HELP!! Center gauges
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
HELP!! Center gauges
Ok here is something screwy, on my 82 I removed the gauge clusters to clean and replace the lights. I have the speedo cluster in with no problems and even tested out the center cluster to make sure the lights were working and the gauges. Ok now I am ready to install but as soon as I plug the center cluster in some of the lights come on and when you turn the lights on those go out and one light comes on. And the gauges are not working??? What the hell happened. Gauge fuse is good. Could the printed circuit be bad?? Some of the copper tabs were loose so I glued them in place. Now when I plug it in no lights come on and when the lights are turned on they all come on. Good so far, well I thought. As soon as I turn the key to the on position couple of the dash lights come on and the gauges still don't work????? I know for a fact that when I was testing them I had the cluster just sitting loose and everything worked perfect. I don't know what the hell happened between now and then unless it's the printed circuit...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
I found on the printed circuit the copper terminal that goes to the gas gauge and then to the low fuel light was burned through. But could that have an affect on the rest of the gauges and lights??
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I have the same exact problem!!!
I just bought a new printed circuit board for my 82, because I was dealing with the same issue. Changed all my bulbs to LEDs, and the guages light up, but the actual dials on the gauges won't work. Initially, I thought my fuse was blwon (which it was)...and figured since maybe the fuse was blown that might have been the issue. I replaced the fuse, and installed the new printed circuit this evening.
I fried the ground line that runs through the fuel guage to the low fuel indicator light. Now I have a brand new printed circuit, with a fried line. Still, none of my gauges work. I am assuming I have a bad ground somewhere, but since I'm not electrically savvy, I have no idea where to look.
I'm really interested to see where this thread goes...since once I can fix this, my interior would be complete. I have a sinking feeling that I am going to have to tear everything out again just to find this wiring issue.
I fried the ground line that runs through the fuel guage to the low fuel indicator light. Now I have a brand new printed circuit, with a fried line. Still, none of my gauges work. I am assuming I have a bad ground somewhere, but since I'm not electrically savvy, I have no idea where to look.
I'm really interested to see where this thread goes...since once I can fix this, my interior would be complete. I have a sinking feeling that I am going to have to tear everything out again just to find this wiring issue.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
According to my assembly manual, the birdcage ground is a main cause of problems with the gauges. It runs from the frame to the birdcage by the #1 body mount. Drivers side - in front of the door. It's a braided type ground strap. I don't have access to getting a photo of mine right now or I'd post up a pic.
Hope this helps,
Adam
Hope this helps,
Adam
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
Well like I say everything was working and had to remove the center cluster a few times and in doing so the copper tabs came loose and one crossed the other before I found it. I do have the speedo and tach cluster installed with LEDs and no problem there. I should have my new printed circuit tomorrow.
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Thanks Adam. I checked the ground strap where it connects to the birdcage...guess I need to follow it back though and see if there is a break or disconnected somewhere. Alconk - please let us (me) know if the circuit board fixes your problem. Hopefully, you're not in my boat...i bought a brand new one thinking that would solve my problem, but all I did was ruin my new one with the same issue!
Thanks guys.
Thanks guys.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Here is the one I was talking about. I can see it looking under the car behind the front DS tire.
"Body mount front ground. Common problem area when center dash gauges are not working properly."
If you don't have one already, Give Wilcox a call and order an Assembly Manual for your car - money VERY well spent. I purchased the CD version so I can print out the pages I need an not worry about getting the book dirty in the garage.
"Body mount front ground. Common problem area when center dash gauges are not working properly."
If you don't have one already, Give Wilcox a call and order an Assembly Manual for your car - money VERY well spent. I purchased the CD version so I can print out the pages I need an not worry about getting the book dirty in the garage.
Last edited by AdamMeh; Feb 11, 2012 at 01:22 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
Ya I already took those off and cleaned them, didn't need it but done it anyway. I was told there is another one up under the dash on the left side above the kick panel??? I've looked but can't find it..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Focus on what you did. The problem will probably be in the guage cluster. Did you use the right bulbs? The bulb at the the top that shines down to the AC switch is important...how did you deal with this...it has to be in right.
You can also try removing the cluster and pulling out all the bulbs and seeing if the guages work, then insert one bulb at a time.
If the copper is not making perfect contact with the plug....no cross contact...it will mess everything up.
If you burnt the board it will ground out on the plate behind it and mess everything up.
Jim
You can also try removing the cluster and pulling out all the bulbs and seeing if the guages work, then insert one bulb at a time.
If the copper is not making perfect contact with the plug....no cross contact...it will mess everything up.
If you burnt the board it will ground out on the plate behind it and mess everything up.
Jim
