Hi all, had my Cutlass out for the first time after dark tonight and found out that I have no gauge illumination! All the other lights work - turn signal, hi beam, park brake etc, just no gauges. Before I start pulling the dash to bits, any ideas on this?

Anth

 

Not trying to be a smart ***, but you have turned the light switch that dims/brightens them.

 

... And have you checked the fuse?

(and do you have taillights?)

- Eric

 

Hi guys, yes I checked to make sure the lights were turned up and I have tail lights, never occurred to me that the dash lights may be fused separately so I'll check those next time I'm over.

 

All the dash lights are fed by a gray wire out of the fuse box I believe. Power for the lights to the fuse box is a dark green wire from the light switch rheostat.

 

I'll check fuses and wiring next Saturday before I take the car out.

 

The '72 has a separate small INST LPS 4A fuse that feeds the dash lights. Its power comes off the TAIL fuse. I guess you have a 73 and it could have one too.
Check it with a meter or replace it. The former is ideal. Looking at does not tell you it is good.
Jiggle the rheostat **** to see if you get a flicker. The rheostats do go bad (and mine is starting to do so)...

 

I had the exact same problem on my '73 wagon. Turned out to be the headlight switch. The rheostat that dims the lights, which is just a coiled spring bent into a circle, was broken on one end, so no current was passing through it. Replaced the headlight switch, which does require pulling the dash, but thankfully not to "bits," and, voila, gauge and dash lights.

 

I've got a new switch coming, but I'll check wiring and fuses first. Hope that's what it is as I don't want to pull the dash!

 

You don't have to pull the dash to change the headlight switch on a Cutlass.

And that switch should be in stock at most auto parts stores for about twelve bucks.

- Eric

 

Not in the UK MDchanic! Got one off ebay last week so hopefully won't be too long before it arrives. Good that you don't have to pull the dash too, I'll have a proper look at the switch next weekend.

 

Ya got me. I hope it wasn't too expensive.

When you get the new one, have a close look at it and locate the **** release button.
Once you know where it is and what it feels like, remember that you have to fully depress the button FIRST, then pull the **** all the way out. If you pull the **** first, it won't come out.

- Eric

 

Thanks for the info! Removed one on my '70 Le Mans many many years ago but couldn't remember how to do it.