mike623

All of the lights for my gagues, speedometer, and floor transmission shifter are not working. I have checked fuses and all look good. I recently took my clock out of the dash and everything stayed working until now. I am not sure if I shorted something out or where exactly to look. Also some of the writing on my fuse box under the dash has worn off, so i was also wondering if anyone had diagram or anything to let me know which fuse went to what. Thanks in advance for any help. Mike

70 cutlass s

You need a service manual.

mike623

I have a Chilton. Its to general.

oldsdroptop

I would take the clock back out (I know 3 whole 1/4' screws after you pull off the plastic trim piece and start from where the problem started and unplug the clock and see if thats causing a short or sump'in. Just an idea. Oldsdroptop

mike623

Thanks, I have tried that and still did not work. Thats why I was wondering if there might be some short.

compedgemarine

if it all worked till you pulled the clock I would remove it again and unhook everything. it is possible that the headlight switch is bad. the dash and console lights are on the dimmer rehostat on the headlight switch and sometimes the coil will burn out. if you shorted something with the clock it could have burnt the coil.

mike623

The headlight switch still turns on the lights that are in the back panel by the back seat like normal. If it burned the coil would they still work?

MJAKS462

I just went through my dash bulbs , and I noticed all of the grounding metal pieces in there. Mabye you took one of those off with the clock.

mike623

I will give that a look, thanks.

compedgemarine

if you removed a ground on the clock the center console shifter light would still work as it has its own ground. the rear lights are courtesy lights and should come on when you turn the headlight **** all the way over to turn them on. that is a seperate contact in the switch so they will work even if the coil is burnt. most electric problems can as stated be caused by ground issues but that is not always the case. there are lights on each side of the steering column with blue covers over them, they are above the switch panels and light them up with the dash lights. do those lights work? if yes start looking at grounds on the guages. if not then the problem is probably with the headlight switch.

Lady72nRob71

In 1972, there is a 4A fuse marked INST LPS which is only for the dimmable dash lights. Recheck that one, as if your clock light lead shorted to ground, it would have blown that fuse (if 1970 has it also).

The next issue could be the rheostat on the light switch (yes, it is a pain to change...)

mike623

Thanks, It ended up being the 4amp fuse. Boy that sure will make you feel smart after digging around in the dash for hours. I am just glad it ended up being so simple. I thaught it was going to end up being the headlight switch, which after messing with the switch for a while I am extremly glad it was not. Thank you for all of the advice.