No speedo cluster lights?

[mp]

My cluster illumination lights do not work. I rebuilt the cluster a while ago during the restoration, and replaced all of them, and I swear they worked at the time. I don't think all the bulbs would burn out at the same time. The turn signal and high beam indicator lights work properly.

I twisted the dash light switch, and no dice. The fuse is good.

I have added a radio and may have jostled some wires behind the cluster. I can't remember if there is a ground wire that comes off it, and if that ground wire would also make the turn signal lights not work.

Anyone had this issue that could lend some insight before I start tearing things apart? I am leaning towards the dash light switch, but I replaced it not long ago--I guess there is always the chance I got a bad one.

 

[bronko69er]

So heres the steps I took when I had no lights....
Unpluged the sockets for the back of the gauge and test for voltage.
Voltage was good.
Pushed contact out of socket and sanded it clean.
Inserted bulb into socket.
Grounded socket with aligator clip to verify bulb was working, it was.
Sanded edges of hole where socket plugs into.
Reinstaled socket and wiggled it a little.
Bulb lights up!
Had to do the same with all the sockets, 40+ years of oxidation make a good electrical insulator.

 

[mr incredible]

it is either rust on the grounds , for the socket of the bulbs ,, or there is a problem in the dimmer part of your light switch ,,, i would go for the light swithch ,,,

 

[Broncobowsher]

The dimmer on the headlight switch dies often. Sometimes you can get a little extra life out of it by turning it to the point just before the dome light setting. If all the bulbs are out I generally look at switch or wiring issues. A bulb dieing is common. several at once is rare, but not unheard of.

Test light is your friend

 

[brixter]

What harness do you have ? Is it stock or after market?

 

[schmooter]

always start with the ground!

 

[73azbronco]

old cars, use a pencil eraser to scrub off the contact points in a bulb socket...

 

[Broncobowsher]

always start with the ground!

being that ALL the ilumination lights went out and the turn and highbeam indicator still work, it would be extreamly rare (better odds on the lotto) that you lost all the grounds on the lights all at once but not the turn or highbeam.

While checking grounds is important, this case it is not likely. It looks a lot more like a power feed problem simply by its nature.

 

[SeaBiscuit68]

Go the fuse block and check the fuse for that circuit (2 amp). If it's good, check for current on either side of the fuse.

 

[chrishuth]

need bulbs

A related question to this thread...

I have one bulb that lights up near my oil pressure gauge, but that is the only light for the entire cluster. How many lights are there? Can I replace them without tearing the cluster out? Where can I purchase new bulbs?

Thanks

 

[mp]

A related question to this thread...

I have one bulb that lights up near my oil pressure gauge, but that is the only light for the entire cluster. How many lights are there? Can I replace them without tearing the cluster out? Where can I purchase new bulbs?

Thanks

From memory, there are three bulbs. Maybe 4. They can be purchased from any auto parts store. They can be removed from the back of the cluster without removing it from the dash (held in by spring tension), but it would be uncomfortable to get a look behind the dash without being Gumby.

 

[mp]

Success!

Removed the little fuse, cleaned up the fuse housing with a bronze brush on the Dremel, plugged the fuse back in and the cluster was illuminated. This will make night driving much more pleasurable......

 

[Broncobowsher]

A related question to this thread...

I have one bulb that lights up near my oil pressure gauge, but that is the only light for the entire cluster. How many lights are there? Can I replace them without tearing the cluster out? Where can I purchase new bulbs?

Thanks

Some people find it easier to change the bulbs from under the hood.

Huh?

Open the hood, remove the fresh air box, easy access to the back of the speedometer housing from under the hood.