Dash/console lights, '79 Spider

[boggissimo]

OK, it's time I took a proper look at these. I'm sure it's been discussed before, but I need clarification about what the four "mystery" dash lights are for. I've never seen any of them light up since I bought the car 3 months ago. IIRC there are 2 red, 1 green and 1 blue. What do they mean? When should they light up?

Conversely, the "Exh. Temp", "Brake" and one other light on the panel below the radio are constantly on. I suspect I'm going to have to get in there and clean some contacts, replace bulbs/fuses etc, but I need to know what I'm looking at first.

I have a wiring diagram, but must admit I haven't gone over it with a magnifying glass to follow the connections, so any simple explanations would be greatly appreciated.....

[boggissimo]

Actually, I've just rummaged on my computer and discovered I don't have a wiring diagram for the 79 Spider, only the 72-73 one from this forum. The console/switches are quite different on a '79 aren't they?

Anyone got a '79 (California) diagram?

[John M]

Hey Boggi:

The two red lights inbetween the fuel gauge, oil pressure, and water temperature.

The one on the left is the low fuel pressure light. It's sender is located on top of the front filter assembly on the intake side fender well of the engine bay. It only lights up when you get less than 7 psi of fuel pressure or so. It should light up on start up and go out.

The one on the right is the low oil pressure light. It's sender is located next to the dip stick beneath the exhaust manifold.

You can ground both wires out at the sender to test your light bulbs and wiring.

The green light is the low beam head light/parking light
The blue light is the high beam head light

Exhaust Temp....I have no idea where that was....as mine is long gone and I pulled the bulb.

Brake light indicates low brake fluid in the master cylinder chambers. If you look at the top of your brake master you will see two places, each with a pair of wires. Could be low brake fluid turning it on.......but...if those wires touch where they plug in, your light comes on. So make sure they are going to their individual posts and not rubbing against each other.

Throttle light is probably the other one coming on. Make sure you seat the throttle lever all the way in.

Best Regards,
John M

[boggissimo]

Quote:

Originally posted by John M Hey Boggi: The two red lights inbetween the fuel gauge, oil pressure, and water temperature. The one on the left is the low fuel pressure light. It's sender is located on top of the front filter assembly on the intake side fender well of the engine bay. It only lights up when you get less than 7 psi of fuel pressure or so. It should light up on start up and go out. The one on the right is the low oil pressure light. It's sender is located next to the dip stick beneath the exhaust manifold. You can ground both wires out at the sender to test your light bulbs and wiring. The green light is the low beam head light/parking light The blue light is the high beam head light

[Roadtrip]

The Exhaust Temp light is a function of cat converter temp. If the mixture goes too rich or the engine is under very heavy load for a long time, the cat can overheat . . . . light comes on . . . . you slow down, lighten engine load, or cut off the engine to allow the cat to cool.

Boggs, you are a man in dire need of an Owner's Manual. Check your PMs.

[boggissimo]

Quote:

Originally posted by Roadtrip The Exhaust Temp light is a function of cat converter temp. If the mixture goes too rich or the engine is under very heavy load for a long time, the cat can overheat . . . . light comes on . . . . you slow down, lighten engine load, or cut off the engine to allow the cat to cool.

[spinfantry]

My understanding of the Exhaust Temp light is that it is a fused light. As new, it would blink when the exhaust temp was too high until eventually remaining on due to the high temps "blowing" the fuse. This was to prompt you to get your fuel injector tuned and thus fix the problem. I suspect the mechanic was then supposed to replace the fuse and the light would return to normal operation.

Having said that, the light on my '78 has been on since I purchased it and I've had both the cat replaced (I suspect it failed for exactly this reason) and the fuel injection tuned since. She runs like a dream now, but I still can't figure out where that fuse is so that I can replace it.

Does anyone know?