How to test the dash cluster

[Turbo6Smackdown]

Ok, now that I have my dash cluster out, what's the SOP for testing each trace? Is there some sort of volt tester I can jump to see if all my bulbs light up? Cuz my top row didn't light while installed. Also, what's the SOP for testing the little plug that's stuck to the dash that this cluster actually plugs into? I'm assuming I touch a meter to the copper pin thingies and turn the light switch on? What am I looking for. What do I set the meter too? Who here knows.

 

[v6turbo87]

The bulb sockets twist and need to make contact with the copper traces on the back of the cluster. One side needs to be 12 volts the other side needs to be ground. Make sure all the sockets are twisted and making contact. Any chance the bulbs are burned out in that row? As far as the connector that it plugs in to, you would be measuring for 12 volts. Put your meter on DC voltage. connect the black lead of the meter to ground. Turn on the lights. Probe each pin on the connector with the red lead look for 12 volts. Could also be the contacts on the back of the cluster are not making good contact with the connect.

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[Turbo6Smackdown]

I've zero clue what a ground is lol. I'm strictly mechanical. Sorry

 

[regan j]

Ground is the negative side of the battery or a metal surface that is not insulated by rubber- it completes the connection

 

[Bruce Urie]

I've zero clue what a ground is lol. I'm strictly mechanical. Sorry

No, seriously, a ground is what you hit when you've had just one beer too many...... I've tested it many a time. Hurts, too.

Bruce '87 Grand National

 

[Turbo6Smackdown]

So where is the negative side of the instrument cluster?

 

[v6turbo87]

You use a volt meter to test the connector the cluster plugs in to in the dash. You use an ohm meter to test the copper traces on the cluster that the bulb sockets make contact with.

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[v6turbo87]

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[Turbo6Smackdown]

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

That's great. Now how do I check a Buick Grand National instrument cluster. What values should I be looking for. And on what setting? Where do I put each probe?

 

[Turbo6Smackdown]

Noone? Gotta get this thing back together.

 

[Turbo6Smackdown]

Where do I put the probes at? And what setting on the multi meter?

 

[Turbo6Smackdown]

Looks like my trace is bad... Anyone know if this is fixable?