I have a 69 Cutlass. I have no voltage to the instrument light fuse. From what I see on the wiring diagram the green wire comes from the headlight switch to the fuse. Could it be the rheostat is worn out in the switch? Is this common in age? They use to work, not very bright but some light. I have had the dash out several times but would think the harness connector is on correct since the headlights and all other aspects of the headlight switch work.

thanks

 

Yes, this is common in older headlight switches. Not so much "worn out" as just corrosion and a bad connection. One easy way to test this is to temporarily jumper 12V into the INST LPS fuse. If the lights come on, the rheostat or wiring to it is the problem.

 

thanks Joe, so I jumped the fuses and no dash lights. Next thing I know I now have 12v at the dash fuse without jumper. I'm thinking there is a bad connection somewhere. I will have to pull the connector off the switch to see if I'm getting continuity. If so can the switch be opened and successfully cleaned/
My fusebox is in rough shape and I would like to pull it. I am aware of the screws on the front but don't know how it is connected in the back and don't want to just be pulling on it. Is it one large plug in connection. Would you have a pic of the backside?

Steve

 

If you have power at the 4A fuse without a jumper, the switch is fine. The problem is between the fuse and the dash lights.

 

OK, thanks

 

Dash ground strap?

 

that's a thought, I'll check
thanks