Electrical Problem

[Dylan_rose]

1982 L-Type Automatic

So as of today the gauges in my cluster aren't working. Speedometer is the only one working. The Lights behind the cluster still turn on but no activity from the gauges.

Also getting nothing from the A/C system. No air, no defrost, nothing.

ALSO the car isn't responding to overdrive and won't go past third gear.


These were all working fine yesterday so they are obviously all connected and i'm hoping there's a simple solution

[EwGoetsch]

Have you checked all your fuses?

[Road Ripper]

You mean the blower fan isn't working? That's powered through a circuit breaker. I agree, check the fuse box in the driver side kick panel for blown fuses and reset the circuit breaker (stick end of a paper clip into hole in C.B. to reset).

[Supradad]

It could be a wire harness connector plug is loose.
Behind the gauge cluster or at the fuse panel area behind the left kick panel.
Where ever it was worked on just before it went bad.
If it was worked on before, like a stereo, someone did something to it.
That's a bunch of different fuses to blow, I'd look for a loose plug.

[Dylan_rose]

Hey guys, turned out to be a couple blown fuses.

quick fix but still a concern, anyone know what might cause multiple to go at once? like i said, everything was working fine one day, and overnight they were blown. I hadn't done any work on the car or messed with anything electrical. Just drove it.

Is this something i should be concerned about in the long run?

-Dylan

[Supradad]

Carry extra fuses like those you replaced.
Now you know where to look when it happens again.

[CarFreek]

It could be a number of different things. Like Ignition switch, or main power from battery, or a previous stereo install. You should look for what the different fuses have in common on a wiring diagram.

[Dylan_rose]

So the problem has persisted. The very first fuse on the drivers side kick panel is the one going out repeatedly (top-left fuse, #7.5 according to the manual.

This fuse is for the following (according to the manual):
-Automatic transmission overdrive selenoid
-Back-up lights
-brake system warning light
-Engine temperature gauge
-fuel gauge
-Heater main relay coil
-Low fuel level warning light
-oil pressure gauge
-parking brake reminder light
-Power window relay coil
-rear window defogger
-rear window defogger indicator light
-seat belt warning light
-tachometer
-voltmeter
-speedometer (digital)
-engine overheat warning light


anyone have any ideas on where to start?

[Dylan_rose]

Well i spent all day yesterday trying to figure it out with no leads. Took it in to have it looked at this morning. Turned out to be an exposed wire next to the steering column. Every time i turned right, a nut on the column touched the wire abd blew the fuse. Huge relief. looks like my electronics are still in working order! thanks for the help guys.