Computer in a 78??? And more!

[nipper87]

Hi,
I have a 78 with 350 4barrel auto and enjoy this Forum very much. I am not able to do any of the work on my vehicle but here is what I have learned from you guys.
1. Search is my friend. Almost all issues with my vehicle have been covered and explained on this Forum. Sure makes it easier to communicate with a mechanic.
2. Find a mechanic you can trust and treat them well.

There are a couple of things which I cannot find.
1. Some Gen 5 owners have talked about computer codes, check engine lights etc. Is there any of this on a 78? Mine runs well most of the time, with no evidence of any computer controls when it is not running right.
2. I have full gauges, but there is also a stack of blank bars on the RHS of the instrument cluster. Two of mine are active. One shows red when ebrake on and the other is blue when the hi beams are on. So, what if anything are the others supposed to show?

Thanks, and have a great day.

David Argent
St. Louis
USA

[Mike P]

I'm not sure, but the 78s may not be computer controlled. I have a 78 Monte Carlo parts car for my 83 El Camino project and have pulled the under dash harnesses out of it (haven't gotten to the under hood harness yet), no computer. I was pretty surprised and happy as the harnesses will help clean up the enigne compartment a lot.

It's good to live in a place with no emissions testing.

[speedy86]

The computer wasn't used until 81 so your 78 won't have it.
On the lights, one is FASTEN SEATBELTS, another should be CHECK ENGINE or CHOKE. I'll have to check on the rest.

[gilby]

I'm not quite sure on this one,but,it may also have "tailgate ajar" light too..for station wagons..

[Bobby78]

Originally Posted by speedy86

The computer wasn't used until 81 so your 78 won't have it.

That's the best thing about the "A" bodies!

[mgs72elky]

Hey Nipper, Maybe if you get a super powerful flashlight and shine it up under and behind the dash it may cast just enough light through the cracks and crevices to possibly read the markings on those lights. Maybe??? Don't cost anything to try.

[CoyoteOn2]

Mark, Come on now, THAT would be too EASY.
No guesses like maybe "Oil Slick or Ejection Seat" ?

[mgs72elky]

"Broken Canifelin Pin" perhaps???

[CoyoteOn2]

THAT's Good !!

[nipper87]

Thanks guys.
So, no computer on my 78 is a good thing. Seems like simpler is better, especially in a 30 year old truck.
Tried to shine a flashlight behind the bars on the dash but there is not enough room. However, in a dark garage it worked fine by shining the light on the front of the bars. Here is what I have - from bottom to top:
Fasten seat belt
Brake
Brights
Choke
Four blanks

So there is room for ejection seat, oil slick etc
Anyone got anything different on their 78??

Have a great day

David Argent
St. Louis
USA

[Dead End Kid]

Originally Posted by speedy86

The computer wasn't used until 81 so your 78 won't have it.
On the lights, one is FASTEN SEATBELTS, another should be CHECK ENGINE or CHOKE. I'll have to check on the rest.

Just so someone in the future doesn't go down the wrong path, my '80 305 does have a computer. The diagnostic's work different different from the later computer controlled Elky's. No ECM port...must ground test lead off of the computer, but that's for a different post.....

[rushgator]

My '86 did have the oil slick feature, but I fixed it.