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Topic: Instrument Cluster Short (Read 1040 times) previous topic - next topic

Instrument Cluster Short

[INDENT][/INDENT]Hey there, I need some help with a short circuit on my 1996 Mercury Cougar.

[INDENT][/INDENT]My Instrument cluster shorts out when I move the gear shift lever hard to the front, I have already taken apart the bezel surrounding the lever and Don't see any wires that would be causing a problem so I am guessing there is a switch in the lever or perhaps in the mechanism itself something causing the problem, just not sure what?? Also I have done a little research and have solved one of the common shorts in behind my CD deck so I know its not that.

Any and all help would be much appreciated.
Thanks, Daniel

Instrument Cluster Short

Reply #1 –
so what fuses blew as a result of your short?

when things short,, fuses blow or things smoke.

do you mean intermittant open?

Instrument Cluster Short

Reply #2 –
Sorry about that, I believe it was the 5 Amp panel lamp fuse I will double check when I dig it out of the snow. Also it is intermittent, I can put the 5 amp fuse in and It wont blow until I start moving the gear shift around. I put a 15 amp fuse in its place temporarily and its definitely somewheres in the gear shift as it flickers the lights when I put it into park and sometimes kills them completely, not blowing the fuse though and all I have to do to get them to come back on is turn the headlight switch to off and then back on again. I'm puzzled!

Instrument Cluster Short

Reply #3 –
rig up one of your circuit breakers ,,silverones,,via jumper wires to that location so you dont keep blowing fuses.

Instrument Cluster Short

Reply #4 –
I suppose... ha No clue on what in the shifter would be causing the fuse to blow? or anything underneath i should take a closer look at?

Instrument Cluster Short

Reply #5 –
not yet,  not today either,  driving to panama city all day.  hopefully someone will get to this before me
 

Instrument Cluster Short

Reply #6 –
I found where the short was coming from FINALLY. I will share with you guys where it was in case you have a similar problem... The short was coming from chafed wires on the shift indicator light! didn't notice it until I took the shift  off and actually removed the whole indicator piece. Easy fix.. Thanks for the help.