1971 Charger Dash Lights Not Working
#2798637
07/19/20 03:58 PM
07/19/20 03:58 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 27 MI
70ta340
OP
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OP
member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 27
MI
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I can't get my dash lights to work on my 1971 Charger with rallye dash. I'm finishing up on a complete restoration so everything has been gone through. All exterior lights work, the dome light works, the in dash turn signal indicators work, the red high beam light works, and the brake warning light in the dash works.I just can't get my in dash gauge lights to work. All the bulbs were replaced before the dash went into the car. I have voltage at the fuse block at the 3 amp fuse for the instrument lights were the tan wire comes into the fuse block, so it can't be the headlight switch. As soon as i put a good fuse in, I have no voltage. The fuse does not blow. I pull the fuse out, and the voltage is back at the tan wire side of the fuse block.
I jumpered out the air grabber switch light, because it's easiest to get access to, and the light will work with 12 volts to positive pin, which tells me my ground is ok. Also the turn signal and high beam indicators would not work if i didn't have a good ground at the gauge cluster.
I am just stumped why I would have voltage with no fuse installed, and 0 volts with the fuse installed.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Bill
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Re: 1971 Charger Dash Lights Not Working
[Re: 70ta340]
#2798693
07/19/20 07:35 PM
07/19/20 07:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,427 UPPER MICHIGAN, MARQUETTE COUN...
NITROUSN
I Live Here
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I Live Here
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You have what I call errant voltage. Basically enough to get a reading but not enough to carry a load. Simple test. Take a jumper wire and apply 12 volts from a good source to the dash light fuse and see if the dash lights up. If it does than its either the headlight switch, the tan wire has an open, or possibly if there is extra cavities in the headlamp switch connector the tan wire is in the wrong one.
Last edited by NITROUSN; 07/19/20 07:36 PM.
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Re: 1971 Charger Dash Lights Not Working
[Re: 70ta340]
#2798796
07/20/20 03:16 AM
07/20/20 03:16 AM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,098 Valencia, España
NachoRT74
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,098
Valencia, España
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I'm just thinking crazy, so you can call me crazy with this question.
Floor shifter or column shifter?
Did you replaced the ign switch for a new one ?
With a Charger born in Chrysler assembly plant in Valencia, Venezuela
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Re: 1971 Charger Dash Lights Not Working
[Re: 70ta340]
#2798819
07/20/20 07:44 AM
07/20/20 07:44 AM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,098 Valencia, España
NachoRT74
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,098
Valencia, España
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... and the brake warning light in the dash works... brake light warning light doesn't work with ground at cluster... it gets in fact constant positive from Ign1 circuit and the turning on signal is ground... hence the reason for a plastic isolated socket with two wires for it
Last edited by NachoRT74; 07/20/20 07:49 AM.
With a Charger born in Chrysler assembly plant in Valencia, Venezuela
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Re: 1971 Charger Dash Lights Not Working
[Re: 71birdJ68]
#2798820
07/20/20 07:47 AM
07/20/20 07:47 AM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,098 Valencia, España
NachoRT74
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,098
Valencia, España
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A couple of things, is the ground reinforcement wire in place and look at the dimer coil on the switch, if it is broken then no lights. he is getting voltage at fuse coming after the dimmer coil. However, voltage can go throught a hair, and when load is requested, it can be not enough to light up the system. Maybe it worths the check for the coil/spring conditions? but OP said with fuse, gets 0 volts... that's too radical.
Last edited by NachoRT74; 07/20/20 07:49 AM.
With a Charger born in Chrysler assembly plant in Valencia, Venezuela
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Re: 1971 Charger Dash Lights Not Working
[Re: 70ta340]
#2798951
07/20/20 02:16 PM
07/20/20 02:16 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,238 Chicago, IL
PLUM_72
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,238
Chicago, IL
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Bad dimmer switch. Very common.
1972 Dodge Challenger
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Re: 1971 Charger Dash Lights Not Working
[Re: 70ta340]
#2799039
07/20/20 05:44 PM
07/20/20 05:44 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,427 UPPER MICHIGAN, MARQUETTE COUN...
NITROUSN
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,427
UPPER MICHIGAN, MARQUETTE COUN...
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I bypassed the switch and the tan wire, and jumpered the orange wire with 12 volt. All the dash lights lit up as it should. So based on NITROUSN's post, it's either the switch or something with the tan wire. I just researched a new headlight switch, and can't believe they have them in stock at NAPA for only $20. If I would have known that I would have bought a new one and installed it when the dash was out of the car.
I appreciate the help and everyone's comments!
Bill Now just apply 12 volts at the headlight switch tan wire. Most likely its the switch. I assumed with the restoration you had replaced it.
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Re: 1971 Charger Dash Lights Not Working
[Re: 70ta340]
#2799247
07/21/20 08:42 AM
07/21/20 08:42 AM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,098 Valencia, España
NachoRT74
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,098
Valencia, España
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yes, they are available. Not same quality than originals... but, well... they exist. I think never have replaced my switch by a new replacement piece, but just changed the dimmer wheel ceramic piece from a nice used one for the one on my car which was sulfated.
Last edited by NachoRT74; 07/21/20 08:53 AM.
With a Charger born in Chrysler assembly plant in Valencia, Venezuela
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