Are my dash lights supposed to do this? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Stephen717** · 12-26-2018, 04:06 PM

So I test fit my gauges today and all the lights came on when I turned the truck over. Are they supposed to do this or are they only supposed to come on when the light switch is pulled out. Also a red light comes on on the speedometer until I turn the lights on. Then it goes out. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

**62bagger** · 12-26-2018, 04:12 PM

The dash lights should be controlled by the head light switch and the red light on the speedo is the high beam indicator.

**Stephen717** · 12-26-2018, 04:28 PM

That's what I thought. I wired everything like it the kit said to and now it's doing this. Ugh, back to the drawing board.

**Stephen717** · 12-26-2018, 04:30 PM

Also what wire is missing out of my headlight switch. As it came pre wired.

**LockDoc** · 12-26-2018, 06:00 PM

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Also check the small foil contact tabs where the connector plugs into the printed circuit board. I have seen them come loose and short out on one of the adjacent tabs.

And check this ground wire....

LockDoc

**Stephen717** · 12-26-2018, 07:23 PM

What does that ground wire and clip go to

rjs53 · 12-26-2018, 07:57 PM

I haven't looked to see where the black wire goes, but mine were doing the same thing and the gauges were acting weird. I saw that I has unhooked it when I pulled the dash then clipped it back on and all was well.

**LockDoc** · 12-26-2018, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen717

What does that ground wire and clip go to

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjs53

I haven't looked to see where the black wire goes, but mine were doing the same thing and the gauges were acting weird. I saw that I has unhooked it when I pulled the dash then clipped it back on and all was well.

As shown in the picture the ground wire goes from the flange on the lower dash through the wire loom to the instrument cluster connector. It is the ground wire for the entire cluster.

LockDoc

**VetteVet** · 12-27-2018, 12:16 AM

The red light is the brake warning light and the green light is the temperature warning light if you have a light dash. I believe the high beam light is a blue light.

If the red light comes on when you turn on the key, it is the alternator charging light and it will go out when the engine starts and the alternator begins charging. You won't have this light if you have a gauge dash.

If it comes on when you turn the key to the start position, along with the temperature warning light you have a light dash and this is normal.

SO do you have a light dash or a gauge dash, I can't tell by the pictures.

ls1nova71 · 12-27-2018, 01:23 AM

The red light in that pic is definitely the high beam indicator, the brake warning light is in the gas gauge.

Mike C · 12-27-2018, 08:46 AM

As LockDoc suggested, check your ground. Even add grounds. Almost always when lights come on that are not the ones you asked for with the switch it is a grounding problem.

**Stephen717** · 12-27-2018, 11:57 AM

Thanks. I have to work my normal day job today and tomorrow outfitting police cars. But I'll get back to it first thing Saturday. As I'm also replacing my shocks

12-26-2018, 04:06 PM	#1
Stephen717 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Loris South Carolina Posts: 428	Are my dash lights supposed to do this? So I test fit my gauges today and all the lights came on when I turned the truck over. Are they supposed to do this or are they only supposed to come on when the light switch is pulled out. Also a red light comes on on the speedometer until I turn the lights on. Then it goes out. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks Attached Images

12-26-2018, 04:12 PM	#2
62bagger Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Sonora California Posts: 265	Re: Are my dash lights supposed to do this? The dash lights should be controlled by the head light switch and the red light on the speedo is the high beam indicator.

12-26-2018, 04:28 PM	#3
Stephen717 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Loris South Carolina Posts: 428	Re: Are my dash lights supposed to do this? That's what I thought. I wired everything like it the kit said to and now it's doing this. Ugh, back to the drawing board. Attached Images

12-26-2018, 04:30 PM	#4
Stephen717 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Loris South Carolina Posts: 428	Re: Are my dash lights supposed to do this? Also what wire is missing out of my headlight switch. As it came pre wired.

12-26-2018, 06:00 PM	#5
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,333	Re: Are my dash lights supposed to do this? - Also check the small foil contact tabs where the connector plugs into the printed circuit board. I have seen them come loose and short out on one of the adjacent tabs. And check this ground wire.... LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

12-26-2018, 07:23 PM	#6
Stephen717 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Loris South Carolina Posts: 428	Re: Are my dash lights supposed to do this? What does that ground wire and clip go to

12-26-2018, 07:57 PM	#7
rjs53 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: nevada Posts: 649	Re: Are my dash lights supposed to do this? I haven't looked to see where the black wire goes, but mine were doing the same thing and the gauges were acting weird. I saw that I has unhooked it when I pulled the dash then clipped it back on and all was well. __________________ 2003 Dodge 2500 1969 C10 2014 Camaro SS/RS/1LE

12-27-2018, 12:16 AM	#9
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,705	Re: Are my dash lights supposed to do this? The red light is the brake warning light and the green light is the temperature warning light if you have a light dash. I believe the high beam light is a blue light. If the red light comes on when you turn on the key, it is the alternator charging light and it will go out when the engine starts and the alternator begins charging. You won't have this light if you have a gauge dash. If it comes on when you turn the key to the start position, along with the temperature warning light you have a light dash and this is normal. SO do you have a light dash or a gauge dash, I can't tell by the pictures. __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

12-27-2018, 01:23 AM	#10
ls1nova71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Independence Mo Posts: 4,118	Re: Are my dash lights supposed to do this? The red light in that pic is definitely the high beam indicator, the brake warning light is in the gas gauge. __________________ My '72 short bed build. http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...6-0-4l80e.html 5.3 swap into my RUSTY '71 C10 http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...71-c-10-a.html

12-27-2018, 08:46 AM	#11
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,714	Re: Are my dash lights supposed to do this? As LockDoc suggested, check your ground. Even add grounds. Almost always when lights come on that are not the ones you asked for with the switch it is a grounding problem. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

12-27-2018, 11:57 AM	#12
Stephen717 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Loris South Carolina Posts: 428	Re: Are my dash lights supposed to do this? Thanks. I have to work my normal day job today and tomorrow outfitting police cars. But I'll get back to it first thing Saturday. As I'm also replacing my shocks



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