C3 Dash Lights Not Working

[Ray Jackson]

My 70 C3 the dash lights just quit today. The Headlights work, the courtesy side of the switch works but not lights to the speedo,tack, or any of the center cluster. Is the reostat portion of the switch bad? I think I just need to replace the switch? Any Help would be appriciated

Ray

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 Dash Lights Not Working

HL switch has a built-in circuit breaker that features 'driver warning' in the event the tail lights are shorted out and dysfunctional. You suddenly lose dash lights to WARN you your rear end is un-illuminated.

BUT, if this were the case (easy to check, get out and see if you've got rear lamps), your complaint would be slightly different. You'd be telling us your dash lights 'mysteriously switch off, then come back on for a short period of time before cycling off again)....

First, check your panel lamp fuse to make sure it's good. When that checks out and the rear lamps are operating, it's time to suspect the HL switch. Yes, it could be the dimmer section is history (wouldn't be the first time that area of the switch failed) or it could be the built-in circuit breaker is history...

[Louis T.]

Re: C3 Dash Lights Not Working

Jack,

I had never heard of the neat safety feature you describe. What years had it (in the headlight switch or anywhere else)? Thanks.

Louis

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Dash Lights Not Working

GM has a long history of this "safety feature." I had a 1964 Chevelle with it and I just found out my daughters 2006 Malibu Maxx has the same "feature." This may be the only similarity in the electrical system in thaose two vehicles other than they both operate on 12 volts DC. I suspect this feature predates the Chevelle significantly,

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 Dash Lights Not Working

The 'feature' goes WAY BACK (into the 50's) and is generally mentioned in the owner's manual, the shop manual or both. It's no secret...

[Eric F.]

Re: C3 Dash Lights Not Working

Yep, my 56 Cadillac has it too!