Pulled dash, now lots of electrical issues

[aaronsoots]

Well I had the bright idea to change the bulbs in the dash of my '78 as a few were burnt out. Well when I did this and put it all back I have a lot of things not working now. I want to think I pulled a ground wire out someplace because it all was working fine before.

Here is what is not working: Gas gauge, Low Gas Warning light, low oil pressure light, tachometer, "brake light" and seatbelt light, hazards lights not working, and turn signals not working.

What IS working are the brake lights, headlights, headlight indicator(on speedo). Probably missing something in this but that's what I am up against.

I have checked all wires connected to the dash cluster and hazards and they are all secure. Didn't have time to do anything else last night but am tackling it after work and trying to get a few ideas before I go on my goose hunt.

First things I am thinking of are fuses and grounds. I think fuse 1 and 10 are what I need to check, is this correct? Also where is the main ground? I have seen people refer to it as a "crown" in the front near the headlights. Again my car is a '78.

Just had to go messn'... Any help would be great, electrical is not my strength.

[4uall]

This might help

http://wwwe.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopi ... ound+bloom

[azruss]

each gage has an individual ground that are daisy chained together. the contact is usually a spring clip that slips over one of the bulb sockets. It sound like you pulled some of those when reinstalling the cluster. Unfortunately it means pulling the cluster again.

[TX82FIAT]

Before you pull the cluster again check the common ground on the metal support under the dash near where your right knee sits. It is possible one of the many wires on the ground are lose from pulling dash. As mentioned, the dash cluster is daisy chained and one poor or missing point of contact could create lots of issues.

When it comes to electrical a methodical approach is always best. If you do not already have the wirng diagram for the 78 you should get it so you can trace the circuit(s) and eliminate possible issues one at a time. Check your fuses related to the circuits not working. The european fuses can at times look good when they have the smallest of problems. Ensure you have the correct bulbs and entertain the possability that a problem may have existed before replacng the bulb and the new bulbs may contribute to an old problem resurfacing.

Good luck, getting the electricals sorted can take time and patience but it is well worth it.

[aaronsoots]

Thanks for the help guys. I do have a wiring diagram just not the best at reading them. I will check the grounds at the underside of the dash area. I have checked the cluster over a few times and everything looks secure and snug, I actually swapped back in the old bulbs before I put it all back because I was near certain it was due to me doing something with the bulbs at first. When something goes wrong I usually put it all back the way I started before the change and start swapping out parts after it's all working again. THIS time that didn't work so well for me as it still didn't work with everything set back in place. Now that I have a better understanding where these ground pods are I will go hunting for a few loose wires.

[aaronsoots]

Fixed it. Was a fuse and a loose ground under the dash. Thanks again for the help.

[4uall]

HOORAY!