Dash board question

[soon2b2ltmp]

the speedomoter doesn't light up when the headlights are turned on, What is the problem and how can I fix it.

Thanks

[soon2b2ltmp]

the speedomoter doesn't light up when the headlights are turned on, What is the problem and how can I fix it.

Thanks

[engineer]

bulb, ground wire, headlight switch, or just the switch is turned down too low. pull out, turn it fully clockwise, the dome light will come on and all the dash lights as well. Then check to see what you got.

[satman]

Is it only the speedo pod? First I would check the bulbs, they are in a small, black tabbed screw in socket placed around the back of the gauge, screwed into the circuit board, a few for each pod. Access them from under and behind the dash. A bit of a trick if you have large hands, but it can be done without removing anything.

I had to replace just about all of them and even some of the screw in sockets. Ironically, I found both the bulbs and sockets at Autozone.

[Tennesseestorm]

If none of them illuminate- it could be the headlight switch. It could be the actual switch, or it may simply be some corrosion built up on the switch. When I first got my 69 Caprice- the dash lights were not working. After a few turns of the dash "bright-dim" switch- presto- they illuminated perfectly. Some corrosion had just built up. Perhaps this is your problem as well.

Good luck!

[soon2b2ltmp]

well, when I turn the switch and get the dome light to come on.

so later tooday I will pull the bulbs out and see what changes.

[Tennesseestorm]

Exactly what year and model of Pontiac is it?

Did you try turning the "bright/dim" knob back and forth? Good luck.

[soon2b2ltmp]

I have a 72 Catalina.

Dash Still doesn't light up, when I get the headlight switch from pontiacmaniac2, I'll try again then. If that doesn't work what else is the problem?

[dedsleds]

did you check the fuse for the dash lights?

[soon2b2ltmp]

if the fuse is blown what else would not work? all the warning lights (oil/temp/generator/brake) do come on.

[soon2b2ltmp]

I did check the fuse, but only briefly. It doesn't look like the fuse is blown, i.e. the center, thin piece of metal is stil intact.

[dedsleds]

sometimes it blows where you can't see it. i think the idiot lights would still work. i'd replace the fuse anyway, the switch, and double check the ground metal strip.

[soon2b2ltmp]

I replaced the fuse, it blew. then I put in another one and that one blew. There's a short in there somewhere......