I just might shoot the speedo cluster in my [email protected]#[email protected]##! Jeep!

I have a 1976 CJ-7 with a wiring problem. I have looked at wiring diagrams on the Chiltons manual and I
know exactly how to read them now. My problem is that every time I hook up the fuel gauge the power
going through the wire to the gauge cuts out. There is power at the fuse box, and the fuse isn't blown. The
wire is supposed to go to the oil pressure gauge first, then fuel, then 4x4 indicator light. I can hook up the
oil pressure gauge and it works fine, still gets power. The fuel gauge is bad, I know this already and another
one is en-route as you read. I am just wondering if the bad fuel gauge could cause the following problem. I
turn the ignition on and there is power at all of the gauges. I can hook up all of the gauges except for the
fuel gauge and all is well. As soon as I hook up the fuel gauge power wire all of the power is lost, lost to all
of the gauges hooked into the one spliced red wire. I then have to remove the perfectly fine fuse and place
the exact same fuse back in the fuse box. As long as I leave the power unhooked to the fuel gauge I am fine.
If I hook it up I am screwed. I am just trying to figure out why if it is the fuel gauge that is bad, why do I
have to remove the fuse and then reinsert the same fuse to get the gauges to start working again??? I hate
electrical work. I was wondering if it may just be a lack of voltage getting to all of the gauges when the fuel
gauge is turned on. If so should I just solder the factory splice where the three wires merge? Has anyone
ever had this much problem with on damn gauge, if you have seen the other posts you know what I mean.
btw Thanks Chris and Joe for all of your help already. And before anyone suggests it, Yes, EVERYTHING
is GROUNDED. That really helps ya' know
So if you have any suggestions other than buying Autometer LFG's post away.


Lee R. Byrd