Cluster Ground Problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Clermont Fl
Cluster Ground Problem
OK now that the cluster is installed, I thought I would try the lights before I installed the steering column. To my dismay, I have solid green turn signals and the headlamp indicator as my only two showing power. The headlights have power for light but the headlights will not rotate. No indication of power in the ammeter gage. There was a ground strap jumping the rag joint when I removed the steering column and of course the column bolts to the frame under the cluster with the cluster attached to the same frame. Assume that completes the ground. Anyway I took a insulated wire, attached it to the ground cable of the battery and the other end to metal on back of the cluster. Expected lights but no joy. I realize grounds are critical in these cars but I am not sure where else to look.With temps at 20 degrees tomorrow and no heat in the garage, I am not looking forward to pulling the cluster out again. My thoughts are that maybe the very top connection came off and it is causing the problem. To do that I need to disconnect the speedo and tach in the back and it was a real trick to get them reattached. Before I go that route, what do I need to look for, or try first.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
From: Leavenworth Washington
I take it you are saying that you don't have any cluster lights - the ones with the grey wires going to them. Try turning the headlight switch fully clockwise. They may be fully dimmed. The ground for the cluster is in the wiring harness and connects to a spade that should be on the back of your cluster. On the inboard side (closest to the radio)
Will try and take a look at a schematic tomorrow and see if there is a good reason for no headlights rolling up. Probably the firewall connector.
Geek
Will try and take a look at a schematic tomorrow and see if there is a good reason for no headlights rolling up. Probably the firewall connector.
Geek
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 8,506
Likes: 3
From: Calhoun, GA_______ Let It Rock
Do you have a wiring diagram ? I believe the turn signals are two differently colored wires (?) One for the left and another for the right. Disconnect your tach at the dist. and you may have enough play to pull the cluster slightly forward to see the top grounding wire on the cluster. Are you positive your headlight switch is properly wired and connected ? I was also thinking there is a ground that goes to the steering column...that may be causing your problem - under the dash, not at the coupler.
