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View Full Version : Inst cluster lites mid '70s Wag

AusTex 72Wag
05-20-2002, 02:55 PM
What do I start checking? They've not been on since I bought this 4-wheel money pit! The high-beam light works (ta-dah!) but I have no other lights (speedometer, gas gauge, etc.) Alas, neither the Haynes or Chilton has anything of use. Do I just reach up behind the <???> and replace the bulb?
joe
05-20-2002, 03:09 PM
Have ya tried pulling all the dash bulbs out and looking at them? Odds are most/all are fried after 30 years.
If they're sorta a nice shiney black rather than clear...take'm to a parts house and tell'em "I need somma deese..." They'll fix ya up. :D
AusTex 72Wag
05-21-2002, 12:02 AM
Nope. Done nothing yet. I only have the Haynes and Chilton's manuals to use for reference, and neither one has any info about the lights, other than removing the entire dashboard. I'd like to avoid that route, if possible.

Judging from your response, each of these instruments has its own light souce, correct? Are they all pretty much accessible by reaching up under the dash? I still have my cardboard glove box out, waiting to buy the replacement plastic one. Guess that might give me access to some areas behind the cluster, eh?
shadowfax101
05-21-2002, 12:29 AM
Each gauge has its own light. The cluster comes out real easy as long as you push on the speedo cable from the engine side. Be careful with the connectors and not break off any little pins.
After you check you bulbs you might also want to take a fine grain sand paper and rub the connection points. On one of my dashes the metal surface that the bulbs made contact with were a little dirty. But most likly you bubs are burnt out..
chrisnsarah
05-21-2002, 06:07 PM
There's a lead that powers the lights, make sure it has good contact at the pins. The headlight switch dimmer coould be at fault too. They get dirty or the rheostat wire breaks. If all the bulb sockets or contacts are dirty or tarnished, take a pencil eraser and polish them up. Check for a good ground and also make sure the fuse isn't blown.
blackjeep2002
05-21-2002, 10:13 PM
Check the fuse for the istrument panel lights. It may have gone south on you.
Keith :cool: