98 S10 Blazer water temp, tach and fuel gauge not working

I managed to figure out the radio constant hot circuit was causing the warning lights on the dash to stay on. Now I need somebody smarter than me to tell me what they think this is. The oil pressure and voltmeter work,as do the SES light and airbag light(the airbag is still unplugged), none of the other gauges seem to work. I've yet to drive the vehicle to see if the speedo works but I'm guessing it won't because the odometer isn't lit up. I put in a new ignition switch and that didn't change anything. I tried the search option on here for the gauge problem but I had no luck, probably the loose nut behind the wheel causing that problem.
Thanks in advance,
Chip.

I managed to figure out the radio constant hot circuit was causing the warning lights on the dash to stay on. Now I need somebody smarter than me to tell me what they think this is. The oil pressure and voltmeter work,as do the SES light and airbag light(the airbag is still unplugged), none of the other gauges seem to work. I've yet to drive the vehicle to see if the speedo works but I'm guessing it won't because the odometer isn't lit up. I put in a new ignition switch and that didn't change anything. I tried the search option on here for the gauge problem but I had no luck, probably the loose nut behind the wheel causing that problem.
Thanks in advance,
Chip.


What was the problem on radio ann dash light waring light?
Was dash working before that problem?
Have you checked all fuses and power and ground to dash?

What was the problem on radio ann dash light waring light?
Was dash working before that problem?
Have you checked all fuses and power and ground to dash?
I have no clue if the dash was working prior. I pulled the radio batt fuse and the dash warning lights went out and the constant battery drain stopped as well. I've chased the wires from the fuse I pulled as far as I could and from the radio plug, it has been cobbled together after a person cut the plug off for an aftermarket stereo rather than buy a plug/adapter. I've tried checking with the ohm meter for wires shorted together and can't find any.

I can't find a ground for the dash anywhere and have no clue where it would be grounded. I first thought a bad ground was the cause of all my problems but couldn't find a common ground behind the dash or on the firewall.

Thanks for the reply, any ideas are greatly appreciated.

I have no clue if the dash was working prior. I pulled the radio batt fuse and the dash warning lights went out and the constant battery drain stopped as well. I've chased the wires from the fuse I pulled as far as I could and from the radio plug, it has been cobbled together after a person cut the plug off for an aftermarket stereo rather than buy a plug/adapter. I've tried checking with the ohm meter for wires shorted together and can't find any.

I can't find a ground for the dash anywhere and have no clue where it would be grounded. I first thought a bad ground was the cause of all my problems but couldn't find a common ground behind the dash or on the firewall.

Thanks for the reply, any ideas are greatly appreciated.

Have you checked for power to dash?

Have you checked for power to dash?
I will as soon as the rain quits. Unfortunately, I'm working on this one outside. I have two client paint jobs inside the shop and my convertible Buick apart in the last bay.

Ok This might sound strange but you can check these and see if they help.. They helped me with a similar issue.. Check to make the headlight switch is completely plugged in and also check the lighter for foriegn objects ie pennies,paperclips.. Best of luck!!

YEsterday, I pulled the plug that goes into the top of the cluster. I have two terminals on the plug that are hot with the engine running, if you turn the plug so the "receptacle" end of it is facing you. The number 4 and 5 or 5 and 6 have power, I can't remember which it was. When the hazard flashers are on, the two end terminals have power, the respective one lights with the turn signal as well. No other terminals have power.

Thanks so far for all the help.

YEsterday, I pulled the plug that goes into the top of the cluster. I have two terminals on the plug that are hot with the engine running, if you turn the plug so the "receptacle" end of it is facing you. The number 4 and 5 or 5 and 6 have power, I can't remember which it was. When the hazard flashers are on, the two end terminals have power, the respective one lights with the turn signal as well. No other terminals have power.

Thanks so far for all the help.

You need to get a wiring diagram on it.
Key on.
Pink wire A7 should have power from gauge fuse.
Pink wire A8 should have power from cluster fuse.
Orange wire A19 should have power from RDO battery fuse.

Black and white wire A11 should have ground.

Do these wire have power and ground?

If so and your gauge sending units have connection then your cluster is bad.

Thanks for the information MT2500. I finally got to mess with it for a little bit yesterday and here's what i found.
Key off A10 orange wire has power
Key on:A10 Orange has power
A8 Pink has power
A7 Pink has power

A9 is Black with a white line, it is a ground.
A11 is green or brown with a white line and doesn't go to ground or have power.

This was all done with the cluster removed.

Does this indicate a junk cluster? By what I read of your directions, it does.

I cannot thank you enough for your patience and willingness to share your knowledge.

Thanks for the information MT2500. I finally got to mess with it for a little bit yesterday and here's what i found.
Key off A10 orange wire has power
Key on:A10 Orange has power
A8 Pink has power
A7 Pink has power

A9 is Black with a white line, it is a ground.
A11 is green or brown with a white line and doesn't go to ground or have power.

This was all done with the cluster removed.

Does this indicate a junk cluster? By what I read of your directions, it does.

I cannot thank you enough for your patience and willingness to share your knowledge.

It points to a bad cluster.