Gauge lights don't work [First post, help]

[VanHalenMan]

Hey everyone, nice forum you have here. I think I'll learn a lot.

I just got a 74 TR6 and its been great!

WELLLLL, not so great. It drives great. Minus an oil leak and the rearend leaking....

ANNNNND... the gauge lights don't work... Same for the windshield wipers.

If ANYONE could point me in the right direction on the gauges I would love it.

I replaced all the fuses just to be sure... still nothing. When I say all fuses I mean the ones I know of, on the left hand side under the little black slip cover, I think there is 5. I really want to get these working, its **** me off.... Thanks.

 

[VanHalenMan]

By gauges, I speak of the speedo tach and the 4 center gauges. Temp, Fuel, Oil pressure, volts...

 

[Steve]

Welcome to the forum!

The most likely culprit on the gauge lights will be the rheostat switch..........that is a common failure on all LBCs, no matter who made them!

The wiper switch is also the most likely problem here too. Check that the connections to both switches are secure and clean. You will probably have to replace them both, but the good news is that they are not expensive. Stay tuned, there will be other ideas, suggestions and tips forthcoming form other members.

 

[Guest]

I'm with Obi,
But instead of the rheostat switch not working, have you tried turning it. Most of the time the little boogers have a very small on area, that is, they are mostly off. Just feather the thing a bit (in the dark) and you might see some light. TR6 dash lights are not noted for being particularly bight anyway. By the way, the rheostat switch is that funny little knob in the middle. The one below is for interior lights on/off. I just unplug that one, great way to kill a battery.

Bill

 

[Webb Sledge]

Interior lights switch? Does my 72 TR6 even have an interior light? I haven't seen such a thing.

 

[VanHalenMan]

I don't think my last post showed up... Where is the switch to turn the lights on, I figured they only came on with the headlights....

 

[VanHalenMan]

WHILE WE ARE HEEEERE.... what the **** is that switch by the shifter that doesn't move... it annoys me... someone tell me what it is before I rip it off.

 

[VanHalenMan]

can anyone help me?

I looked in my VB catalog and I can't seem to find a switch for the wipers, mine isn't a rockerswitch, its like a push/pull type deal... can anyone help me with that.


I'm going to order the dimmer switch, I'm hoping that is what is wrong... anyone think this is the best idea or should I try something else??

 

[Steve]

The dashboard lights do come on with the headlights, but the rheostat switch controls the brightness. It should be in the centre of the cluster of four gauges in the middle of the dashboard. Just turning it dims or brightens your panel lights.

 

[Larry4A]

For my 4A the wipers are a pull on switch, which sounds similar to yours. Do check at the business end of the wiper motor that when switch is pulled on power is sent to the motor, if power is there then its the motor not working. For both subjects also recheck and clean all ground points, I find installing those seratded star washers at the grounding points bites into the body metal and increases function and brilliance ( well somewhat) of the lights. Confirm the rheostat has a very small zone of "on" position. Good luck in your quest. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/canpatriot.GIF

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

Larry makes a very good point regarding the ground connection. IMO the most common cause of electrical problems in LBCs is a faulty ground connection. This part of the circuit is just as important as the feed from the power source and often neglected. An inexpensive multimeter that measures Resistance (Ohms)in addition to voltage can allow you to check continuity of the ground connection. Radio Shack has them in a $10 to $15 range.

Safety Fast,
Dave

 

[VanHalenMan]

Haha, big words, I'm dumb... so I'll just wiggle stuff and if that doesn't work... well.... I'll just drive during the day.

 

[Kurtis]

[ QUOTE ]
I looked in my VB catalog and I can't seem to find a switch for the wipers, mine isn't a rockerswitch, its like a push/pull type deal... can anyone help me with that.
this is the best idea or should I try something else??

[/ QUOTE ]

It looks like it's available from Moss...

https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=32977

Part no. 635-770 - $123.95... Ouch!!!

Kurtis

 

[Stinky]

Look it over real good BEFORE you order any parts.

Otherwise you'll be like me,...ordering stuff, then realizing you don't really need it cuz the problem was something you did'nt notice initially. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

 

[MDCanaday]

FYI most Lucas switches are re-buildable in that you can take them apart and clean up the contacts, and be fairly certain they will go back together and work. I would suggest that you try it, since you have so little to lose and the replacements are not real cheap....
The reostats are a case in point, the last one I took apart had a small spider in it!!!!(deceased) No wonder it was acting funny!!
MD(mad dog)

 

[Trevor Triumph]

My early Spitfire has a voltage reducer, for lack of a better name, the send ony six volts to the instrument lights. It lives on the back of the panel. Is such a thing on the TR6? T.T.

 

[VanHalenMan]

FIXED IT... I just messed with the dimmer switch deal by the gauges... I didn't even know they lit up green. I didn't expect them to work and KABOOOM sweet green jesus they worked. THANKS SOOOO MUCH... now its time to fix the wipers and I can then honestly say everything on my car *works* I can't even say that for my old Mitsubishi Eclipse.