I recently replaced my dash (cracked like everyone else’s) and after replacing the lower and upper dash, everything mostly back together and gave it a quick check before finalizing with the instrument bezel, and it starts but the guages don’t move, the odometer is blank and lites for items I don’t have (cruise…) comes on. Turn signals work though, so I got that going for me…
any hints? Reset the computer? Check the tires?
thanks for the help

 

Is the connector for the instrument cluster back in properly? Any fuses blown?

 

Only two connectors for the cluster and I’ve reseated it twice. No blown fuses anywhere. Turn signals work and the ‘Brake’ lite works. And with the guages not working, it might be why i have a fuel lite and check eng lite. I have no cruise but I have the lite. Odometer is blank so I’m hoping it’s not a bad PCM.

 

Mileage is stored in the cluster. (though I think the PCM tracks it too.) On the 98, all the gauges get told what to display via the communications bus, from the PCM. You can do a cluster test, hold the trip/reset button in the cluster, turn the ignition on, then release the button once the test starts. It will turn on all the lights, and run the gauges thru their full sweep. Cluster codes will be displayed in the odometer. Give it a shot, see what happens.

 

Thanks. Tried it and nothing happens. I noticed, while looking under the dash, that there is a wiring harness with several splice connectors that aren’t hooked up. I’ve been looking at schematics to see where they go but only found one opposite end connector where one would go. It’s an orange wire that goes to a relay that’s taped up and can’t see all 4 wires.
Maybe i should be looking for a a ground wire that someone (me) forgot to tie down..

 

There are a couple under there. The service manual will show you the interior ground locations. Hopefully, it's that simple.

 

If the self test doesn't do anything the cluster doesn't get power/has no proper ground. While all of the gauges are PCM controlled there are quite a few warning lights that are conventional light bulbs directly driven from whatever controls them (turn signals, high beam indicator, parking brake, 4WD). If there are other lights which shouldn't be on it might be a ground issue. Check connector 1 pin 2 (dark blue/white) and pin 6 (yellow) for 12V, pins 4 and 5 for proper ground.

 

If i remember correctly there are a few ground connections that attach to the steering column bolts(mount under the dash) and one of the side dash support bolts. Trace them and see if they are hooked up.

 

Thanks for the head-up.
I'm not real bright some days, I was planning on doing the job in a day and after a month (waiting a part) I'm hooking things back up and should have taken a picture of these wires. they are under the steering wheel and they are not all used...as I recall, but the key to my guage issue is in these wires. I've been looking at schematics and trying to chase the wire colors to a splice to see how they are hooked up. If anyone has a '98 around my area, I would love to have a look under your dash.
Thanks for the help/

 

Which is connector 1? I'm presuming you are talking about the two connectors for the cluster. The left one or the right one?
Thanks.