2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Gauges quit working

[estrada5.9]

So today while I was installing a boost and pyro I figured I would clean under the clear plastic cover for the factory gauges and since I was that far why not take off the black plate that the gauges stick through to clean that as well. While I was pulling it out the warning lights for the ABS, low wash, brake, etc all those bulbs that are attached to it came out some were pulled out I figured no big until i button everything back up and only my oil pressure gauge works any ideas.

94 reg cab 4x4 165k 5spd

 

[Dave M]

Have you checked fuses under dash panel?

 

[estrada5.9]

When I pulled of the black gauge bezel underneath the clear plastic cover all of the warning lights (LOW WASH, ABS, 4WD on the left side and on the right BRAKE, seatbelt symbol, SHIFT) were still connected to the black bezel which holds the powering circuitry from the instrument panel to the bezel via the bulbs the problem is all the circutry is still connected to the main instrument panel so when I separated the black bezel from the instrument panel this pulled the circuitry basically around the warning light bulbs and all but one section pulled right though but the super duper critical LOW WASH bulb ripped a nice little slit in the circuit and this cause none of my gauges to work.

Anyways what can be learned from this:

Always take out the warning bulbs before separating the gauge bezel from the instrument panel. The instrument panel comes out far enough that you can reach down and give each bulb a quarter turn and pop them out them carefully slide the circuitry off of the bezel.

 

[Dave M]

Whew!... . I'll make of note of that if I ever get in there. Were you able to repair/solder the broken connection in the gage circuit or do you need to replace it?

 

[estrada5.9]

The break was so clean I just taped it up real good. easy fix but really had me going