I examined the all the wiring of the instrument cluster and repaired what needed to be fixed. I'm content that it all is correct now. I believe I have one more opportunity to fix something else the "custom" car shop screwed up. I've noticed that the "Volts" meter in the console pod reads 8 to 10 volts with the key "on", even though a multimeter across the battery reads 12.5 volts. Sometime this week I'll need to trace down where the idiot connected the meter's +12v feed to.

I had to buy a new battery today. If I charged the old one to 12.5 volts and tried to start the car once, the battery would then read 8.8 volts. Unless of course it caught, then the alternator voltage would read 13.1 volts and it would recharge the battery.

Now, after several different test, I found out the 4g alternator's voltage regulator is bad. I've ordered and will replace the voltage regulator when it arrives. Hopefully by the end of the week.

So let's see how good my luck has been:
1. I get the car back with a totally hacked up instrument cluster install.
2. The next morning, while I'm driving to the store, the steering pressure switch blows out. (Replaced unit.)
During the next week.
3. A four year old (Sears Diehard) battery goes bad. (Replaced.)
4. The alternator goes bad. (Working on it.)

RF Overlord was right...this has been "the gift that keeps on giving".

I'm just wondering how much of this was caused by mis-wiring the instrument panel.


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