I have a 97 Dakota 5.2 manual trans. For at least 10 years the gauges would go out and the idiot lights would all come on. I would thump on the dash below the cluster, right of the steering wheel and they would come on.
Several attempts to remove cluster and locate problem revealed nothing.
Yesterday the gauges and odometer were out when I started the truck and wont come on. I have checked fuses with test light, removed cluster and checked connectors. Tried the cluster self test but nothing happens.
No gauges, no odometer, and all idiot lights on.
Since I retired I no longer have access to a scanner or shop manuals.
Feeling helpless and stupid with out a wiring diagram.
Looking for a schematic or tree chart.
Been looking at used clusters on ebay, but cant find one for a manual trans.
Does anybody know if they are interchangeable that year?

 

Moving to 2nd gen Dakota section.