all instrument lights come on, guages stop working (Full Version)

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all instrument lights come on, guages stop working


  

Ratman667 -> all instrument lights come on, guages stop working (5/3/2008 5:41:22 PM)

ok, so i just bought a 2000 Cavalier coup with the 2200 series motor and manual trans.  i only paid $1000, so i was expecting some problems.  here is what its doing.  i can start the car and let it idle and nothing will happen but as soon as i put it in gear all of the lights on the instrument panel will light up and the guages will work for a bit, then go down like when the car is off.  if i am crusing in one gear only the check engine light and theft alarm light will come on.  but the guages still turn on and off.  i also get a message on the odometer that just says "error".  at first i was thinking it could be the vehicle speed sensor, but i cannot find any listing for one for a manual trans at any parts house.  another thought was the PMC could be bad.  i wont be able to run a diagnostic on it untill thursday.  on a side note, it does have an aftermarket stereo.  if anyone has had this problem, please let me know what it was.  


  

Ratman667 -> RE: all instrument lights come on, guages stop working (5/3/2008 5:51:01 PM)

ok, search came up empty, but i found my answer.  its a bad ground behind the instrument panel. 
http://www.chevroletforum.com/m_55275/tm.htm  that is the post i found


Ratman667 -> RE: all instrument lights come on, guages stop working (5/4/2008 3:35:12 PM)

i talked to one of the guys at work today who used to have a cavalier and he said he had the same problem.  he recomended running a wire from the ground prong (fender side closest to the firewall) to the negative battery terminal.  i tried it since it is easier than removing the dash and it works.  now as soon as i finnish the brakes, tune up and fluid changes, i will have a nice reliable car.  maybe this will help someone.


  

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