[A/S] Re: Control Panel malfunctioning

["Christopher45103" <blickcd@xxxxxxx>]

Lee,

I have a '79 and assuming that you have the same monitor panel, 
brushed aluminum face with a row of red LED gauges, Star Trek looking 
thing, you are probably looking at an easy fix.

While it is a good idea to check all the wiring to the tank probes, 
etc, my guess is that you need to replace the integrated circuit 
chips for each gauge.  They seem to burn out at this age.

Remove the four screws on the face of the panel and pull it out as 
far as the slack in the wiring harness will let you.  If you want to 
take the extra time, you can disconnect the million friction 
connectors on the back to completely remove the panel and do the rest 
of the work a little earier, but that's not necessary.

First, wiggle the LED's around a bit while pressing the button on the 
panel to check for bad solder joints.  You can also rig some jumper 
wires from a functioning gauge to determine that the other LED's are 
good, if you know how to trace the circuitry.  If all looks okay, 
remove the nuts or screws that hold the circuit board to the panel.

You will see a small "chip" behind each gauge.  It has about 10 pins 
on it and the part number LM324N or something similar is stamped on 
it.  This is what has probably failed.  You can get a new one at 
Radio Shack for $1.50.  Their part number is #276-1711.

Replace those and you should be back in business.

Christopher