Problems with power to dash

[80serieskiwi]

Hello guys,

Firstly thank you to anybody who might be able to help. - i have searched both on google and on here but keep finding issues about trucks not starting at all or other electrical problems, none that relate to the below.

Ive got a problem with my 1992 80 series 4.2l TD auto w/ front and rear diff locks. (LMK if you need anymore info on specs)

When i turn the igniton on the normal lights ie coils, engine check light, temp warning etc dont turn on on the dash board.

The diff lock lights do turn on for a few seconds when the igniton is turned on.
The truck does start and run correctly. - i just waited 10 seconds assuming the coils are working just no dash light, it starts perfectly.
The handbreak light does work correctly.

is this an issue anybody has had before? any suggestions where to look first?

 

[80serieskiwi]

ok to clarify the problem when i say dash i mean instrument cluster. The instrument cluster does have power to it, the backround lights work and the handbrake + door light both work. all the guages work, oil pressure water temp revs speed etc etc. diff locks work - although currently only the center and front will engange but i believe thats only because they probably havent been used in a long long time. - ive read up enough to deal with this later.

Ive checked the connections of both the batteries and gave them a clean and some petroleum jelly - all ok. at idle its sitting at 14.5V and 12.5V at rest.

Ive removed and checked all the fuses in both the fuse box in the engine bay and the fuse box by the steering wheel. All ok.

So the part thats not working are the lights for the warnings all along the bottom, such as the AT temp warning, water in the diesel, over heat, low oil etc etc what ever they are.

help me!

 

[george_tlc]

You might have more luck in the diesel sub-forum since presumably the wiring to the dash is different that the 1fz etc we get in the US.

Anyhow, given only the bottom row of warning lights is out, I'd personally pull the instrument cluster and check the connections. Most instrument clusters use a PCB technology to connect the bulbs together and then to the connector/harness. Seems like you have a common issue to all those bulbs (and only those bulbs) so it would seem quite feasible that the problem is within the cluster itself...

cheers,
george.

 

[80serieskiwi]

Thanks,
I have pulled the cluster and removed and reinstalled the plugs going into it. All seem well connected and no damage or apparent fxxxery. From the look of it the plastic surrounds had been removed before(few stripped screws ) I'm guessing for the stereo but the screws to the instrument cluster appeared to be factory.

Just as some more info, when I turn the key to start the truck some of the lights come on while it is cranking, the 3 in the lower left corner. (Water in the diesel, AT temp warning, timing belt)

 

[george_tlc]

You'll need to find the electrical wiring diagram for your diesel and figure out what is common about the bottom row. >99% of this 80's forum is 3fe or 1fz vehicles... Like I wrote, post in the diesel subforum and someone with a diesel 80 and the EWD may be able to make further suggestions.

cheers,
george.