* Power Source: The battery provides the initial power. The alternator, once the engine is running, keeps the battery charged and also supplies most of the power to the electrical system.
* Switches and Controls: Various switches control the different lights. The headlight switch activates the headlights (which are also running lights on some models, or might have separate running light switches). The ignition switch provides power to the dash lights when the ignition is turned on (at least to the accessory or "on" position). Some models have separate switches for specific dash lights like the check engine light (which is controlled by the car's computer).
* Wiring: A complex network of wires carries power from the battery and alternator to various components, including the lights. These wires are usually color-coded for easy identification and repair. Fuses protect the wiring and components from overloads. Relays are often used to switch higher-current circuits like headlights, reducing the load on the switches themselves.
* Bulbs and LEDs: The dash lights and running lights themselves are light bulbs (incandescent or halogen) or LEDs (light-emitting diodes). They are designed to emit light when an electric current passes through them.
* Grounding: A complete circuit is needed for the lights to work. Besides a positive power wire, there's a ground wire that completes the circuit, allowing the electricity to flow.
In short: The battery provides the power, switches control the flow of power to the lights, wires carry the power, and the bulbs/LEDs produce the light. If any part of this system fails (blown fuse, faulty switch, burned-out bulb, broken wire), the lights won't work. The complexity lies in the precise routing of the wiring and the specific components used, varying slightly depending on the Chevy model and year.
