Ok...so I accept defeat! Here's the story in a nutshell: Bought a car gutted. Spent 18 months puting it back together. Bought all new wiring harnesses, switches, gauges,....everything. Hooked everything up. Thought that part went simple actually. BUT! Not everything works. The short list: only amp gauge works (no oil press gauge, no fuel gauge, no temp gauge). Step on the brakes, instrument cluster lights illuminate. Turn signals-both flash at the same time. I have replaced the instrument cluster voltage regulator twice...the second time with the solid state unit. I know this is alot of bad mojo... but where do I start? Did I somehow miss a regulator or something? I am admittedly weak with electrical issues (I have all the books, but ugh!), so this is really kicking my butt.... ANY advice would be welcomed! There has to be a systematic process of elimination.. so frustrating!

 

Sounds like the instrument cluster is not grounded to the dash.

 

2+2 might be on to something. that amp gauge is the only one that does not rely on the cluster being grounded. the same goes for the idiot lights, but i guess you don't have them

that would definetly be the first thing to check:

when you turn on the lights, does the cluster illuminate?
if it doesn't, pull the cluster (all cables in place, just disconnect the speedo cable and pull out). then check if you have voltage at the cluster illumination bulb. i guess you do with light switch on.
If you do, run a temporary wire from cluster back blank spot (where it is hooked in dash to a spot where you have ground.
if the lights come up then, make this connection permanent and try from there

 

Thanks guys.... I did install an independent ground from the dash to the instrument cluster. My first attempt at troubleshooting, I used a test light...when I grounded the test light, and touched the bulb base...shazamm...things lit up... That was my first clue to the need for a ground to the dash. Oh, forgot to mention earlier...the cigar lighter actually works too..... Eat the elephant one bite at a time, right?...

I appreciate the input and direction... I expect this thread may be alive for a while!

 

Which terminals is the 12v coming in? Is it the male or the female?

 

jc237: not sure I understand where/what you are referring?

 

Sorry, The voltage regulator for the gauges. After a big rewire job the biggest mistake is applying the 12v ignition source to the wrong side of the regulator. The old regulator's arm would curl right up and a solid state regulator would get damaged or reject the source if applied to the wrong terminal.

 

That's why the harness is made male/female. It is impossible to connect backward.

 

Those painless easy wire harnesses come with no terminals.

 

I went with the original style wiring, and not the Painless system. There is a male and female on the regulator. It's wired correctly.