just picked up a 2000 outback that has an interesting elec. problem , the entire cluster works intermittently , if i flick the key off and on a half dozen times i can get it work but 100% of the time if i use the turn signal it kills the cluster, temp, tach, speedo, everything turns off while the car continues to run and drive normally , while the cluster is dead the radio and ac/heat work normally, sometimes it turns back on while driving , other times i have to turn the car off and do the key flick on/off thing a few times , when the cluster does come on while driving all the idiot lights that normally illuminate when you first start the car turn on for a few seconds and then go out like they should

i'm not sure if i am dealing with a ground problem, a bad ignition switch, bad turn signal hdlt combo switch, or all of the above , i can turn a wrench pretty well but electrical problems boggle me so any thoughts/help is appreciated !

 

anyone want to take a stab at this one ?

 

The turn signal is a short. You need a voltometer and to try different + feeds with a ground. Turn on the signals and see where the current is killed.

The entire dash not working is probably just a power short at the ignition in the steering column.

Where in NorCal are you?

 

Sorry, worded that wrong. I'm on my phone. The entire dash is a loose connection more than likely.

 

thanks for replying , I'm in San Jose

 

update today fwiw, unplugging the turn signal hdlt switch results in the cluster working 100% of the time, does anyone have a wiring diagram for the main harness that plugs into that switch ?

 

Yup! It's gotta be a short between the pos. on the turn signal between the lever and the cluster.

 

i'll look at it more tomorrow, forgot to add the turn signals work like they should when the hazard switch is depressed , perhaps even more proof that the problem is inside the car between column and cluster