Only half instrument cluster lights working

[dustyinthedirt]

I recently did the ground upgrade for my instrument cluster lights. (Followed cruisers instructions of attaching it to the stud. I sanded it all to shiner metal) I didn’t have any lights before and now they are only working on the right side of the cluster. 

Would this mean I’m half way there? 

i moved some bulbs around from one side to the other to see if the bulbs where just bad and no different results. 

[Ωhm]

IP Cluster uses two (2) pins for grounding Illumination Lamps (C203). Check both C203_5 and C203_10 for path to ground from the connector.

[dustyinthedirt]

Okay so I feel dumb for asking. But  how do I know which pin is 5 and which is 10? 

I’ve done some serious googling and came up empty handed. 

[Ωhm]

Page 78 shows C203 pinout.

 

88 Electrical Manual

[dustyinthedirt]

 I will go out now and check. Thank you!! 

[dustyinthedirt]

I have ground at both 5 and 10. 

To check the ground I put my multi meter on ohms and had 1.0 on both. This is the correct way right? I’m still new to the multimeter.

while I have the instrument cluster off is there anything I should check for back here? All the bulbs seem fine and the strip doesn’t look torn

[Ωhm]

22 minutes ago, dustyinthedirt said:

To check the ground I put my multi meter on ohms and had 1.0 on both. This is the correct way right?

Should be good here.

 

Check for voltage (12+) on the following pins: C203_1, C203_4, C203_9 and C203_16. Make sure Headlight Switch is ON and dimmer control is set to the brightest. Page 61 in the manual.

[dustyinthedirt]

I’m not getting but 10.68 on any of them

[dustyinthedirt]

And 12.38 at the battery just to rule that out. Spun the headlight switch a couple times and it only gets up to 11.1 nothing higher

[Ωhm]

You are reading voltage that drops across the dimmer variable resistor (rheostat). 10.68vdc should be enough to light the lamps. With good voltage and good ground, problem may lie on the printed circuit foil on the back of the cluster. Look for any open circuits there.

[dustyinthedirt]

12.38 at the battery just to rule that out. Spun the headlight switch a couple times and it only gets up to 11.1 nothing higher. I have the old headlight switch switched it back in and now getting 12.24 on all of them.. nothing seems torn scratched..

in the picture attached it is laying face down not spun so the left side of the picture  is the none working side.

the shift light, emissions and the seat belt light all still work.

One thing to notice on the left side is the little spots of black stuff which almost like mold or it could be corrision around most of the bulbs

[Ωhm]

That last photo could be area of concern.  Also seem like bulb sockets, when locked in, have worn thru the foil. Check bulb sockets for good contact at terminals.

[dustyinthedirt]

They haven’t worn through yet.. but There is a little corrision on the terminals. I will clean them up with a little scotch brite. But what about the foil backing? Can I scuff it gently with some scotch brite? 

[Ωhm]

It ain't doing you no good the way it is. Gently, Gently. Try it on just one first.

[dustyinthedirt]

THAT FIXED AT LEAST ONE!! I only did one and it works. Now to take it back out and do the rest!!! 

[Ωhm]

Things always come out easier the second time around. 

[dustyinthedirt]

Thank you for the help! 

[dustyinthedirt]

Just to finish this out!!

[Ωhm]

Back to normal. Looks good.