Help! Where does this bulb plug in at? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

87Scotty · 03-09-2017, 03:11 PM

I'm putting my dash back together on my '87 Scottsdale. I have a bulb that I cannot figure out where it goes. It is on a single black wire about a foot long that is grounded to the ash tray. It plugs into the same type of hole that the heat/ac control and instrument panel uses but I can't find an empty one.
I've tried my service manual and wiring schematics, just can't figure it out.
Can anyone help me?

ray_mcavoy · 03-09-2017, 07:40 PM

That black "wire" that is "grounded" to the ash tray is actually a fiber optic cable that is used to illuminate the ash tray using the light from that bulb.

That bulb/socket should go in one of the instrument cluster locations that is used to illuminate the cluster. Typically one off to the side nearest the ash tray. If your cluster already has all the bulb/socket holes filled, you can simply take one out and put that special one with the fiber optic cable in it's place. Just make sure it's a location used for a cluster illumination light and not an indicator/warning light.

**TKCR** · 03-09-2017, 11:04 PM

Like Ray said, it's a fiber optic light for the ashtray. It's not "grounded" to the ashtray. The bulb will go into the back of your cluster, to the far right.

87Scotty · 03-09-2017, 11:23 PM

Thanks for the replies!
Now it pretty obvious why I couldn't find the hole for that socket! DUH.
This has been aggravating me for a few days. I would not have thought that they would have used fiber optics in '87.
Thanks again.

Bobby Pootz · 03-09-2017, 11:25 PM

This is a very helpful thread as I will attempt to see why my AC panel is not backlit. I assume it's missing this fiber optic tether. Thanks for the pics TKCR!

natedogg · 03-10-2017, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby Pootz

This is a very helpful thread as I will attempt to see why my AC panel is not backlit. I assume it's missing this fiber optic tether. Thanks for the pics TKCR!

The only fiber optic line on these trucks is for the ash tray. The a/c panel has a single bulb that illuminates it.

Bobby Pootz · 03-10-2017, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by natedogg

The only fiber optic line on these trucks is for the ash tray. The a/c panel has a single bulb that illuminates it.

How many 194 bulbs are needed to a full dash re-lit? It's my daily driver so I'd to be prepared when I pull the dash. Thanks!
Posted via Mobile Device

**TKCR** · 03-10-2017, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby Pootz

How many 194 bulbs are needed to a full dash re-lit? It's my daily driver so I'd to be prepared when I pull the dash. Thanks!
Posted via Mobile Device

In the book, I'm counting like 12. That is for all the bulbs plus the indicator bulbs.

Bobby Pootz · 03-10-2017, 02:16 PM

Thanks so much!!! Appreciate the info!

03-09-2017, 03:11 PM	#1
87Scotty Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 20	Help! Where does this bulb plug in at? I'm putting my dash back together on my '87 Scottsdale. I have a bulb that I cannot figure out where it goes. It is on a single black wire about a foot long that is grounded to the ash tray. It plugs into the same type of hole that the heat/ac control and instrument panel uses but I can't find an empty one. I've tried my service manual and wiring schematics, just can't figure it out. Can anyone help me?

03-09-2017, 07:40 PM	#2
ray_mcavoy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sherman, ME Posts: 2,357	Re: Help! Where does this bulb plug in at? That black "wire" that is "grounded" to the ash tray is actually a fiber optic cable that is used to illuminate the ash tray using the light from that bulb. That bulb/socket should go in one of the instrument cluster locations that is used to illuminate the cluster. Typically one off to the side nearest the ash tray. If your cluster already has all the bulb/socket holes filled, you can simply take one out and put that special one with the fiber optic cable in it's place. Just make sure it's a location used for a cluster illumination light and not an indicator/warning light.

03-09-2017, 11:04 PM	#3
TKCR Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,868	Re: Help! Where does this bulb plug in at? Like Ray said, it's a fiber optic light for the ashtray. It's not "grounded" to the ashtray. The bulb will go into the back of your cluster, to the far right. Attached Images __________________ FB Page for my Seats Belts https://www.facebook.com/73-87-Chevy...9439407476735/ Restoring Seatbelts: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809750 SOLD My 86 Build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654972 Past Restored Bench Seats:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=715398 PayPal link to pay for your items: https://www.paypal.me/TKCR

03-09-2017, 11:23 PM	#4
87Scotty Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 20	Re: Help! Where does this bulb plug in at? Thanks for the replies! Now it pretty obvious why I couldn't find the hole for that socket! DUH. This has been aggravating me for a few days. I would not have thought that they would have used fiber optics in '87. Thanks again.

03-09-2017, 11:25 PM	#5
Bobby Pootz Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 146	Re: Help! Where does this bulb plug in at? This is a very helpful thread as I will attempt to see why my AC panel is not backlit. I assume it's missing this fiber optic tether. Thanks for the pics TKCR!

03-10-2017, 02:16 PM	#9
Bobby Pootz Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 146	Re: Help! Where does this bulb plug in at? Thanks so much!!! Appreciate the info!



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