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Instrument cluster issues 66 plymouth

sunbee1224

sunbee1224

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I have a 66 Plymouth Belvedere ll that I am having instrument cluster issues. Here are my issues......not all dash lights are working. Have replaced all bulbs. Fuel and temp gauge not working. Have replaced voltage limiter. Also replaced fuel sending unit when I out a new tank in. When headlights are on and dimmer turned up right blinker light stays on solid green. Have replaced headlight switch. I have also unscrewed the the cluster screws that hold to dash and re tightened to make sure ground is good. What is my next move? It seems to me that it is a ground issue. Or, maybe the boards are bad??? Appreciate your help.
 
1224, are you doing all these changes while the dash is in the car? If so you may have knocked one of the plugs loose. Under the dash on the left side is a connection that relates to the Temp, Fuel, and I think dash lights. Can't remember but a couple other things. It has 5 pins I believe. Just a thought. Larry
 
I am doing all the changes with the cluster in the car. Problem is, I had the issues before the changes. Good idea to check that plug. Gives me another thing to try. Thanks!!!
 
I was looking at the wiring diagram and pictures of the instrument cluster. The gauges that are not working are on the same printed circuit board. You didn't mention which lights were not working. The only problem is the right turn indicator is on the other board. All of the inputs are unique to their origin. This is going to sound crazy but is there a chance the two 5 pin connectors are switched? Try this, with the ignition on, turn on your bright lights. If the temp gauge pegs, they are reversed.

http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1966/66BelvedereSatelliteA.JPG
http://www.mymopar.com/downloads/1966/66BelvedereSatelliteB.JPG
 
Well I tried the bright lights idea and to no prevail. Gauges didn't move. I did just go out and turn lights on in a pitch black garage to get more detail for witch dash lights are working and not working. No dash lights on passenger side of cluster. I was wrong when I said the right blinker glows solid. That one does nothing. Doesn't even illuminate when turned on. I hear it flash and it works outside all lights and blinkers work outside. It is actually the drivers side blinker that is steady green. It flashes when I turn it on. When I turn the dimmer switch to low it goes down. As far as dash lights on drivers side, maybe 2 at best. They are so dim that I have a hard time even noticing they are on. I think I have issues!!!! Anymore ideas? Thanks!!!
 
Are all ground straps in the engine compartment, trunk and under the dash installed and connections good
 
Yes to all grounds. Firewall to engine is good and clean and tight. I have removed the cluster screws, and made sure that they are in good shape and making good solid contact. Battery is grounded to motor. Again a good clean connection. You mention trunk. Not sure what that one would be. I have a good clean strap on tank. Also have the grounding strap on sending unit. Is there a separate under the dash strap other than the cluster screws?
 
If you have a test light or a meter, check for ground on any of the ground terminals. You're going to have to check it with the dash in place and screwed down.

Printed Ckt.jpg
 
Small metal piece goes between dash cluster and dash, this is a must. I did actually run a separate ground from the back of the cluster to the firewall for good measure. Fought all the demons you are and am telling you they are ground issues. Emery the areas around where the cluster screws and the metal piece meet the dash (bottom of cluster). I did end up purchasing a circuit board on one side as the pins coming out of it were loose from age. Good Luck.
 
I'm going to tackle the cluster this week. Wish me luck! While driving the car at night this weekend, I tried to pay more attention to dash lights. There are maybe two on the drivers side that are on. They are sooooooo dim though. Really don't illuminate enough to see gauges. But, both blinker lights are glowing solid green now. Flash fine when I use blinker. Go down if I turn dimmer switch. This thing will be the death of me. Lol. Never have been a fan of wiring. Thanks again everyone! Sure would be nice to have a gas gauge. So that means I can't ignore it anymore. 383 uses a bit more fuel than the /6 did.

- - - Updated - - -

TonyB, where did you fasten the additional ground to the back of the circuit board?
 
sunbee1224 said:
I'm going to tackle the cluster this week. Wish me luck! While driving the car at night this weekend, I tried to pay more attention to dash lights. There are maybe two on the drivers side that are on. They are sooooooo dim though. Really don't illuminate enough to see gauges. But, both blinker lights are glowing solid green now. Flash fine when I use blinker. Go down if I turn dimmer switch. This thing will be the death of me. Lol. Never have been a fan of wiring. Thanks again everyone! Sure would be nice to have a gas gauge. So that means I can't ignore it anymore. 383 uses a bit more fuel than the /6 did.

- - - Updated - - -

TonyB, where did you fasten the additional ground to the back of the circuit board?
Click to expand...

yes, then ran over to body, emery cloth a spot and used a self tapper. I would take the cluster out and use a meter to test all circuits for continuity. Easy to follow on back. You can also test bulbs at that point, again my pins were bad from disconnecting and age, not very stout, so be careful when unplugging. Have fun.
 
I am having similar issues on my 1966 Satellite. Do you mind telling me where you got the voltage limiter for the fuel and temp gauges?
 
Thank you I appreciate the helpful response.

Cmmopar said:
http://rt-eng.com/rte/index.php/RTE_limiter

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solid-State...lye-/161323075423?hash=item258f9ac75f&vxp=mtr

For extra ground you can use two wires to screw hole on each board that come together in a large hoop connector that you can attach to upper column mount/horn ground bolt on upper column mount bracket.

These are great boards made in Canada with stronger pins than original.

http://premiumdashdecals.com/dash_circuit_boards.htm
Click to expand...
 
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