Instrument panel problems!

[Redbeard]

I recently pulled my instrument panel (1981 FSJ Cherokee)out a bit to free up my heater controls. The heater works great now but I seem to have done something that has totally screwed up my electrical system. Now, when I activate my instrument panel lights by turning the headlight switch knob with my parking or headlights on , my gauges (fuel, oil press etc) peg to max. My amp meter is fine and my temp gauge is fine with eng cold). My 4-way flashers and directional signals do the same thing to my gauges. If my flashers are on and I activate a directional signal, the panel signal indicators dim and the high-beam light begins to glow.
I figure I have a ground problem but after checking the **** panel for hours, I still can't find the fault. The dedicated ground to the panel is good and plugged in. Once again, all works fine until any lights are fed power in the instrument cluster (gauge lamps, turn signals, etc.) This is really begining to drive me nuts!! I have a hunting trip coming up and my "Panzer" is sick :( Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. I can't help but think this is related to me moving the panel because all was fine before I messed with anything. The fault has to be there somewhere.

[clavin001]

I've had my instrument panel out a few times (which means one too many), and can't think of what could cause your problem. Do you have power locks/windows? I had a problem with my truck that when I tried to operate the power windows, the lights, high beam indicator, seatbelt alarm, dome light all activated. It turned out to be the window relay. If I disconnected the relay from the circuit, I would get the same symptoms. If you don't have power windows/locks, I would suggest removing the instrument panel and disconnecting and reconnecting all the connectors (there aren't too many) and see if your problem goes away.

[Redbeard]

I do not have power door locks or power windows. I have had the panel in and out a dozen times and checked all obvious connections. The worst of it is not having a wiring diagram to go by with the color codes of the wires on the main multi-plug that plugs into the rear of the dash panel. I have no way to verify values at this point.

[BIG BAD JON]

Rick, buy a hanes manual at autozone, theyre $14. There are wire color codes in the back.

[clavin001]

What did you use to free up your heater controls? Whatever you used could be shorting out the panel or connectors.

[Redbeard]

I freed up the heat/defrost vacuum valve with WD-40. I suspected the headlight switch but even if I disconnect the headlight switch multi-plug from the switch, the directional signals still trip the gauges. I assumed that the problem was not the headlight switch because of that fact and also because all lights work fine.

[clavin001]

Are ALL of your instrument panel bulbs working?
Is it possible that you sprayed down onto the fuse block. It's not very far from the light switch, especially if you were using the little red wand.

[Redbeard]

All instrument panel bulbs are working. When I freed up the vacuum valve, I used very little penetrant (with a paper towel under the valve area to catch any overspray)so I doubt if that is what caused the fault. The fuse block is dry too. I'm so frustrated I could scream.

[clavin001]

I know how you feel. I work in electronics for a living, but I hate everything about automotive electronics. Does anything besides the instrument panel show the malfunction? I take it you don't have another instrument panel?

[Redbeard]

Just the turn signal indicator lamps and 4-way flasher indicators. Both are on the same panel. Everything else is fine. It has something to do with the instrument lighting but I know not what!! I'm embarrased to say that I install boat electronics, radars, GPS systems, VHF radios etc. and this little fault on my Jeep is getting the best of me :-(

[CowKiller]

they get the best of all of us

[clavin001]

Try removing all the bulbs from the sockets on your instrument panel and see if your gauges react the same way if you try to turn on your dash lights. If the gauges act normal, then replace each bulb, one at a time, until the problem returns. How far did you take the instrument panel out of the dash?

[heydave]

I recently had a similar problem. I traced it down to loose pins on the circuit board where the wireing harness plugs in. I soldered the pin and all has been fine since.
Good luck!

[Redbeard]

Thanks Dave.....I dropped you a brief e-mail with a couple of questions concerning the removal of the instrument cluster. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

[heydave]

The pins that were loose on mine were the four on the right side on the back of the panel. I did not have to seperate the circuit board, I just carefully soldered each pin at its base from the back. Be gentle when plugging in the harness and you should be good to go.
My problem was the instrument panel lights were blinking. As for the gauges, none of mine have ever worked since I have owned it. :D
Wish you luck, hope this helps!

[Redbeard]

Thanks Dave. My 81'FSJ only has two plugs (One male & one female) on the rear of the panel. The 4-prong female plug with only two wires feeding it and the other is a multi-prong plug (male) that has about 7 or 8 wires feeding to the center of the panel.