69 Satellite Dash/Gauge Problems...oh joy

[vin_vl29u]

Hi all. Just started working on my 69 satellite list of electrical troubles.

1. Temp/Fuel not working, limiter is working (12 in, 5 out), tried grounding at the sensors still nothing, zero movement.

2. No hazard flashing (can't find the can either), if you flip the hazard rocker with the turn signal on, the blinking speed triples. Turn signals work, just left indicator on dash not working.

3. Dash lights were not working till I clicked the hi/low beam switch a couple times, then they started working but only full on. So the dimmer isn't doing anything.

4. Wipers only work on hi speed (2 speeds).

5. Dome lamp missing, but seems to be getting power (will replace today).

I'll assume that the instrument cluster is grounded since the dash lights work. Some issue with the dash lights full on and no dome lamp installed. This is a rust free car, so that is not an issue, no crusty connections/grounds. Anyone see a connection here? Thanks for any help

 

[kiwigtx]

I would start with the light switch and dimmer unit, followed by an upgrade of the Hazard Flasher unit.

The original flashers get tired after a while. A new electronic unit will work better.

All light fittings need to have good grounding. The dash lights are probably getting a back-feed from the door switch circuit and/or the dimmer switch. Also check the dip-switch under the carpet...they have a habit of melting the connector at the switch - not visible without pulling back the carpet.

 

[vin_vl29u]

Thanks Kiwigtx. Update. The hazards started working on there own, I did charge the battery all the way, so maybe a little extra juice and working the switch enuff times did the trick. Put in a dome lamp, that works fine. I'll have to retest the dash lights tonight, can't see during the day. So down to the gauge problem. I did try a jumper from 12v to 5v socket for half second, no movement. Was worried it might peg the gauges. I really don't want to take them out, doesn't sound like much fun.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Check instrument cluster grounding. On my 66 one of the cluster screws does the grounding by somehow connecting to the PC board trace.

 

[vin_vl29u]

Update. Finally had time to take out the cluster, since checking everything else didn't work. Got a little worried when I saw the dimmer switch connector had a jumper on it. The gauges were blown out by the instrument lamps circuit/track had broken loose from the board and contacted the 5v circuit going to the gauges. It then blew out the part of the circuit for the lamps, probably taking out the dome switch. I'm guessing someone was replacing the lamps and tore up the board. Thanks again everyone. Ed