I am SO frustrated!!!

This morning, the gauges in my 81 dash all worked perfectly. However, I had a couple of dash lights out and a couple that were dim. So,..I decided to remove the dash cluster and repalce the bulbs.

I asked a lot of questions and studied up prior to removing.

I removed the cluster, replaced teh luights and then,..all HECK broke lose!!

1st -I couldn't get my speedometer cable back on, my oil light was staying on, and my fuel + temp + charge gauges wouldn't work.

I removed the panel again, looked everything over and all looked fine. I re-installed it. Then the oil light started working right as well as the fuel & charge guages.

However, after almost 6 hours straight working on it,...my temp guage doesn't work, 2 of the dash ligths aren't working, (that had originally worked), and I STILL can't get my speedometer cable re-connecetd!!

I am SO tired and frustrated. I took a pefectly good working dash and destroyed it,..all over a couple of dim bulbs.

SO,..WHAT AM I MISSING? Did I damage the circuit board or something? How the HECK do you get the speedo cable back on?

 

Did you remember to disconnect the battery before disconnecting the instrument panel??

 

I would say the printed circuit is toast.

 

UPDATE: I went down after a little rest, unplugged the wiring on the back of the gauge cluister ONE MORE TIME. Re-installed and viola,...the lights AND the temp guage now work!!!

I still can't get the speedo cable back on though. I can't get my hand behind the cluster far enough to push it on. I can barely grasp it and I can't get enough of a hold to really push it on. It's pushed right up to the clip, but I can't get it on completely. I can't acess it from underneath either,..too many wires and braces in the way.

Any ideas, tips or tricks???

 

Is the heater control panel off? I found that helps. I'm not a little guy. But I can get it fairly easl this way. Just did it yesterday. I'm doing a U14 swap in my 80.

 

Get some help from some little hands to get the speedo started. Or start the speedo while the panel is out and then slip it back into place and plug it in. As for the cluster electrical connector. Next time spray the connector with a non-conductive silicone spray while it's out and then plug it into the cluster and it will slip on easily, and make good contact. 90% of the issues are contact related in the connector, either the cluster or harness end.

 

No,..I haven't taken the temp control loose. I was under the impression the speedo could be released and connected without removing the temp controls. I haven't payed any attention,...how difficult is it to remove the heater controls?

 

That's a good tip on the silicone spray.

I have the speedometer started. It's actuall pushed all the way up touching the clip. I just can't get it last last few thousandths of an inch and click into place.

 

Three or four screws. Then swing the whole panel (still hooked up) and rest it on the console.