Another dash light thread

[JP_AstroMan]

I've read the other "dash lights aren't working" threads but they aren't exactly the same so...

My dash lights were working when I parked at a restaurant, and then were completely out when I restarted. They have never not worked. It's the stock gauges AND the Vintage Air light that are not working. Basically anything that dims.

When I play around with the switch I get zero signs of life. But the dome light and headlights still work using the switch. The E-brake light still comes on. No fuses are blown. Does anyone know which stock fuse is used for dash lights?

Thanks for any help.

[420ponies]

Is it a new switch? I was having problems with my old original and replaced it with a new one since I was replacing the gauges.

[JP_AstroMan]

No, it was there when I bought the car about 5 years ago. Seems like it wouldn't just stop working completely...some wiggling and turning should do SOMETHING, right? Do rheostats just fail? I dunno. Always always something.

[stangeba]

One thing about the fuse for the dash lights, it's the tiny one at the bottom, (INST LPS) on my 71 Monte, and if testing with a "test light" or volt meter, the headlight switch needs to be pulled out at least to the first "click" before power will go the fuse. If you do then get power to one side of the fuse, the other should also have power if the fuse is not blown. There is a resistor coil that you turn to "DIM" the dash lights. I have heard the coil can get corroded and it may take repeated rotating of the H/L switch to clean it. Since you haven't changed anything lately, that makes it tougher. Good luck!

The H/L switch in my 71 is shown in the picture below. The "coiled wire" resistor is inside of the white block shown. Sorry I don't have a better picture.

 

[Scott S.]

I replaced my light switch a couple months ago because running lights stopped working......

Headlights, dash and interior lights still worked, and for a while, if I jiggled the knob () just right, they would come back until the next "bump"... (closing the door, curbs, etc..)

Maybe something similar is happening to a different contact in your switch ????

[JP_AstroMan]

Wow, this is the first time in my life that a fuse turned out to be the problem. I've always dreamed of this happening and it never does. But indeed that was it. It didn't look blown because there are two wires in it. One was still there. Hopefully I can find this little guy. Thanks for the help!

[420ponies]

See, it's always something so simple we overlook. Glad that you found it !😊

[stangeba]

Great news!