Weird Cluster Issues...Need Help!

[Freude am Fahren]

Hey Folks. I replaced the shocks and springs on my M Tech but now that lead to or coincided with a new instrument cluster issue. When I turn the ignition to ON (2nd position not turning on the car) the battery and ABS lights are the only ones that turn on. My check engine light, emergency brake, brake light, check light, or service indicator lights are all dark. When I turn the car on, the gas gauge shows the correct reading for a second or two before it dies. The same goes for my tachometer and econometer. My temperature reader does the same thing. Works for a split second after turning the engine over but then dies. My speedometer functions OK. There are no other issues. None of these issues were present prior to the suspension swap. There are no blown fuses. Any ideas what could be causing this? Bad alternator maybe?

[Nick_S]

Did you for some reason unplug your battery when you installed the new springs and shocks? Otherwise I can't see how replacing the suspension would affect the cluster.

[Freude am Fahren]

No unplugging the battery. I was thinking that the suspension swap is a sheer coincidence.

[dnguyen1963]

The symptoms are odd. Take out the cluster and exam the SI board for corrosion and cracks in the solders. If you have never replaced the batteries, it is time to do that now.

[rturbo 930]

Check your fuses. I had a similar problem, and that's what it was (but it keeps blowing :-x ).

[Freude am Fahren]

Fuses are all intact. Checked twice already.

[Freude am Fahren]

Did more investigation and found out that the blower motor for ac/heat is not working either. Again no blown fuses.

[rturbo 930]

That's definitely the same problem I have. As I mentioned, I had a blown fuse, but it's done it a couple times since then, so obviously, there's a problem elsewhere. Only thing I've noticed is it seems like it does it after I've used my headlights, ie, I'll drive with my lights on with everything working, shut my car off, and the next time I drive it, the fuse will be blown and my cluster will be out, so I'm thinking maybe it has something to do with the headlight switch?

Wish I could help you but I have yet to figure out my problem. Def interested as to what's causing yours. Oddly, my problem came up right after suspension work too.

[Freude am Fahren]

That's definitely the same problem I have. As I mentioned, I had a blown fuse, but it's done it a couple times since then, so obviously, there's a problem elsewhere. Only thing I've noticed is it seems like it does it after I've used my headlights, ie, I'll drive with my lights on with everything working, shut my car off, and the next time I drive it, the fuse will be blown and my cluster will be out, so I'm thinking maybe it has something to do with the headlight switch?

Wish I could help you but I have yet to figure out my problem. Def interested as to what's causing yours. Oddly, my problem came up right after suspension work too.

What number fuse keeps blowing on yours? Does the ac/heat blower work on your car? The suspension bit sounds now more than an innocent coincidence if you are suffering from the same issues precisely after a suspension overhaul

[rturbo 930]

What number fuse keeps blowing on yours? Does the ac/heat blower work on your car? The suspension bit sounds now more than an innocent coincidence if you are suffering from the same issues precisely after a suspension overhaul

#10 keeps blowing. And no, no HVAC controls work when it's blown. It's exactly the same as your problem, might be a different cause though. I don't think the suspension work is anything more than a coincidence, but it's still a little odd.

I should mention though, recently I've gotten another problem where my brake lights and reverse lights have stopped working, although it seems to be separate from the original cluster issue.

[Gregs///M]

Test your fuses with a test light, not digital meter, not visual check. Or just replace all three cluster fuses.

Cluster grounds are above the brake pedal near the steering column. Should have a bunch of brown wires going to two 10mm nuts on a bracket. Make sure the ring lugs are clean and secure.

[Freude am Fahren]

Fuse 10 was the culprit. Visual inspection fail. Lesson learnt. Will yank out the voltmeter next time.