Where is the Instrument Panel Cluster Relay located

[markiemark1988]

I have an 88 Comanche with instrument cluster problems. The gauge readings are wrong or not reading at all except speedometer of course. I see a Instrument Panel Cluster Relay listed as a possible problem or fix. I can't find the location for the relay voltage regulator. Thanks.

[Rockfrog]

Never heard of one, don't think there is one in an MJ. Usually they would be mounted to the back of the cluster (as my old Ford did). My 88 is direct wired from what I have found under my dash. Cluster does not have a regulator or relay on it, nothing in the harness, AFAIK it runs off 12v direct from the fuse panel. The sensors are all directly wired as well.

[Rockfrog]

Which guages are not reading? Which guages are wrong?

Simple test of the guage is to unhook the Op sensor wire, and ground it. It should run full sweep between the two conditions (disconnected and grounded).

The temp is tested in similar fashion.

[markiemark1988]

Thanks the fuse for the instrument cluster was good but all gauges gave non-nonsensical displays. Had to remove fuse panel and put in a new 5 amp bypass fuse for my instrument panel. Works now and thanks for the quick response. I had to do the same thing for my 10 amp instrument lights and rear lights fuse. The Comanche under dash fuse panel is a piece of junk and hard to access. Thanks again Comanche Addict. :thumbsup:

[Eagle]

I've never heard of an instrument cluster relay. What's the source for your information?

 

I believe there is a fuse for the gauges -- have you checked the fuse panel?

[Marine1Texas]

sounds like you have some issues in the fuse box. I bet the contacts on the back of the box have started to corrode and this will not be the last issue if it has. make sure you are not dripping clutch fluid, it can make all kind of funky issues thru the fuse box.

[onlyinajeep726]

Grounding issue?  All the gauges share a common ground, IIRC, so that, too, could be the source of your issue.  The ground for it runs to a 5/16" sheet metal screw under the dash, driver's side, by the courtesy-knee light.  Check for continuity between the cluster harness plug ground and said grounding point.

[HOrnbrod]

Thanks the fuse for the instrument cluster was good but all gauges gave non-nonsensical displays. Had to remove fuse panel and put in a new 5 amp bypass fuse for my instrument panel. Works now and thanks for the quick response. I had to do the same thing for my 10 amp instrument lights and rear lights fuse. The Comanche under dash fuse panel is a piece of junk and hard to access. Thanks again Comanche Addict. :thumbsup:

 

By jury-rigging your own circuits instead of repairing/replacing the fuse block and wiring you are creating possible ground loops that are going to bite you in the azz later on, if not sooner. Do it right. Pull the fuse block and look at the contact terminals from the back side. If it is clutch fluid leaking on it as Noriyori suggested above most of them will already be destroyed or deep in the process of destruction. Fix the clutch fluid leak, then the fuse block and wiring. You can replace the individual terminals, or if it's too far gone splice in a new block from the junkyard that's in good shape.

[markiemark1988]

Thanks for all of the input. I have replaced the clutch master cylinder 3 or 4 times to stop leaks. This particular master cylinder has not started leaking yet.  I have replaced and spliced in a gunk yard fuse panel years ago. Ground loops are created by grounding from unit to unit to unit, etc. The electronics are grounded to a ground not to each other. I replaced the Instrument fuse position in the panel with another fuse holding circuit after I separated the fuse panel connection at the firewall and pulled it out enough to get to the back side. I bought the truck brand new and after a 400,000 miles, 3 radiators, 4 clutches, replaced fuse panel, u-pull it bench seat, totaled wreck( purchased back from insurance company and completely restored), etc., etc., etc.. I thought the Comanche might have an instrument panel voltage regulator like some of the Fords and other makes, that regulate the voltage to the gauges. I will "do it right and not jury-rigg" it the next time. I hate being "bit in the azz" later on. Thanks again for the constructive input. :doh:  :bowdown:

[HOrnbrod]

Nice of you to point out all that in your original post markie. You sounded like a newb looking for the Instrument Panel Cluster Relay. Obviously you're not, and it sounds like you know exactly what to do.  Best of luck to you.   :thumbsup:  

[markiemark1988]

Rockfrog answered my question. RockAuto shows a Instrument cluster voltage regulator for the 88 Jeep Comanche. I'll try to make my original post more accurate so I will appear to be well a versed jeeper. If I knew exactly what to do, I would not ask a question in the first place.

 

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Thanks

 

 

[cruiser54]

Check out Tip 18 at www.cruiser54.com.

[reubj]

My, that was uncomfortable .....

[Eagle]

Not to belabor the obvious (although that IS my function in life) ... if you knew you were looking for an instrument voltage regulator, why did you post a question about a relay? We're mostly pretty friendly and helpful folks around this forum, but most of us aren't mind readers. I once tried to be one, but I sure didn't pick up "voltage regulator" when I read "relay."