Ammeter grounded out.
Yes, grounding the cluster is a good idea. Also, are you aware of repairs on the cluster connector? The pins have a habit of getting loose, and you must re-solder them. Mine was in such bad shape, I just soldered pigtails to the copper traces and ran them off to a pair of "Molex" style connectors
On some years, you must be careful repairing the connector, as it can short against the casting behind it. Check over your gauge mounting nuts (tight) replace the instrument voltage regulator if there's any question as to it's age, and make sure the IVR connections "work." I had to solder jumpers across on mine.
This is the IVR socket on mine. The spring contacts were not actually making contact with the traces.
Yes, grounding the cluster is a good idea. Also, are you aware of repairs on the cluster connector? The pins have a habit of getting loose, and you must re-solder them. Mine was in such bad shape, I just soldered pigtails to the copper traces and ran them off to a pair of "Molex" style connectors
On some years, you must be careful repairing the connector, as it can short against the casting behind it. Check over your gauge mounting nuts (tight) replace the instrument voltage regulator if there's any question as to it's age, and make sure the IVR connections "work." I had to solder jumpers across on mine.
This is the IVR socket on mine. The spring contacts were not actually making contact with the traces.