Here is my issue that i am too afraid to attack without asking everyone here, my speedometer doesn't work when driving down the road, iv been just drivinig it and figuring my speed just by how it feels i guess, but i figured its time i should probaby fix it. has anybody else had this issue? im just not sure what/where to tear into it and fix it. also, i drove it for the first time at night and noticed it was pretty dark inside, my dash light isnt working, it should turn on when i turn the lights on right? what could be the problem? could it be something as simple as a bulb?? thanks Luke
Speedo: Is the cable connected to the guage? Is the cable connected to the transmission? Is the cable broken? Does the needle jump when you spin the spindle on the back of the speedometer? (It should) Checking these things should point out the problem. If none of your dash lights work, try turning the knob on the light switch. They may just be turned off. If this doesn't fix it you'll need to run the problem down using a wiring diagram and circuit tester. Good luck!
well, just to give an update, i recently dislocated my elbow and it hurts like crazy to do much, but when i was messing around with it, when i turn the light switch, i still dont get any lights from the dash, both directions, so what could be the problem? and when i drive down the road i here a ticking, like the wire is spinning or something, maybe it just isnt hooked up all the way?? its too hard to get under there with a cast and check right now, i will when i get it cut off in a couple days.
It sounds like you've found the speedo problem. The light switch knob must be pulled out (into the "on" position) for the dash lights to go on. Try pulling the knob out (into the "on" position) and then turning it side to side many times. The rheostat may be cruddy from age and this manipulation may restore contact. It's worth a try. Then check for power in the wire going to the guage lights. Then look for blown bulbs or bad "grounds". (I think the '54 was still 6-volt positive ground. Be sure to take this into account when you trouble-shoot your system.) In a positive ground system, the voltage flows from the car body, through the device and is grounded by the wire...backwards from what you're used to. This may not have any relevance to your problem...but it could. I'll check my manual to see if there's anything else in there that could help. BTW: A factory repair manual for your specific make/year will help you find these problems. They're not all that expensive and are worth their weight in gold! Available on eBay. Edit: The manual says check the following, in this order: bulb, ground, wire, switch.
In this instance I would disagree with the manual and here is why,if you have headlights and tail and parking lights that would indicate that part of the switch is OK,with the switch out and still connected you can run a simple test with a test light,the reostat that controls the dash lights is the white porcelin piece at the front of the switch.First pull out the switch so that it is on and take the test probe and touch it to the reostat terminal,if you have power there next touch the probe to the other wire leading out of the reostat if no power is there you have two options.The first is to get some Electro-Motive CRC cleaner and clean the switch contacts,if you have a magnifying gl*** look at the reostat itself and inspect the wire coil and make sure there are no breaks and that full contact is being made from the metal switch arm to that coil,then if youstill have no current replace the switch.If you have power coming out of the reostat but no dash lights you will need to check the feed wire,the cloth insulation is usually rotten after many years and can cause grounds and shorts.Good Luck! As a tempory fix you could byp*** the reostat and run power thru a toggle switch to the dash wire.
Got them both working! Thanks guys! They both just needed a little attention and after just cleaning them off and putting them back together, got them working!
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