Author Topic: gauge cluster not working  (Read 4661 times)

Offline Mike85Silverado

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gauge cluster not working
« on: October 18, 2012, 10:15:33 pm »
Hey guys, just bought an 85 silverado and the only thing that really works in the gauge cluster is the speedometer.  Is there an easy/simple way to get all the gauges working?
Im not really car smart.... at all. So you have to explain things to me carefully, if you can.
Thanks guys
« Last Edit: October 19, 2012, 09:57:06 am by bd »
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Offline bd

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Re: gauge cluster not working
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2012, 09:57:29 am »
Check your fuses.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline Mike85Silverado

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Re: gauge cluster not working
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2012, 12:26:33 pm »
Are all the fuses just those little ones, by the parking brake? Shpuld I just buy a couple new fuses and start replacing the old ones? Sorry I'm dumb
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Offline bd

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Re: gauge cluster not working
« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2012, 02:09:25 pm »
Virtually all of the fuses are in the fuse box near the park brake.  It's a good idea to keep a small assortment of spare fuses handy in the glove box.  You can physically remove and inspect the fuses (if they're blown, it will be obvious), or you can purchase an incandescent test light and test the fuses with that.  A test light is a good basic tool to have.  The fuse for the instrument cluster will only have power when the ignition key is switched ON.

Fuses for your vehicle are the ATC/ATO style and are color coded.  The most common colors will be Brown (7.5-amp), Red (10-amp), Blue (15-amp), Yellow (20-amp), Clear (25-amp) and, occasionally, Green (30-amp).  The fuse box is stamped with the correct size fuse for each fuse location.  In some cases (e.g., power windows) a metallic circuit breaker will substitute for a fuse.  When replacing fuses, be sure to install the correct size fuse as indicated on the fuse box.  Circuit breakers rarely fail, so will not likely ever need to be replaced.  Except in an emergency, don't replace a circuit breaker with a fuse.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline zieg85

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Re: gauge cluster not working
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2012, 02:51:50 pm »
If nothing is working your connection in back may have pulled away from the housing as well.
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
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Offline Mike85Silverado

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Re: gauge cluster not working
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2012, 06:40:52 pm »
ok ill take a look at it next week, im working all weekend. I guess ill just go buy some fuses and replace the old ones and see what that does.
Thanks guys! ill let you know if it fixes the problem
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