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A non-working clock in a Corvette is nothing new, but I noticed recently that mine seems to work only when the car is started. Any suggestions? Also, the dash lights don't always work. Could these two problems be related?
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Re: Dash Lights/Clock
Jim,
In regards to your dash lights sometimes working, I had the same problem. My fix was simply replacing the headlight switch (it turns out the rheostat part of the switch was no good). It was a cheap fix for me. I hope it works for you.
John R. #31818 -
Re: Dash Lights/Clock
Jim,
In regards to your dash lights sometimes working, I had the same problem. My fix was simply replacing the headlight switch (it turns out the rheostat part of the switch was no good). It was a cheap fix for me. I hope it works for you.
John R. #31818Comment
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Re: Dash Lights/Clock
Jim -- It's possible that the two occasional malfunctions are NOT related. You don't say what model year you have, but the following might help if its a mid-year. With both doors closed and headlight/parking light switch off, turn the rheostat fully counter-clockwise to turn on the courtesy/dome lights. This is the only action on the headlight switch that absolutely requires a ground to the instrument panel; (otherwise it could be a bad rheostat coil [as John has said] OR a panel non-ground, in the case of the instrument lights). If it's only the centre console heater controls and clock lights, the ground to the clock is not good; the clock plug-in provides ground for all centre console lights except the radio.
As to the clock, it sounds like the re-wind solenoid points may be burned, and it takes the extra voltage after starting the charging system to "kick" it on. Dismantle and lightly dress with a point file.Comment
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Re: Dash Lights/Clock
Jim -- It's possible that the two occasional malfunctions are NOT related. You don't say what model year you have, but the following might help if its a mid-year. With both doors closed and headlight/parking light switch off, turn the rheostat fully counter-clockwise to turn on the courtesy/dome lights. This is the only action on the headlight switch that absolutely requires a ground to the instrument panel; (otherwise it could be a bad rheostat coil [as John has said] OR a panel non-ground, in the case of the instrument lights). If it's only the centre console heater controls and clock lights, the ground to the clock is not good; the clock plug-in provides ground for all centre console lights except the radio.
As to the clock, it sounds like the re-wind solenoid points may be burned, and it takes the extra voltage after starting the charging system to "kick" it on. Dismantle and lightly dress with a point file.Comment
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Re: Dash Lights/Clock
Jim, it's not that unusual as the points on the clock start to wear that they need a little "extra" to activate them. Thus when the engine is running, and you have full alternator voltage they will reset. This is a problem that can cause the coil on the clock to overheat and burn out. If you don't find another cause for this, I'd suggest that yo have the clock looked at soon, or it may sufer severe damage. As others have said, it's not likely that this is related to your light ploblem, unless it is ground-related.Comment
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Re: Dash Lights/Clock
Jim, it's not that unusual as the points on the clock start to wear that they need a little "extra" to activate them. Thus when the engine is running, and you have full alternator voltage they will reset. This is a problem that can cause the coil on the clock to overheat and burn out. If you don't find another cause for this, I'd suggest that yo have the clock looked at soon, or it may sufer severe damage. As others have said, it's not likely that this is related to your light ploblem, unless it is ground-related.Comment
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