Power lost to instrument cluster when lights are turned on.

Nothing exotic needed. Just a piece of ordinary 14 or 16 gauge automtoive grade wire will do. Basically....whatever you have layin' around :-)

Cheers
DD

Doug - I'm going to pull out my dash cluster in the near future and install a new ground to the top bar, as suggested. Any recommendation as to type of wire, like guage, solid or braided? Thanks - Todd

If youare sure there is a signal to the instrument and a good ground then yes you need a new instrument!

Hi George- If you would have a look at my most recent inquiry concerning the speedometer issue I'm having, I would be most appreciative. The reason I'm asking is that if your advice turns out to be that I should get another speedometer, the question then will be whether you think the speedometer in the instrument cluster that Rob Thuss is willing to sell [if still available] would solve my speedo problem. Given that the cluster has never been used I would think installing the entire cluster would make sense. Thanks very much. Todd

Thanks for the info. When I am in a patient frame of mind I'll remove the cluster and attach a ground to the top bar you refer to, clean the connections, etc. Does the guage of the new ground wire matter? Todd

Good point Doug--I remove the ground bars and clean them at the contacts.

The a ground "bar" at the top of the cluster...roughly behind the long row of warning lights. Run your redundant ground from there to a known-good ground point under the dash.

Cheers
DD

Todd, you can trace the ground connection by looking at the wires at the bulb holders particularly, follow the circuit into & from the holder you should be able to see the ground connection which is going to have lots of wires from all over going to it! If not. Altenatively reconnect the plugs and with the ignition on see which holder has a positive feed. The oyther is ground.

Thanks for the input. I had my cluster out a few months ago and couldn't tell where the original ground connection is, nor where I should be adding a second ground. I wrote back to George and asked him if he could explain the location of the ground to me. I also said if it was easier I could send a close up of the back of the cluster as a reference point. Thanks again.

Thanks very much for the input. When I had the cluster removed several months ago, I had difficulty determining where the original ground connection is made on the back of the cluster. I thought of adding another ground but couldn't tell where to add it. I don't know if you can explain to me the location of the existing ground and where to add another. I could also send you a close up of the back of the cluster if that would help. Thanks again. Todd

Doug--gently--no kidding--like fairy dust easy!

Yup, likely a ground problem and likely traced to the printed circuit as George says.

The printed circuit contacts can be gently cleaned. Gently is the key word. I add a redundant ground on reassembly just to hedge my bets.

Cheers
DD

Todd I would suggest you remove the cluster and check the condition of the printed flexable connector system with strong attention to the ground lug.