For some unknown reason, when i turn on my headlights, I will lose about 1/4 of a tank reading on my gas guage. If i turn the lights off, it returns to normal. Also, the same thing happens when i turn on a turn signal, except that it will drop with each blink until it gets to the bottom. Again, when the turn signal goes off, it returns to normal. Any sugestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sounds like bad grounds. The upper center screw on the speedometer gauge cluster is the ground connection. Check to make sure it is clean and tight. If you have console gauges, check to make sure that they are all properly grounded.

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The Red Beast http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

[This message has been edited by CarlC (edited 04-12-2002).]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by CarlC:
Sounds like bad grounds.
&lt;snip&gt;
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

To track down a bad ground, get an volt-meter with one lead connected to the negative battery terminal and use the other lead as a test probe. For example, probe your guage ground and cycle the lights. You shouldn't see more than a 1/2 volt drop. If so, test other grounds like frame, firewall, engine until you find a solid ground. Then explore the bonding straps and attaching bolts until you discover the culprit connection. Bonding straps are often discarded or neglected. Attaching bolts do corrode. Add-on electrical accessories which are improperly grounded can also cause problems in other circuits or create poor grounds which bypass the real problem. Disconnecting accessories temporarily can help. You might want to connect your battery charger during this exercise to keep the battery up while you poke around. You can use a jumper cable to bond components such as frame and chassis together for testing. However, stick with the factory locations for bonding straps. Hap-hazardly installing new bonds can cause problems like you're seeing or increase radio interference etc.

-dnult



[This message has been edited by dnult (edited 04-13-2002).]

Thank you both, As soon as it comes out of the body shop, I will look around and see what i can find. really good information, and well put. thanks

Had the EXACT same problem with my car. Tested all the grounds, and never really found anything out of order. Turns out a part of the fuel guage circuit was toasted. I got my replacment fuel gauge for $10 and now it works perfect.

Dan

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67 Pro-touring Camaro-327, 9:1, Comp XE268 Cam, Perf. RPM Intake. 750 Holley, Sportsman II Heads, Ceramic coated headers, 700R4 trans, 17" Amer. Racing TT2's, 12" disc brakes, custom stereo, black with white stripes, cowl ind. hood.

thanks dans67, If I cant find a ground problem then that is exacly what I will do.