Problems with dash gauges and speedo

Topic: Problems with dash gauges and speedo (Read 1525 times) previous topic - next topic

Problems with dash gauges and speedo

November 18, 2005, 03:09:14 AM

I haven't had any major problems for awhile, but stumped again.

On my way to work tonight, the dash gauges (the manual gauges, not digital), turn signals, digital speedo, and the heater blower stopped working. The lights behind the gauges are working, and the green 'block' for the speedo and mileage is also working, but no readings. I figured out later when I was going through everything that the cig lighter doesn't work now either . I stoppped at a store for a drink, and noticed when I got back in that they weren't working. Don't know if they were when I left the house or not, but know they were when I parked it Thursday morning.

Anyway, I've checked the fuses under the dash and all are good. I don't have my books with me tonight at work, so I did a search through the threads here, but can't find other possibilities. I haven't had much time to play with it tonight, but will have to get it fixed tomorrow. Anyone have any ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated...

Dave

Problems with dash gauges and speedo

Reply #1 – November 18, 2005, 03:33:45 AM

Figures, once I post a thread, I'd find the one I'd seen before. Can we still get a new ignition switch for an 87 Cat, or will I be looking through the junkyard? Also, if I remember from the parts car I had, there were no screws, seems like it was small studs holding it on. Any suggestions how to get it out? Special tools?

Dave

Problems with dash gauges and speedo

Reply #2 – November 18, 2005, 08:31:02 AM

There should be two "tamper proof" torx screws holding it in ("tamper proof" meaning that there is a small post in each screw that prevents you from getting a regular torx bit into it - you need a bit with a hole in it).

You can still buy the switch new, and they're cheap (under $25)

Problems with dash gauges and speedo

Reply #3 – November 20, 2005, 08:36:37 PM

It was definitely the switch. This thing looks like toast, and any longer and the harness would have been toast. It cost me under $10at Advance Auto. Back to normal now...thanks.

Dave

Problems with dash gauges and speedo

Reply #4 – November 23, 2005, 12:22:01 PM

hello all!

I am having a problem very similar to this. I have an '88 cougar LS with the base digital cluster. The instrument panel lights are on but my speedometer and odometer are both blank. My radio, domelight, vanity mirror lights and digital clock are also non-operational. I checked every fuse three times and found none to be blown. Everything else (i.e. headlights, tail lights, turn signals, etc...) is working fine. I've changed the ignition switch but this did not fix the problem. I also looked for any damaged wires or anything that looked suspicious but could not find anything. If anybody has any suggestions on how I should proceed in diagnosing this problem it would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Problems with dash gauges and speedo

Reply #5 – November 24, 2005, 07:31:11 PM

Anybody? I'm really stumped here.:shoothead

Problems with dash gauges and speedo

Reply #6 – November 24, 2005, 09:02:23 PM

Check the connections and fusible links out at the starter solenoid. Make sure the harness going to your new ignition switch is making good contact (they have been known to fail and melt, just like the switch). That's about all I can think of

Problems with dash gauges and speedo

Reply #7 – November 25, 2005, 11:26:32 PM

Check your grounds under the dash also. My 85 had a ground come loose on the frame under the dash pad.

Problems with dash gauges and speedo

Reply #8 – November 26, 2005, 12:04:47 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll be playing around with it today and I'll let you know what I come up with.

Problems with dash gauges and speedo

Reply #9 – November 26, 2005, 06:55:45 PM

could be a bad dimmer switch too. I guess maybe.