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gauge cluster isnt working?

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Old 07-20-2013, 12:48 PM
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Default gauge cluster isnt working?

So I gutted my interior completely (no HVAV, Radio, Dash etc ) and attempted to simplify my dash harness and cut out everything I wasnt using anymore. Apparently I cut one to many things because now nothing on my cluster works, except the fuel level sender, and speed obviously which is a cable drive.

So I order a new harness, replace it, start the car, same problem. I have the four big plugs under the steering column, the three plugs into the cluster, the plug to the hazard/headlight, and the two grounds hooked up.

So my question, is there some circuit shared between one of the components I removed that is preventing the cluster from completing a circuit?

I am dumb with electrical but the above concept doesnt seem practical. I cant figure out why this wouldnt be working.

Any ideas?
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Old 07-20-2013, 10:08 PM
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Check the 10 amp meter fuse below your dash? I recently had a similar problem that cleared itself up nicely by switching that little bastard out.
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Old 07-21-2013, 10:49 AM
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10 is fine, 15 next to it was blown. Replaced it and no change. All the other fuses are fine too
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Old 07-21-2013, 03:43 PM
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How does the ground below the brake booster and clutch master look? I've heard cleaning that has helped with cluster/blinker issues. A bit of a pain to get to, but a 10 mm combo wrench did the trick for me. 10 or 12. I don't remember.
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Old 07-21-2013, 06:59 PM
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Looks fine I hit the bolt/metal tab/chassis with some sandpaper. No change. Also sanded the area where the dash bar bolts to the chassis to make sure it's grounded. Nothing.
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Old 07-22-2013, 06:34 PM
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HEY! things dont work unless they are plugged in!

I found a plug on the passenger side that I assumed was old HVAC stuff, but apparently it is dash harness to main harness connection. So all the gauges work now, but the backlight still doesnt work.

I read somewhere about a dimmer switch? I cant even remember what the dash looked like next to the wheel. Do they all have dimmers? Can i just jump a connector to simulate the dimmer?
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Old 07-22-2013, 06:48 PM
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can anyone ID these connectors? they are near the drivers side ground, I assume one of them was a dimmer. Any Idea how to jump one or will I just need to get a dimmer? (I threw away all the dash stuff I removed)
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Old 07-25-2013, 03:54 PM
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Nice. I forgot all about that connector. I did the same thing when I deleted my HVAC. Scared the **** outta me when I turned on the car. Thought I fried something. Lol no clue as to those connections bud. Sorry.
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Old 07-31-2013, 01:55 PM
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Just for future searchers sake, I bought a dimmer and plugged it into one of the above connectors. all is well
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