was a short) and I had to pay my mechanic to unplug the connector I had plugged in. I couldn't figure out what was wrong!
I guess what I am trying to say is that these cars are 25+ years old and there could be any number of things wrong, as simple as a burned out indicator lamp (highly likely) or as complex as a faulty circuit.
I would start by pulling the center cluster, removing all of the bulbs, they twist out - and installing all new bulbs. You will be able to see if your printed circuit is in good shape or not at that time. Replacement printed circuits are available most reasonably from Wilcox if you need them. After that you start getting into deeper water as far as troubleshooting goes and will probably need a schematic and a meter to figure it out.
[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
I guess what I am trying to say is that these cars are 25+ years old and there could be any number of things wrong, as simple as a burned out indicator lamp (highly likely) or as complex as a faulty circuit.
I would start by pulling the center cluster, removing all of the bulbs, they twist out - and installing all new bulbs. You will be able to see if your printed circuit is in good shape or not at that time. Replacement printed circuits are available most reasonably from Wilcox if you need them. After that you start getting into deeper water as far as troubleshooting goes and will probably need a schematic and a meter to figure it out.
[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,212
From: KC, MO area
RE: Warning lights don't work...1980 Corvette..Dash and center cluster
Welcome to the Corvette Forum. While you have the circuit board out, examine it closely for cracked solder joints especially in areas w/ large components or high heat areas. The auto environment is a lot tougher on electronics than most folks recognize.
Let us know how you make out w/ your problem.
Let us know how you make out w/ your problem.
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Joined: Nov 2008
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RE: Warning lights don't work...1980 Corvette..Dash and center cluster
ORIGINAL: DeeVeeEight
Part of the problem could be the circuit board, or you could do like I did and plug in a connector I found that was unplugged in my center console, that caused a battery drain (there was a short) and I had to pay my mechanic to unplug the connector I had plugged in. I couldn't figure out what was wrong!
I guess what I am trying to say is that these cars are 25+ years old and there could be any number of things wrong, as simple as a burned out indicator lamp (highly likely) or as complex as a faulty circuit.
I would start by pulling the center cluster, removing all of the bulbs, they twist out - and installing all new bulbs. You will be able to see if your printed circuit is in good shape or not at that time. Replacement printed circuits are available most reasonably from Wilcox if you need them. After that you start getting into deeper water as far as troubleshooting goes and will probably need a schematic and a meter to figure it out.
[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
Part of the problem could be the circuit board, or you could do like I did and plug in a connector I found that was unplugged in my center console, that caused a battery drain (there was a short) and I had to pay my mechanic to unplug the connector I had plugged in. I couldn't figure out what was wrong!
I guess what I am trying to say is that these cars are 25+ years old and there could be any number of things wrong, as simple as a burned out indicator lamp (highly likely) or as complex as a faulty circuit.
I would start by pulling the center cluster, removing all of the bulbs, they twist out - and installing all new bulbs. You will be able to see if your printed circuit is in good shape or not at that time. Replacement printed circuits are available most reasonably from Wilcox if you need them. After that you start getting into deeper water as far as troubleshooting goes and will probably need a schematic and a meter to figure it out.
[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,212
From: KC, MO area
RE: Warning lights don't work...1980 Corvette..Dash and center cluster
Put an ammeter in the battery circuit and w/ everything off (including interior lites), start pulling fuses one at a time to try to isolate which circuit is contributing to the current drain.
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RE: Warning lights don't work...1980 Corvette..Dash and center cluster
ORIGINAL: pg
Did you check the 'INST' fuse to see if you have power going to the dash lights?
Also did you try turning the headlight ****?
PG
Did you check the 'INST' fuse to see if you have power going to the dash lights?
Also did you try turning the headlight ****?
PG
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 594
From: South Jersey
RE: Warning lights don't work...1980 Corvette..Dash and center cluster
ORIGINAL: pj_80shark
I have dash lights and backlights on all the gauges. It's the warning lights, (battery light, low fuel light, seatbelt light, etc...) that do not work.
ORIGINAL: pg
Did you check the 'INST' fuse to see if you have power going to the dash lights?
Also did you try turning the headlight ****?
PG
Did you check the 'INST' fuse to see if you have power going to the dash lights?
Also did you try turning the headlight ****?
PG
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