I don't recall the dash lights coming on when you crank the vehicle up. Any ideas what causing this

 

Which dash lights are you talking about, actual dash lighting or the warning lights for temp/oil pressure?

 

Dssh lights

 

Dash lights

 

Pull the headlight switch, the dash lights should come on. If not, twist the headlight **** back and forth a few times. The rheostat sometimes gets covered in dust/grime and doesn’t allow a good connection.

Still no lights? Check the dash light fuse. If it’s good, ensure the taillights work. The dashlights are powered by the taillight circuit. No taillights, no dash lights. If the taillights work but you have no dash lights or power at the dash light fuse then most likely the issue is the headlight switch.

 

No the dash lights come on when I crank it..I don't recall them doing that..normally came on when you pull the light switch

 

The dash lights come on with the headlight **** pushed in, just by turning the ****? The also come on with the headlight **** pulled? Sounds like a defective headlight switch.

 

Do the dash lights go back off when the key is in the run position?

 

Yes they are one when I crank up..**** not touched at all

 

Sounds like a ground backfeed to me. You need 74 CSM for the wiring diagram.

Here's a wild stab. If car has the map light option above the radio, check to make sure it's not inadvertently left on. It shares a bulb with the floodlight but the way it's wired IIRC it's only supposed to come on with the ignition switch.

 

Pull the Instrument light fuse, its the short one in the bottom of the fuse block and try cranking again.