Info: 1997 XJ, Auto, 4x4, 4.0L ~175k miles

Last year, my gauges started going out periodically. I had been running a battery that was going bad so I assumed that was the culprit. Well about 6 months ago the gauges went out completely and I haven't seen them since. I just put a new battery in and unfortunately, no luck. I've never seen the "No Bus" message if that matters.

I've been scouring the net for solutions on this and have so far found a lot of methods to troubleshoot:

• The self-test shows most of the cluster's lights, but no check engine or check gauges lights come on (bulbs seem good), and no gauges work.
• I've checked several fuses, and they're all intact although a bit oxidized so I scratched them up a little before replacing them (got some new fuses coming in that I plan to try as soon as they're in just in case)
• I've taken the cluster out, applied a bit of deoxit, and raised the female connectors a bit with some metal strap as suggested in this thread: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/how...-28673/index2/ (my connectors are black instead of green... is that to be expected on some models?)
• I've checked the CCD Bus voltages and I'm reading around 2.5v probing cavity 3 to 4/5 and 11 to 4/5. I disconnected the negative battery post and cav 3 to 11 shows 60 ohms. I followed this thread to check this: https://www.jeepforum.com/threads/no...uster.3960697/
• I've checked the engine bay grounds, all seem good to me (and I have the big 7 upgrade so those are definitely good).
• I've checked instrument cluster connector C1 for continuity on ground G108, and my readings bounced between 3 and 4 ohms, but I was struggling to get the probes into the cavities of the connector. I found one of the G108 posts and it looks fine, but it's tight so I didn't get the best look.

With all that said, does anyone have any other suggestions? Or is it just likely that my cluster is done for? I plan to replace the old fuses before going that route, but if they don't work... should I just bite the bullet and replace the cluster?

 

I'm not sure if this matters but I'll mention it just in case:

I replaced my passenger window regulator and motor last year and it worked for a while, but it's no longer working. Door locks work fine, though.

 

I replaced all the relevant fuses and then some, no luck. I ordered a replacement cluster and I'll report back on the results once it's in.

If anyone has any other suggestions in the meantime, I'd be happy to hear them!

 

just a FYI...maybe something for a Christmas list......https://www.extremeterrain.com/jeep-...e-dp6015w.html