'56 Cj5 Speedo ? Puzzled By Gauge Lights/illumination

1956 CJ5, F-134, 6v electrical system...

Everything in the speedo cluster works except for the instrument light(s) that illuminate the cluster itself.

I want to get these gauge/cluster illumination lights functioning.

I've read the tech bulletin info on this site 1966 CJ5 Instrument Cluster Wiring (yes I know it's for a 66 but it's the best I could find) and related threads, but am a bit puzzled when I go and pull the unit to look around. It doesn't look like other speedometer backs that I've seen as it has 6 sockets rather than 5 AND has the added "box" which I assume is for directionals or an added fuze bolted to the back (there is no writing on the "box").

I do not know if this speedo unit is original to the jeep, but suspect it might be due to patina, mileage and discussions with previous owners.

I'm thinking of getting a Walcks harness and re-wiring the entire jeep when it cools down this fall, but in the mean time I'd like to get the dash lights working as I've been driving at night lately and it'd be nice to see the cluster, even if just a little.

Anyone have, or have worked on, a cluster like this one? I suspect is simply a bad bulb or wires to the bulb.

Should there be 2 illumination lights in this unit? Does my empty socket get a bulb and wire, etc too? Is my extra socket an aux socket? There is a light lens on the face of the cluster in the number 6 that corresponds with my empty socket. I removed #8 as shown on the tech page and put it in my empty socket but nothing happens (like I said, I presume a bad bulb or wire anyway...)

Cluster face has no lenses of provisions for directionals that I can see.

I tried to orient my pics of the back upside-down like the illustration in the tech bulletin on this site 1966 CJ5 Instrument Cluster Wiring. Removed #8 as shown on the tech page and that bulb looks OK, though I will replace and try to jump the wire as well.

Sorry for the rambling post but wanted to provide as much info as possible.

 

You have a King-Seely speedometer and is correct for your jeep. The box is the voltage regulator for the fuel gauge. Correct, only later models and after market speedometer clusters have directional signal indicators. Check your bulbs to make sure none are burnt out. I would also check the light switch to make sure all the wires are in good repair. If you have a way to check for voltage at the wires that will help in diagnosing the issue. As far as my knowledge goes the open hole isn't used.

Hope this helps:

 

CAUTION!!! Do not power up (key ON) unless you provide a good ground wire to the speedo housing. It will burn your gauges.

 

Thanks guys! Fingers crossed that I didn't mess anything up as I did briefly power things up to see that the oil and amp lights came on. Hoping my ground jumper was good. Stay tuned once I get some bulbs...

 

Oops - echoing what Walt wrote!

The voltage regulator needs a ground to voltage regulate. Without regulation, you endanger the gauges.

 

Love the vintage cloth insulated wiring--what a visual treat.

I'd go for LED bulbs in a warm white to mimic the incandescent/filament bulbs.
Depending on the fitment, you can find LED bulbs with an SAE type bayonet socket, etc.

 

WHEW - I dodged a couple bullets... Replaced the bulbs tonight and the instrumentation lights work perfectly - thank you 55_Willys for the accurate bulb placement on my picture. BUT, more importantly, what little "testing" I did initially with the speedo removed from the dash (but with a jumper for a ground) does NOT seem to have fried the temp and fuel gage. I haven't driven the jeep around, but I let it idle to come up to temp and the gage responded accordingly and... when I move the fuel sending unit float manually through the fill tube, the fuel gage responds accordingly. I filled the tank before I started this phase of tinkering and when I carefully push the float down the gage moves towards 'E'. I'm going to drive it around tomorrow morning when it's cooler, but I believe that I now have a fully functioning speedo cluster. Thanks to all for the help and comments. Great site with great people!

 

Sweet

 

Maybe you should but a couple lottery tickets this weekend (if you win anything appreciable, you own me 40% for the suggestion).

 

Congrats on having a working instrument cluster.

 

Yes, let there be light. All 6v of it

 

Woohoo!

 

I love the early gauge faces! Glad you got it working.
-Donny