nothing works on dash, no warning lights, the fuel gauge does not work?

1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU
78,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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GBBDH
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When you turn on the ignition nothing works on dash, no warning lights, the fuel gauge does not work, its like the dash is getting no power. It will start for about 1 to 2 seconds then it shuts down, if you try to start it without shutting off the key the engine just turns over, then if you turn the ignition off and try again it will start again and shut down. I have checked all fuses in the fuse boxes on each side of the dash and the box under the hood there are no bad fuses. what can I check?
Dec 15, 2007 at 8:05 AM
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MERLIN2021
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You will probably need to replace the instument cluster...
Dec 15, 2007 at 11:00 AM
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STRAILER
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I agree with MERLIN2021, if the cluster is bad then the engine will not start, you should do a CAN scan to see if any codes are stored. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon here is a video to show you how.

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

You may have a bad ground G125 which is at the front of engine which will cause this issue as well for both the cluster and the engine not starting. Please check the image below to see what I am talking about.
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Oct 10, 2024 at 5:06 PM
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