1970ccc

I have a tan wire with a round plug that's unattached behind the instrument dimmer switch. It's about 4" long. Can someone tell me where it goes? It's a 1970 Belvedere. Also, my gauges don't work and all dash lights are out. I'm hoping the wire and my issue is connected. Also, I don't have voltage (with the ignition key on) on either side of the instrument panel light fuse. Thanks
Ron

1970ccc

I found another wire, same plug but with 2 tan wires by the ash tray. Are these for an unused option? Ignition and ash tray light?

RacerHog

Dimmer switch or dash panel socket.... But yes it's for lighting...

1970ccc

Thanks. As for my dash lights issue, I don't have any power on either side of the fuse for the dash lights with the ignition on. All other fuses have power. I guess I could have a short between the ignition switch and the fuse. Would a bad dimmer switch cause the same issue?

fivepoint

See if you have power to the fuse with the light switch on.

1970ccc

Tried that too. No power on either side of fuse with either lights or parking lights on. I have noticed that my passenger brake light stays on all the time. Related? I have idiot lights and turn signal indicators working, but no dash lights or gauges work.

RacerHog

I think the other side of the tan on the fuse block is Orange and gose back to the ignition switch.... Wire might be broke.... See it you get power out of the switch connector.

The rest might be a bad ground.

You got some chasing to do...

1970ccc

Update. I bought a powerprobe III and used it on the dash lights fuse. With the key on and lights on, I'm only getting 7volts. With the dimmer switch down, it's less than 1 v. With it up, it varies from 1 - 7 and is inconsistent. When I hit the fuse with 12v (powerprobe) the dash lights right up. Bad dimmer? If so, where's a good place to get a quality replacement?

RacerHog

Could be a weak Dimmer Switch....
But the voltage sweep sounds rite, for the most part...

Here is some reading...
http://www.allpar.com/history/mopar/electrical2.html

And also:::: An LED swap...
http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparf...bs.8041/page-2

1970ccc

Thanks Bob. Since I have lights when I hit the fuse with 12v, can I add a jumper from a switched fuse over to the dash fuse? Source side of course. I don't care if the lights are always bright. Thoughts?
Ron

RacerHog

You could do that. I'll call you Micky Mouse from here on out!!!! lol
Sounds like the other side of the fuse feed wire is having an issue... But you could run a new source wire, that should fix it????

1970ccc

1970ccc

Since I can add 12v to the fuse block and get all the dash lights to work, what would cause all 3 gauges (oil, temp, and fuel) to still not work? I replaced all harnesses on the engine side and the harness to the rear of the car. Is there something like a voltage regulator, capacitor, etc that would affect the gauges?
Ron

RacerHog

Amp Gauge...
Did they ever work?