1991 Plymouth Voyageur guage failure

[polarbear]

I have a 1991 Plymouth Voyageur. When I went out to start it today it didnt want to go. Due to the cold weather I had to boost it. Once it was running I noticed my guages were not working. I got into my Haynes book and looked in trouble shooting but there were no specifics. I found the fuse for the guages and it was fine. I did notice when I pulled the fuse the guages did dive a bit and when I put it back in the guages came back up a tiny bit. The check engine light is on and stays on. Can someone tell me where I should start to trace the problem. I might add one problem I have is the connector to attach the vehicle to the computer is missing so I cant go that route. Can I check error codes another way? My skill level is pretty much amateur, have done things like brakes, oil pan gaskets, alternator etc. I maintain my own equipment such as chain saws, 3 wheeler, lawn tractor etc. Thanks for taking the time to read. polarbear

[mdshunk]

I don't think that your van ever had a diagnostic connector, did it? You can pull your codes with the key off on sequence and watch for the flashing check engine light.

Place the key in the ignition and turn it ON, OFF, ON, OFF, ON. (NOT start!) The engine light will start to flash the two digit trouble code. There will be a very short pause between digit flashes and a slightly longer pause between the codes.

I'm not so sure that anything related to your malfunctioning gauges will appear in the engine codes. I think your trouble is a more fundamental wiring or electrical issue.

[polarbear]

Thanks mdskunk. There was no code, I did the routine. Found the problem. Took out the guage panel and found the Z3 ground wire had malfunctioned some where along the line. I took a piece of wire and spliced it in and grounded it to fire wall. Solved the problem. As far as the diagnostic connector, yes there is one under the hood on the drivers side. The guy I bought the vehicle from cut it off and threw it in the glove box. They also cut the tail light wires for a trailer right down to the floor boards.

Not that a mini van is a prized possession or anything, I kind like this one. Did a little work to it, painted it and here is a picture just for fun sake. It was a good buy for a couple hundred bucks. Was used to pull a bigger trailer, extra spring in the back, heavy duty hitch etc.http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v167/badpolarbear/van.jpg