The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 55.2 Dash/Gauge Light question

My gauges don't illuminate when the running/parking lights are on and I see nothing in the dash that would provide lighting. I have the rectangle bezel with round gauges. I was looking at the wiring diagram and it points to gauge lights. Am I missing something here?

Also, anyone know what should be in the middle empty hole on this photo?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/71945287@N03/6499660011/in/photostream/player/

Gauge lighting is powered through a rheostat on the light switch. Are they illuminated when the headlights are on? Is your headlight switch stock or aftermarket generic?

Are you referring to the hole between the light switch and the starter button?

the gauge lights are activated and dimmed [to off] by turning the light switch knob [also the interior light], the rheostatic mechanism at the front of the switch may be dirty/corroded/broke, or you may have broken wires or a bunch of missing/burned out bulbs - the light bulbs are in holes in the back of the cluster, you won't see them unless you crawl under there or take the gauges out ... the GMC logo in the dash is provision for an option, like tach or vacuum gauge in bigger trucks .... and GMCs are different than Chevys, always specify

Bill

Gauge lights don't come on when headlight's are on. It's an stock switch but the wiring was done in the 1980's by someone who had been drinking....(it's a mess)

Yes, hole between the light switch and the starter button (which is now the horn)

sounds like you need to start with rewiring the truck, and checking the function of the switch .... and maybe getting a manual, which can be found here

Bill

Thanks Bill. I've got that manual saved. I've been reading the posts discussing wiring harnesses and that's the next big project. The truck was dropped off at the shop this morning so I could have a pro look over everything to make sure it's mechanically safe. Also having him install an electronic ignition.

If you have a wiring harness you recommend please let me know.

Any idea what the hole between the headlight switch and ignition button was for? Couldn't find anything in the manual.

not that familiar with the GMCs, others here should know - another link for you that might shed light on mods yours has had

Bill

Choke cable. That's where it is on my 58 gmc.Larry

On my 56 the choke was the one nearest the column, most times 2 out of 4 of those holes have delete buttons(hole plugs). The design of them is specific to GMC.
As far as a Harness kits, there are many posts recommending anywhere from the $150 -$450 range. They all get you wired.