68 gas gauge/tail lights acting wacky

[Don Izzo]

While out for a ride today, suddenly I noticed every time I stepped on the brake my gas gauge would climb past the full mark to say four o'clock. Then I noticed it did it whenever I used my directional signal or put my head lights on, but not affected with the radio or heater blower. Further I now have discovered the following: with the headlights off and the car not running, I have four rear brake lights, but with headlights on I have no back lights, left directional dim no flashing, no right directional at all or to dim to notice. With the car running I have 4 brake lights, left directional ok right directional ok but dim. With car running and headlights on I have no back lights at all. Left directional dim no flashing, right directional no lights no flashing or to dim to tell. What in the world has happened?!?!?!

Don

[Richard D.]

Re: 68 gas gauge/tail lights acting wacky

I'm having some probs with my brake lights also after getting my 68 back from a 4 month redo on paint and body work.

I've read so far, that I should be checking the grounds (batt at chassis, and rear lights over gas tank) and have done that, but no luck.

Then I read on a response that the directional swithcher may be bad, but I've yet to check that out.

That my next job, to check that out.

My brake lights will work only if I cycle though a couple cycles on the directionals, then they seem to be OK, so indeed, it may be the directional mechanism, which would involve pulling the steering wheel.

Anyway, since you have a 68, I thought I'd pass that on.

Regards,

Rich

[Don Izzo]

Re: 68 gas gauge/tail lights acting wacky

an update on my problem, when the door ajar light is on and the direction signal is applied, the door ajar light flashes along with the directional indicator in the dash cluster! HELP!!!

Don

[Robert C.]

Re: 68 gas gauge/tail lights acting wacky

check the dash ground!

[Don Izzo]

Re: 68 gas gauge/tail lights acting wacky

A wise man once told me most problem swith corvette electrics is most always the ground! In this case he was right. I found the ground wire for the tail lights at the left rear of the chasis had broken away from the terminal mount. I changed the terminal end and reattached and all is now well with the 68!! Just one note...I couldn't believe how many different systems functions were affected by this failed ground. If you would have told me so I would have said you were nuts!!
Don