The saga of the gauges and lights continues.

If my cluster is fully inserted:
Glow and hi-beam light stay lit.
High beams make the GP light go out, beam light on. Also: no temp. Tach reads x2 (1k = 2k, 3k = 6k, etc) or no tach
Temp gauge pulses (looks like a heartbeat pulse) and may be reading higher than true. (Normal running temp seems to be 95-100C?)
Fuel gauge does not work at all.

If I pull the cluster just SLIGHTLY outward:
Tach goes out
Temp gauge goes out
Lights go out, operate normally (GP light on only when cycling GP's or beams)
Fuel gauge works, no pulsation.


From what I've read, this is a ground problem and the consensus is to clean the grounding cluster behind the gauge pod. Did that, wirebrushed them, applied dielectric grease and all.

Why does the amount of insertion make a difference on the gauge behavior? all of the connections on the rear of the unit have also been cleaned, and grease applied. Is the gauge cluster ground a friction contact with the dashboard? I'm confused here.

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Vehicles:
2002 SLK 230
Gone but not forgotten:
1983 300D
1981 El Camino 'OILBRNR' - 6.2L diesel
OM617 powered '86 F150
1984 BMW 524td
2001 VW Beetle TDI
1994 Sunurban 4x4 6.5L diesel