Ultimate Advantage Cluster - No Power

[bearsum]

My '99 Ultimate Advantage Instrument Panel does not appear to be getting any power. When I turn the ignition key to run, everything around the cluster operates, switches, radio, backlights, etc. The high beam lamp in the message center works.

I am looking for a common fuse, a common power lead, a common ground, or maybe a common pin on the ignition key switch that links all the gauges and message bar, but no luck yet. I have downloaded every wiring diagram from Winnebago, but they seem limited in their value (I know, it's me). They don't have an image of the under hood fuse blocks identifying the twenty automotive fuses, or many of the circuit breakers. Only one panel is labeled. (By the way, all the automotive fuses are good.) I don't see the ignition switch on any wiring diagram either. Since each gauge and the message bar are separate it wouldn't seem like the cluster assembly would be bad. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[AFChap]

The problem may just be a loose or missing connection...

I have had a problem a few times with a connector on the back of the panel. It has come partly loose, or completely loose, and killed a big part of the panel. Last time I had to put it back in place I believe I used a strip of tape to secure it, and that has kept it in place.

[ernieh]

I'm not sure what chassis you have, but what you describe is not uncommon on Freightliner chassis of your vintage. The problem can be traced to a relay on the right frame rail near the starter. There are 3 relays at that location. One of them controls power to the cluster, one is the starter solonoid, and I don't remember what the other one does.

You can bypass with a temporary jumper to see if it solves your problem.

[KIX]

The reason you are not seeing the cluster wiring is that that wiring is supplied by the chassis manufacturer. Contact your chassis manufacturer and hope they will send you a cluster diagram.