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1950 Cadillac Where is the ground for the dashboard lights and gauges?

Started by 50Cad62, November 13, 2016, 08:01:20 AM

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50Cad62

Is this a simple question? Since none of the gauges work, and, the lights on the dashboard, it must be a common ground. Where is it all grounded? Is there one place? Should I jostle some wires randomly? Thank you.

Steve Passmore

Can't be specific to the 1950 but most cars of this era with a metal dash panel the actual dash is the ground.   Your gauge failure is probably not connected to dash light failure.  You need to check for power at one of the dash lights then trace back to the switch if you have no juice.
Steve

Present
1937 60 convertible coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe
1941 62 coupe

Previous
1936 70 Sport coupe
1937 85 series V12 sedan
1938 60 coupe
1938 50 coupe
1939 60S
1940 62 coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe x2
1941 61 coupe
1941 61 sedan x2
1941 62 sedan x2
1947 62 sedan
1959 62 coupe

savemy67

Hello 50Cad62,

Welcome to the forum.

"Should I jostle some wires randomly?"

You could, but you might want to have a fire extinguisher handy.  Your post did not mention the condition of the wiring in the car.  Does it look to be in good repair?  Does it look like a previous owner modified or repaired it?  Is your car still a 6 volt car, with all the original six volt bulbs and gauges?

A safer method might be to disconnect the battery and use a continuity tester with an audible signal to check some of the wiring/circuits.  Do you have the shop manual for the car?

Respectfully submitted,
Christopher Winter
Christopher Winter
1967 Sedan DeVille hardtop

50Cad62

Well, the gauges work, they moved so little that it seemed they didn't. The only problem is no dash lights. Still 6 volts, wiring looks as new, there is only 19K on the car.

wbdeford

Is there a rheostat dimmer for the dash lights?  That was the problem with my '58. 
1958 Sedan de Ville

Past:
1956 Fleetwood 75 Sedan
1957 Fleetwood 60 Special
1958 Miller-Meteor Futura Landau Duplex
1960 Coupe de Ville
1966 De Ville Convertible
1970 De Ville Convertible
1971 Eldorado Convertible
1979 Sedan de Ville
1980 Seville

50Cad62