What causes gages not to work

Best thing is to start by checking the fuse block. typically the one in the passenger compartment(dash) holds the fuses for accessory and the source for power. Sometimes is the cig lighter is shorted, can blow fuse under hood. GM has had the diagnostics port powered on the same circuit. >if thats not the case, most likely the vehicle would need professional diagnosis.

I've been working this problem the last three years and decribed my efforts in a later post. Here I'll just post my conclusions. Because I had a spare set of gauges, I changed them out, one at a time, starting with the fuel gauge, then speedometer, then the odometer. Upon powering the cluster with the replacement odometer, the whole display lit up and reset quickly. Cycling power several times gave consistently good results. When warmer weather permits, I'll install this cluster in the Oldsmobile and give it a couple weeks before declaring success.