The gauges have nothing to do with the inst fuse, that fuse is strictly lighting
The "circuit path" for the gauges (let's take temp) is as follows:
From the ignition switch power, is run to the dash cluster. NONE OF THIS IS FUSED (might be on later cars but not the inst fuse lol)
Ign switch...............cluster CONNECTOR PINS......circuit board..........power to the IVR.........out to the various gauges...........through the temp gauge...........back to the CONNECTOR PINS..........out on the temp sender wire to the BULKHEAD CONNECTOR.........out to the engine bay to the TEMP SENDER CONNECTOR............to the TEMP SENDER...........to GROUND
FAILURE POINTS this varies by year
Cluster connector pins are a big issue, they get loose, need to be soldered to the board traces, and cleaned
The IVR contact fingers can lose contact with the board traces, and you must solder jumpers across.
The gauges studs/ nuts can become loose/ corroded. Loosen/ tighten them a few times to scrub them clean.
Again the sender wire goes through a connector pin which can be loose
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If NO gauges are working, I would look for loss of power to the IVR from the ignition switch, a defective IVR (new does not mean good) or bad / loose contact fingers for the IVR on the PC board.
Here is a very old thread which is unsurpassed
Printed circuit pins repair
Scroll down showing the pins and IVR connector repair
View attachment 1715232314
View attachment 1715232315
