What should these 4 wires connect to? (2 Viewers)

[nashqadri]

After replacing the dashboard with a 100% identical replacement, the speedo, tach and some other gauges in the cluster stopped working. It lights up, engine temperature works, A/T indicators work fine but nothing else works. While I was trying to ensure that all grounds are connected using a voltmeter, one of the connecters to the combination meter is not showing 12V in the ground pin while the engine was running. Trying to trace where the grounds should be connected and noticed these 4 wires right under the steering column that are not connected to anything. I am positive that i didn't disconnect them. This is something from the previous owner. Would greatly appreciate if anyone has any idea where they should go and what should they connect to? Thanks!!

 

[Aloha Jen]

I’m no expert, but those don’t look like OEM wires. They may be holdovers from an aftermarket security system that was installed. Is there 12v power to any of them?

 

[jonheld]

After replacing the dashboard with a 100% identical replacement, the speedo, tach and some other gauges in the cluster stopped working. It lights up, engine temperature works, A/T indicators work fine but nothing else works. While I was trying to ensure that all grounds are connected using a voltmeter, one of the connecters to the combination meter is not showing 12V in the ground pin while the engine was running. Trying to trace where the grounds should be connected and noticed these 4 wires right under the steering column that are not connected to anything. I am positive that i didn't disconnect them. This is something from the previous owner. Would greatly appreciate if anyone has any idea where they should go and what should they connect to? Thanks!!

Have you checked the gauge fuse?

 

[nashqadri]

Have you checked the gauge fuse?

Yes, the fuse is good. Problem is in the gauge cluster.

Took the cluster to a reputable gauge cluster repair shop here in Whittier CA. He looked the circuit sheet and identified the problems. There are 3 shorts in the copper connections across the whole circuit sheet. He explained to me how the path to the speedo and tach travels from one side to the other and how the power to both of them is cut due to the shorts. One thing i missed mentioning in the post was i tried to install LED bulbs replacing all the old style incandescent bulbs and the guy said that could have been the reason because there is only one directional polarity in the LED vs no polarity in the incandescent. I find it hard to believe but that is what he said. The shop was pretty big in size and it seemed he had a lot of work in his hands with a couple of ppl working for him...so kind of trusting him. The cost of repair was at least $220 so i decided against repairing it. Will order a used un-repaired gauge cluster from eBay.

 

[Broski]

The 4 wires look like the dash speaker wires.
He’s right about the polarity of LED lights.
220$ seems cheap to fix the problem rather than taking a chance on a used E- bay one but it’s your money/time.

 

[Kernal]

Try Classifieds, Parting Out section if you're looking for a used cluster.

 

[ppc]

One thing i missed mentioning in the post was i tried to install LED bulbs replacing all the old style incandescent bulbs and the guy said that could have been the reason because there is only one directional polarity in the LED vs no polarity in the incandescent. I find it hard to believe but that is what he said

The guy is absolutely correct
LED - light emitting diode
Any type of diode allows voltage/current to flow in only one direction so they very much polarity specific while installing.

 

[nashqadri]

The 4 wires look like the dash speaker wires.
He’s right about the polarity of LED lights.
220$ seems cheap to fix the problem rather than taking a chance on a used E- bay one but it’s your money/time.

So the one I ordered today has a 90 day warranty. He was asking 240 and I offered 175 to which he agreed. If it doesn’t work I’ll return it and perhaps get my own fixed then.