Dash cluster not working

JETHEL

MEMBER
1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
4.0L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
260,000 MILES

Today when I started my vehicle, I noticed my dash cluster didn’t come on. I saw no lights, as it would usually light up all of my dash signals, check engine, high beams, low fuel, etc, and no movement from my gauges either; voltage, gas tank gauge, tachometer, oil pressure or coolant temperature.
I tried toggling the lights, and the dash cluster light and got nothing different. I drove the vehicle on the freeway at a guesstimate speed for two miles. It shifted regularly through each gear and seemed to drive as it normally does, aside from the not working dash cluster.
The alternator is two weeks old, as is the serpentine belt, the battery and many of the fuses. All external and overhead lights work properly, and all my fuses and easily visible wires are in good condition.
How can you tell if a relay is bad? What relay would I be looking for?
Thanks for your help!

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Here is a link that explains how to test a relay, but there really aren't any relays associated with the instrument cluster.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

I attached the wiring schematic below for the instrument cluster. I need you to recheck the two fuses indicated in the pic, fuses 5 and 7. Both are located in the junction box located on the right-side kick panel.

In addition to checking the condition of the fuse, confirm there is power to and from them. Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Next, if the fuses are good, go behind the cluster and locate the solid black wire in the connector. With everything off, check for continuity to ground. The ground is located in the rear of the vehicle on the floor pan, so it may be corroded, damaged, or loose. Note, if there is no continuity, there is a splice that may have failed as well.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)