What could be causing my gauge cluster to be not working correctly? All of the sudden while stopped at a intersection the battery and the parking brake light come on very dim, then I realize the speedometer stopped working, trip and odometer also stopped functioning. Everything else in the cluster works.

Could a fuse be out or did the cluster go die out on me? Apparently the VSS could cause this also?

At first I thought my alternator is dying since the parking brake and battery lights came on, than when I saw the speedometer is not working and the odometer is dead also, I figured it's not an alternator/battery problem.

If anyone has any idea why my gauge cluster has gone haywire please let me know, I would like to get this fixed as soon as possible. Thanks.

 

Anyone?

 

More info,

Just checked all the fuses, and fuse 14 which is a 15 A fuse was dead. Replaced it and it died on me again.

Helms manual says that 14 is:

Alternator
EGR control solenoid valve
ELD Unit
EVAP control canister vent shut valve
EVAP bypass solenoid valve
EVAP purge control solenoid valve
IAP control solenoid valve
Intake control solenoid valve
Primary heated oxygen sensor
Second heated oxygen sensor
Security Alarm system
Shift lock relay (A/T)
TCM
Vehicle speed sensor

With a list that long, it doesn't really help much. However, the VSS is included in there, which does control the Speedometer and the odometer...

 

You have a short in one of those circuits. Unfortunately, this is not something that can really be done online. You will just have to start checking your wiring. Did the fuse blow immediately after you replaced it? If so , that is a definate short. Just start checking each of those listed circuits in your previous post and use your Helms to find out what your readings should be.

 

You are right.

I spent a good 6 hours trying to figure out where the short is. I keep blowing that fuse. I disconnected my head unit, the VSS and tried to find where the short is. I "believe" that it's somewhere in the wires that connect to the alternator. When connecting the 2 and 3 prongs on the alternator connector I end up with a short.

I even yanked the crappy alarm system that the previous owner had installed just to be safe that nothing else is causing this, but I still blow the fuse.

I'm gonna take it to a shop tomorrow and have them deal with it. I gave it a shot and failed.