Just like what it sounds like. My dashboard and my headlights don't like each other.

During normal day driving, my instrument cluster works perfectly fine.

When I turn my headlights on, my fuel gauge, Temp, oil pressure, and volt reader all die. My Tachometer lags, and reads incorrectly.

I will check for a short somewhere, but what else could cause that? I will pull the dash this afternoon and check if all is ok back there.

 

Two known problems that might relate.
The headlight switch burns out.
Ground for dash cluster needs refreshing. It is in a poor location under dash, usually on steering column support.

 

Grounds first.

 

I did just pull the ignition switch, so I'd be willing to bet it's the cluster ground. Thanks SteveMongr.

I'll check it tomorrow and let you guys know what happens.

 

Went to drive a budddy home last night and it was working fine. If it happens again, I'll assume its a ground not making good contact and devote some time to finding it.

 

Do Tip 18.