My 82 Monte sat for 7 years before I bought it last winter. I have done quite a few things to it, mostly engine, trans a A/C.

The biggest issue I'm having is what I suspect to be a grounding problem with the instrument panel. The dash lights dim down, the gauges are off and on or erratic.

The fuel gauge is pegged past full 99% of the time.
The oil pressure gauge is either at 0 or 60.
The temp gauge seems to work 60% of the time.
And the voltage gauge rests at 13.5 most of the time, but will drop towards 7-8 fairly often.

Where is the primary ground for the cluster?
And does anyone have additional suggestions?

Thanks,

Glen

 

First thing I would do is reach up under the dash to the back of the gauge cluster and make sure the wiring harness is securely seated into the gauge cluster. You may or may not be able to get to it depending on how small your hands/arms are. Mine are small so I did not have to remove the instrument bezel from the dash. If you cannot get up to it from the back, you must remove the instrument panel bezel.
I would also check the fuses and fuse box up under the drivers side dash high on the firewall. Make sure fuses are good and connections not corroded. Also make sure fusebox is securely fasten to firewall and tighten if necessary.
As far as ground locations. I have a huge ground in the center of my firewall to the drivers side of the distributor, one on passenger side above wheel well and just behind the overflow reservoir, 2 more located on the bottom support for the radiator (core support).
I would guess that the gauge cluster is grounded through the wiring harnesses..so basically, check your connections and harnesses for loose wires, corrosion, and since it has been sitting, check for chewed wires from rodents (they love wiring).
Before you start messing with electrical stuff, make sure you disconnect the negative terminal from battery. While you are at the battery, clean terminals and connections attached to it to ensure no corrosion is present.

 

I've got some pretty big mitts.. I'll give the fuse panel and gauge connectors a try..

 

Besides this forum the next most valuable source of information I have found for my 84 is my chiltons manual. Well worth what you pay for it!!

 

I have one, actually.. I'll see how much it discusses the electrical connections.

I did find that a ground strap attached to the firewall just right of the distributor is a possible source. When snugging down the nut, the whole bolt spins in place. I'll obviously address that first..

 

Keep us updated on what happens/what you find.