Dash Lights

[Rockcrusher]

The guage mounting thread reminded me of a long time agravation of dim instrument panel lights. Even when turned all the way up cant read odometer at night.

I suppose a new headlight switch might help or is there a resister in the system someplace? Couldnt find one in the electrical schematic.

Anyone had the same problem?

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

Used to have the same problem, Replaced the headlight switch and added a 12 gauge ground right from the battery to the dash metal frame. I also added another ground from the battery to the radatior support(oem is only 18 gauge, went to 12 gauge) I also have another ground from the alternator bracket to the frame using and battery cable(used for my western snow plow). Over the years I have found on Dodge as well as other auto builders, they rely too heavlly on sheet metal and frames to be used for grounds. This is not a good idea where there is rust and corrison(basicly anywhere that has water and air). Also manifactors are mixing types of metals as well, just making the problem worse. By adding extra grounds in load areas IE. the dash, running lights, accessories, etc, you reduce the amount of running current thru the chassie and getting more power thru where it is needed. Also not DC voltage flows FROM negitive TO postive. Good solid grounds are nessarry for the electrial system to work. I also have noticed that my light switch now stays mostly cool now.



To give you an Idea, when I worked in a garage many years ago, a 1976 Chevy Camaro came in on a tow truck with the floor shifter locked in drive(lady turned the ignation off in panic). I replaced the shifter cable and on her way she went. about 10 days later she shows back up with the camaro in tow with the same problem. Again I pulled the cable out swearing that dealer parts were crap, and installed a new one. again down the road she went. About 2 hours later she calls from a pay phone and saids its stuck again(now its raining cats and dogs out) she also now asks me what I did to her lights, they are working great and now she can read the speedo at nite. Come to find out all of her engine ground straps were broken whe the dealer had replaced her engine mounts under recall. So that camaro was using the shifter cable for a ground, and when she turned on her lights and wiper, the shifter cable fused to its casing under the load.



moral to the story, when having electrial problems check grounds FIRST. when in doubt add some extra grounds.



Sorry to be so lonng winded

Kyle

 

[KMC]

Rockcrusher, also check this recent thread. Bulbs and/or swith replacement seem to do the trick. My gauge pic had the dimmer turned up to the max. and still pretty weak... as you noticed.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=30023



Ken

 

[TexasTurbo]

Don't forget to clean the bulbs, 10 years of acumulated dust and dirt doesn't help and it worked for me.

 

[Rockcrusher]

Thanks for the tips.

I should have thought about the ground, my Dad was a mechanic for over 60 yrs and I remember he used to add extra grounds to all the new cars he serviced. I did add a good ground for my trailer and will now add another for the dash etc. Thanks a gqain for the reminders.

Richard