Chrysler Repair: 95 Lebaron inst. cluster gauges out, e mail system, chrysler lebaron

Question
QUESTION: My 1995 Chrysler Lebaron LX convertible 3.0 has a conventional instrument cluster.  Recently, the instrument lighting has become intermittent, most of the time not functioning.  Now, with the exception of the tachometer, the instruments themselves have failed.  The speedometer remains at zero, the voltmeter is at full negative, but the temperature, oil pressure and fuel gauges are frozen at operating levels.

I find no blown fuses, the headlights, turn signals, radio, top, windows and other systems work and the car starts, runs and drives.

ANSWER: Hi Bert,
I would look at fuse 14(5 amp) under then dash as far as the gauges are concerned as it is the "feed" necessary to power all the ones that aren't working. It may have a subtle crack. On the lighting I would look to see if the dimmer slider is flaky and if so spray some electronic circuit board cleaner in the interior of the slider's variable resistor.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Roland,
I checked the 14 fuse for continuity (ok) and changed it for a new one (also checked).  No change.  I've tried cleaning the dimmer, but I'll try it again.  I'd just buy another headlight switch, but can't find one.  Thanks for your help.  The e-mail system is refusing to send, so don't be surprised if this message comes more than once.
Thanks, Bert

Answer
I'm trying to sort out some discrepencies in the wiring diagrams, so test fuse 15 and 16 also and check that all three have voltage in the 'run' position of the ignition switch. I now see that fuse 16 is the supply to the cluster gauges, not fuse 14, and if it shows good then you will want to verify that it is getting to the cluster on pin 9 of the red plug and then that the solder joint between that pin of the socket and the cluster circuit board is patent. You might try reheating that joint just in case it is intermittent.
Roland


Hi Roland, I just wanted you to know, pin 9 was getting power. I used electrical contact cleaner on the pins and plugs and the gauges work, but I'm not confident that's completely it. The contact seems pretty touchy and I lack the tools for the solder job. I'm not too confident in my skill either; kinda ham handed.   I have found a headlight switch. The mounting studs for the switch are broken though, so now I get to haunt junkyards for the instrument panel hood to which the switch mounts. Such fun.    I just want to say thanks again for all your help. I'll let you know how it turns out.   
Bert

Thanks for the report. I hope it holds for you.
Roland