Volt/battery gauge non-responsive. Cluster or wiring?

[rjd2]

Hi folks-I searched the forum history, and found alot of chatter about LOW voltage readings at the gauge, but nothing on NO signal at the gauge. My entire cluster works fine-the water temp gauge works as it should. I have no signal at all at the battery gauge. Before I go ripping stuff out, where would the most likely culprit be, in the cluster or in the wiring? Thanks for the help!

[Bitsyncmaster]

Battery voltage for the gauge goes to the seat belt warning and door ajar warning lights. If those work your + voltage is getting into the binnacle.
Ground for voltage gauge is shared with left signal indicator and high beam indicator. If both those work you getting the ground.

If that is the case, your gauge or a connection on the flex circuit has gone bad.

[Timeless]

FWIW - I replaced my cluster circuit board today with DMC repro during the LED bulb upgrade project. The original circuits were ok and everything in the cluster worked. I only found a small crack and 1 copper section lifting at the main connector. I did this because they aren't expensive and why not while the binnacle is out and it's 44 years old.
binnacle board.jpg

[rjd2]

thanks! so I have no warning lights at the binnacle for seat belt or door. where should I start tracing?

[Bitsyncmaster]

thanks! so I have no warning lights at the binnacle for seat belt or door. where should I start tracing?

Most of the time it is the flex circuit has lifted copper where the connectors mate.

[poidog]

Most likely a sticky needle. You?ll have to remove the cluster from the binnacle to give it a nudge with your finger to unstick it. Exact same thing happened to me.