72 dashboard light and gas guage not working

[bugsy1955]

Hello,

Just bought a 72 4 door with 37000 original miles. 350 4brl. The dash board lights and gas gauge do not work. The left turn signal dashboard light does not either (the turn signal does work though). Don't know if they are related or not. Any suggestions on where to begin?

Thanks!
Kevin

 

[melsg5]

Have you checked all the fuses to see if any are blown? Are you aware that by turning the headlight switch the dash lights can be dimmed? have you checked the ground connection for the gas sender unit in the back of the car? have you checked if the bulb for the dash indicator is burnt out?

 

[bugsy1955]

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes on checking the fuses. Yes, I tried turning the headlight switch. Yes, I checked the ground. No, I didn't check the bulb as I couldn't tell where it was.

Thanks again!
Kevin

 

[melsg5]

in that case pull a couple of the dash bulbs to make sure they are not burnt out. The dash cluster has a plastic printed circuit board which may have broken. On the gas gauge it could either be the sender or the gauge. Depending on whether you have to open the dash for the bulbs or not would dictate which part to start with. If you intend to keep this vehicle I highly recommend you get a copy of the factory service manual, should be available on CD from a number of vendors such as www.amesperf.com

______________________________

 

[bugsy1955]

Good Morning! I ordered the manuals the day I got the car, but the cd hasn't arrived yet and I am inpatient with getting to work on my new baby. It sounds like I need to drop the front of the dash to check the bulbs. Will I need to undo the speedo cable?

 

[melsg5]

if you are pulling the dash out, yes disconnect the cable behind the dash