Gauge Cluster works intermittent

[malikaimiller08]

The lights that illuminate the dash only work sometimes, and my left turn signal only works sometimes, or when I position the steering wheel at a certain angle. The headlights will be on and I will have no illumination on the dash or any other controls.

 

[DintDobbs]

@malikaimiller08 If you take the gauge cluster out, you can see where all the light bulbs plug into the back. It might be a good idea to change all the bulbs while you're in there, and clean up the wires a bit. The wires are very thin and if the bulbs are not seated securely they won't make contact.

Alternatively, if it's either all the cluster lights work or all the cluster lights don't work, the issue could be that the harness connection for the gauge cluster is not secure. Either case will have you taking the cluster out, so you might as well check both while you're in there. It's not hard to do, just takes a bit of time.

I'm inclined to say the turn signal issue might be unrelated; is it the turn signal itself that doesn't work? Does the indicator work but the turn signal doesn't? Do both not work? Does the turn signal control not stay where you put it, but returns to center? Need more info in order to work that one out.

 

[amj441]

I know this problem. This is the plug that plugs into the back of the Blinker stalk in the steering column. These harnesses are prone to cracking and the pins will come loose occasionally making contact. which will allow for stuff to start working or cut out. (like your blinker.) youll need to check your harness. you can lightly pull on the wires from the back of the connector and see if they are loose. if they are they practically just fall out. youll need to get a replacement connector.

looks like this:

now for the dash lights? they should be controlled by the dimmer switch by the headlight. those like to corrode on the inside and youll have to spray some contact cleaner in it and roll it up and down. I wouldnt try to remove it from the face plate as it will just dust at this point. hopefully this helps!

 

[malikaimiller08]

@malikaimiller08 If you take the gauge cluster out, you can see where all the light bulbs plug into the back. It might be a good idea to change all the bulbs while you're in there, and clean up the wires a bit. The wires are very thin and if the bulbs are not seated securely they won't make contact.

Alternatively, if it's either all the cluster lights work or all the cluster lights don't work, the issue could be that the harness connection for the gauge cluster is not secure. Either case will have you taking the cluster out, so you might as well check both while you're in there. It's not hard to do, just takes a bit of time.

I'm inclined to say the turn signal issue might be unrelated; is it the turn signal itself that doesn't work? Does the indicator work but the turn signal doesn't? Do both not work? Does the turn signal control not stay where you put it, but returns to center? Need more info in order to work that one out.

There is a light, and signal on the dash for the right signal, but nothing at all for the left signal. I'll send a picture but no radio illumination, dash illumination, and steering wheel illumination when the headlights are turned on. I'll send pictures when home.

 

[410Fortune]

Try turning the dimmer wheel up and down, the contacts get dirty and it effects the interior illumination

Also you need to check the column wiring as mentioned above
The multifunction switch has lots of power running through it for the turn signals parking lights etc