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instrument panel dead

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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 01:22 PM
  #1  
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speedmd23
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Talking instrument panel dead

The only thing my instrument panel on my '92 is good for is the mph and someplace to keep my pens ad scracthpad. Other than that, none of the other gauges work. I was thinking of getting a new panel, but first how do I test to see that the wiring is ok, because if the wiring is good and the gas gauge works (which is really all I need) then I'll save my money for other items( ie: a soft top for after I chop off the top)

I'm new to doing things myself, I don't have too many tools when it comes to auto-motive technology but I can build a house from the ground up so I know more or less the basics
 
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 02:27 PM
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speed, dead as in no guages or lights other than the spedo? Needless to say the spedo is cable opperated and will function with no power. If all of the guages and lamps are inop it would lead me more to think you have a power or grounding problem to the cluster and not the cluster itself. First and formost, check the cluster fuse. Check you manual to be sure but i think its #18 and a 15a. If its ok and you know you have power at that fuse, the next step would be to pull the cluster and check for a power and ground at its connector before condemming the cluster.

Needless to say this is assuming you do not know something that i dont. Like if over time you watched each and every guage fail one by one.

Hope it gives you a starting point. Good luck.
 
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 03:26 PM
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joboo, that helps me with my problem in another way, your reply helps me out because you had questions about things I should have described in my original post, and for me being a nooby to the world of do-it-yourself vehicle maintenance that is a big help.

I can't remember whether or not I get light from behind the panel, I see the abs light up when I start it. What fuse panel should I be looking for?? The one under the dash or the one under the hood? Also, would my local car parts store carry that fuse if it is the 15a or do I need to sell my first born in order to afford the parts at the dealership?
What would be my next step in diagnosing the problem if the fuse is no good. If I need to tear the dash apart to start looking for wiring, I might as well go and get a book with some more info.

Thanx
 

Last edited by speedmd23; Nov 22, 2004 at 03:27 PM. Reason: sounds rude when read
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 03:42 PM
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No lights in dash

After you find the fuse container, check each fuse and note the size/colr of each one which is birned out.
Fuses should be available at any parts house.
Also many Walmarts and the such.
You'll probably find them in a small box of 5 or 8 or 10 or something like that.
There could be different amperage fuses in the mixtures as well as boxes of just one size. Find the box which satifies your needs the closest.
I'd opt for the box with multiple fuse sizes as you may have other ones about to out.
Price is nothing astronomical. Depending on where you may have to go to get them, from $5 to maybe $8, on the average.
You may want to opt to get a fuse puller while you're at it.
They put the little fuses in next to each other real close!
Needle nose pliers may also work to remove them.I prefer to use the fuse puller.
Usually a couple of bucks I think.
Been some time since I bought one.
Fuses are color coded also.
Good luck.
DaveP
 
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 03:43 PM
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Left side under the dash fuse block. It will be a standard 15amp buss fuse. Local auto parts store. Actually, you could get it from the dealer but their fuses are not brand specific either. Fuse alone should be less than 20 cents, they are normally sold in packs of 5 or 10 or assorted amperage rating packs. Actually, if you study the fuse panel chart which is on the back of the little cover, there are normally a few blank spots in the block loaded with spare fuses. You may have an extra sitting in there if your lucky.

About checking for no lights i was referring to backlights. As for the abs light and check engine/ses, those lights all use the common cluster ground rail but have a power supply path provided by the pcm or ebcm controll modules. Seeing either one of those lamps illuminate when the key is on before starting does not nesscessairly indicate the fuse is good.

Hope it helps.
 
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