QuestionHi Roland,
I found (1) ground wire connection on the driver side cowling, (2)on the driver side and (1) under the dash. Each have been cleaned and replaced as you suggested on 2/2/06, The interior cluster electrical is still not working. Can you think of another possibility?
Michael
AnswerHi Michael,
You mean that everything else is now working? Great!
I will paste in you earlier question and my answer below just to have a complete history for others who may look this up in the archive.
I assume that you have the analog type cluster with mechanical gauges. The variable dimmer supply to the cluster lights also powers many other dimmable dash panel lights which I assume are working. The power goes into the cluster on pin #8 of the black plug on an orange wire. And to complete the circuit the current has to go out pin #14 of the red plug on a black/orange ground wire to a ground point on the right side cowl panel, probably are mirror image of the one you found on the driver (left) side cowl.
There are other dimmable lights for the console that also ground to that cowl point, so if those are working and the instrument cluster is not, then you will need to check that you are getting the variable voltage supply to the black cluster plug and that the ground wire on the red plug is indeed grounded. If either of those is missing then we have to go to the splices where the wire might be loose or search for a break in the current wire path. So that is you challenge! Check the ground point on the right cowl first.
Roland
"I have purchased a 1994 LeBaron Convertible will full options. Everything works except the radio, the interior lights, the map light, the dash lights, the alarm system, the automatic electric door locks, and the message center.I have checked all fuses and replaced the onboard computer under the passenger side kick panel.
The car has sat in a field for three years and the previous owner had the ignition switch hot wired so to start you turn the key and push a button.
I have seen the wiring diagrams and have failed to find a second fuse box. When I turn the dash lights on, a bell rings from under the dash. All the guages work and the heater/AC are fully operational. The PDL works if you push the button but the manual describes them locking after leaving the car. All the exterior lights work after changing the dash panel. The electric seats work as well. What could I be overlooking?
Michael
Answer: Hi Michael,
Whenever many different circuits powered by different fuses are not working the cause is probably related to the balance of the circuit, e.g. the common ground path that returns the current from the devices to the negative post of the battery in order to complete the circuit. There are a couple of body points where the return wires from the items that you say are not working should be attached. It may be that they are attached but the attachment point has rusted or corroded. Take a look on the both the right and the left side cowl panels. The cowl is the panel just in front of the door opening to the left and to the right of the driver and the passenger shin, respectively. You should find a black wire(s) attached to a grommet which is screwed or bolted to this metal body panel. You might have to look behind a trim panel to find the attachment point. I believe it is just in front of the lower corner of the door opening. Check the grommet and panel to make sure they are both shiney and attached tightly. See if one or both of those ground points, when verified, solve your problems.
Roland"
