Topic: 87 turbo 4runner digital dash problem

[obex26]

Well I wish I could say I had a partial clue but I don't.  I just picked this up friday night and well everything was fine.   

The truck is an 87 4runner with a turbo engine and the automatic tranny.  It has every power option available including a completely DIGITAL DASH.

Here are my gremlin issues.
I put 20 bucks in gas (yea about 7 gallons) and the low fuel light is still on and reading as the tank is empty.

Second while driving when I go to apply the brakes the entire dash will go blank as if the truck was turned off. It will not come back on until I release the brakes.

Third It also has the problem of the dash going completely blank when I turn on the headlights.  If only the running lights are on the dash is still on.   Everything is off when headlights are on. 

Any Ideas..  The manual doesn't say anything about digital dashes...  well at least what I have read so far.


Thanks for any help.

[Marlin]

It sounds like you have a missing ground.

All turbo Runners were autos, and only came with the ditigal dash.

With out the cluster proprely grounded, it will search for a ground, even going thur other circuts to find it.

Remove the cluster, and check the plugs for missing grounds, and then examine the circut board for loose or broken connections.

[Rocksurfer]

I had an 86 Turbo and the ground from the back of the engine to the firewall broke off and I had the exact same problem. So Check to see if that ground strap is connected.

[obex26 [OP]]

Are there any more ground connections other then the one on the firewall and the second at the bottom of the block by the frame on the passenger side near the oil filter area?   

Any suggestions on my fuel gauge or probably related to the first problem.   I do need to replace the motor mounts...

[Rocksurfer]

Well I sold my 86 in 2000 so I have to think back but I'm sure there is one on the back of the instrument panel going to the inside firewall to complete that circuit. I have found that the majority of electrical issues is with a ground or lack there of.