why do my guages go crazy when I turn the reostat on my headlight switch?

Asked by foreevergoat Sep 01, 2014 at 10:20 AM about the 1965 Pontiac GTO

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

When I adjust the resorts on my headlight switch my temp, oil, and gas gauges pin until
I completely turn resorts all the way counter clockwise. ANY IDEAS?

2 Answers
63,145

BoholMark answered 10 years ago

Did it get wet? Or..........You haven't been messing around with anything electrical lately have you?

1 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
10,815

Norm answered 10 years ago

The rheostat is probably bridged with metal worn off over time. Then that happens, there is a surge of current draw at different areas of the rheostat. You can get an authentic aftermarket replacement switch for that car from Ames Performance, OPG, or Performance Years. I would agree with JS08016 also - check the ground to the instrument cluster as well as the ground connection at the headlight switch. Any stray voltage coming off the rheostat seems to be finding it's way to ground via the gauges.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

GTO

Looking for a Used GTO in your area?

CarGurus has 5 nationwide GTO listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Pontiac GTO Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Rucko
    Reputation
    880
  • #2
    taver91
    Reputation
    820
  • #3
    Norm Davis
    Reputation
    800
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Corvette
29 Great Deals out of 1,060 listings starting at $15,871
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,259 listings starting at $4,995
Used Dodge Charger
38 Great Deals out of 645 listings starting at $4,888
Used Chrysler 300
34 Great Deals out of 516 listings starting at $4,999
Used Chevrolet Chevelle
10 listings
Used Pontiac Grand Prix
2 listings

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.