So I was installing an aftermarket radio in my SC, and I went to ground it, saw a spark, but didnt think anything of it. So after installing the radio, I noticed the whole gauge cluster wasn't working. Only things that work are the gas and temperature gauges, and the warning lights. The gauges don't light up or move. Then, ever since that broke the cruise control stopped working, my electric seat only works when the car is off, and most of the dash lights have gone out. I know I probably shorted something when the spark happened, but I would like a definite answer on specfics. Any help appreicated thanks!

 

Check your fuses on the kick panel

 

Have you checked the fuses? Whenever there's an electrical problem that would be the very first you have to check. Anyways, the main ground of the cluster is mounted in the bracket of the radio/AC control. You might have forgotten to screw it back on, or it's loose. Good luck.

 

i did check the fuses, but i may have forgotton about one. and for the harness ground, i did read about that and mess around with it and ended up just grounding it to a better metal, or does it have to be grounded there?

 

It needs to be grounded to the body. Just because there's a metal part, it doesn't mean it's connected to the body of the car.

 

Friends of mine are saying this problem could cost 1k to fix.... is this true ? Still havent fixed it.

 

cant put a price on a fix if you dont know what the problem is.. thats like calling someon on the phone and saying hey do you hear that noise coming from my engine..

 

Well then can someone tell me what the problem might be then!!!

 

did you go back and check your grounds to the cluster? at work yesterday i forgot to put a ground on the passenger kick panel of a navigator and the lights to the dash didnt work. check all your grounds

 

If u live in orlando florida u can come to my house and im sure i can fix it for youjust pm me if your down and close.

 

how did you ground it.. sounds stupid but did you use any open metal spot or wire???

 

I dont live near orlando im 3 hours away :/ and inside the radio harness i grounded the dash to bare metal.

 

Well you still haven't answered if you have any blown fuses. First thing would be to replace any blown ones and report back.

I know its a hard lesson to learn, but ALWAYS disconnect the battery when you're working on electrical stuff.

 

I checked the fuses that would coincide with it and they weren't blown. And yes i know a lesson learned to late, my friend and i forgot. But like i said now the power seats only work when the car is off and the cruise control doesnt work.

 

Can you just tell me what you would do?