Okay you third-gen guru's out there I need your help!!! I have an issue with my lights in the dash. It just started a year ago or so. Basically I would get in the car, start it, and turn the headlights on (dash lights come on so on and so forth). About 2-4 miles OR about 15 minutes down the road, the tach freezes or needle stays in place or needle goes to the end, the amp guage goes dead. The lights on each of those two guages go out (one light on the tach, the other one stays on). The right blinker indicator light comes on. So I have a green arrow on. The headlights operate normally and do not dim. The left blinker indicator blinks a little faster and the right one blinks normal speed. You can even hear the normal sound the blinker makes. The other guages all operate normal and are not affected.

NOW...

I have replaced the following parts: blinker relay, blinker unit, turn signal switch in steering column, blinker arm, and appropriate fuse. I have not replaced any bulbs.

When vehicle is experiencing this condition... sometimes the affected guage needles will move slightly... with the same rhythm as the blinker.

I also noticed that when, and not using the headlights, I use the turn signals... the amp guage moves up and down when I put on the turn signal. It goes faster when I use the right turn signal and all but normal when I use the left turn signal.

I do know I have to replace the headlights. I will do that in the spring because I am not to far away from putting away the IROC.

Your help would be appreciated in solving this issue! I have had six f-body cars so I will be happy to help any of you out in anyway I can.

 

I had the EXACT same symptoms. I replaced the headlight switch and the problem went away. Try dimming the dash lights while the parking lights are on and see if the problem goes away for a bit. Good luck!

 

I also replaced the headlight switch. Which, let me tell you is not suppoded to be done by someone with big hands! Anyway... I will try that. I noticed this morning that when I put on the blinker the amp guage was actin funny, goin up and down.

I haven't replaced the headlights. The alternator was refurbished by a professional. SHould I replace the dash light bulbs?

I appreciate your help!

 

I wonder if I should put a higher amperage alternator in?

 

I build high amp alternators and I can tell you, if your car spends a lot of time at low Idle, it wont charge well. My 140 amp versions will only deliver 35 to 40 amps at idle. No, it isnt meant to be done by people with large hands, LOL!

 

On mine if I jiggle switch around I can get all light to work but ones behind speedo

 

I turned down the headlight switch and it corrected it... for a while... it's almost as if I have to turn it all the way down to get it to not do that. Frustrating!!!!! Is it a ground or something? The car should be able to handle it. How bout a stronger fuse?

If we put our heads together maybe we can solve this issue