Hey guys, need your expertise on this old beast. 1988 LE's dashboard/radio doesn't light up when turning on lights at night. Haven't checked fuses but was told they were fine. I do notice when flipping headlight switch on, the radio display goes dark but radio works. Ideas? My other issue is a coolant gauge that reads a few notches above cold. Coolant system is working fine, I get hot air when using heater. Ideas? Finally, my gas gauge reads pretty good but seems to move around a little in each direction, at a standing stop it seems to read fine but as soon as I'm going, it likes to move. It doesn't set to empty when turning off the car, just kind of drifts to the center. I've also noticed my coolant gauge jumps to hot upon start up. Any help for the newbie would be great and I appreciate it.

sounds like you need to replace some sensors, i would start with that because they're all cheap so like a thermostat, check fuses for the dash lights, and maybe a gas level reader replacement. i dont know the proper name for it but im sure you can find a write up on her on how to replace it. I believe the most expensive item would be the gas gauge reader its like 30-50 bucks.

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2001 SLE tints | Series III L26 | 180 T-stat |

[b]2002 Monte carlo SS Dale Earnhardt edition (waiting on salvage title)

I figured the coolant temp sensor for the dash is going wacky and not the thermostat as I get plenty of hot air. As for the dashlights, I'm moving toward replacing the dimmer switch but we'll see. Anyone else want to chime in?

**UPDATE*****
Well it looks like I was just panicking too much. The coolant gauge is the usual OEM garbage of being no where near accurate but it does work. Gas gauge I'll just live with as it's not off much, plus I was told that's usual for that time period for it to move around a little. The dimmer switch I'm guessing is the culprit for my dash lights not coming on but I've got a rigged setup ha. I'll have to take pics of it till I replace the dimmer switch.

**UPDATE**
got around to replacing thermostat as it's been colder than usual here in the Northwest. Bingo, it was the problem. Got plenty of heat now but from what I can tell the gauge hits to about the quarter mark, maybe a little over and that's it. Runs much better too, kinda frustrating that such an easy fix was apparent and I missed it. Anyways, still messing around with the radio display turning off/dash lights not coming on when I turn on the headlights. Will post update as I'm replacing the dimmer switch.

good stuff!

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2001 SLE tints | Series III L26 | 180 T-stat |

[b]2002 Monte carlo SS Dale Earnhardt edition (waiting on salvage title)