First time poster, let me if I I don't follow typical convention!

I have a 1983 Firebird with a V6. I had tear apart the dash to get to the instrument panel to replace the bulbs for a turn signal and high beam indicator. Ended up replacing all the bulbs because others were out. Now I have the panel half installed and before I put in the trim, I want to know if all bulbs are working right. Is this how the bulbs should operate?

1. Speedometer and fuel gauge illuminate with the headlights. Dim with the wheel by the light switch.

2. Turn signal indicators work as expected. Hazard lights work as expected.

3. High beam indicator turns on with high beams.

4. When the key is turns to run (but engine not running) the "fasten belts" light comes on for a few seconds and then fades off. Oil, Volts, Choke, Check Engine indicators stay on.

5. When the key is turned to start the engine. The Temp and Brake indicators light up. When the engine is finally running. All indicators lights in 4 and 5 go out.

Please let me know if this is how they all should operate. Thank you very much in advanced!

Also, as a side question: if this is how they are supposed to operate, why do the temp and brake lights turn on during cranking?

 

Hi ceckenrode, Welcome to TGO.

To answer your two questions, Yes according to your description, your dash lights are all working properly. And, the reason the brake & temp lights turn on while cranking is that is a "bulb test" function, if either of those lights don't turn on while cranking it should alert the driver that one of the bulbs is burnt out and needs replacing.

 

Thank you so much OrangeBird, I guess that means I can put together my dash again!

I guess for clarification on my side question, why wouldn't the temp and brake indicator lights come on when in run with the other lights like check engine or oil?

 

Hi ceckenrode,


Because when it's not running there is no oil pressure, and the ECM isn't seeing any distributor pulses(check engine light), so those lights would naturally be on.

However, the engine is not over heated so that light isn't being triggered, and the brakes aren't malfunctioned so that light would naturally be off as well. So, having the key in the crank position lighting those two lights as a test is there to alert the driver that the lights are OK on startup(If you don't see your temp light, for instance, perhaps it's burnt out and won't warn you of the engine getting too hot).

All of this presumes the driver actually has a clue of the light's normal operations. vintage car people like us are observant of such things, the average idiot in the car behind you most likely hasn't a clue.....

 

Thank you again OrangeBird, your explanation makes a lot of sense. Cheers!