1995 240sx SE - Dead Dash, backlights work, no speedo, tach, fuel or temp gauge?

[Chezchs]

So today I hop in my car, about to head out golfing. I turn the key, let the fuel pump prime, and just as I'm about to turn it over.... The entire dash goes black... AWESOME. I didn't hear any fuses blow, checked them all anyways... all good. Didn't smell any wires burning etc...

So I turn the car over, runs fine everything works, power windows, air conditioning, power mirrors still work, but the tach's dead, speedo doesn't work, none of the warning lights come on IE: Check engine, seat belt, etc... I pulled out the cluster, everything seems fine, no burnt smell etc... Checked all the bulbs, they are all fine. The wiring harnesses are original and unmolested.

Is it even possible to random fry a relay? Also, does anyone know if the 4 relay's next to the kick panel/fuse box (drivers side) have anything to do with it? They weren't labeled... therefore I'm clueless as to what they are for. If one of those operates the dash, I could just borrow one, and see if that's the problem?

I just got this car a few months ago, I hardly drive it, as I'm saving dough to mod it. I've NEVER come across this problem, and I've been unable to find anything online...

HELP!

as far as the forums go.... total NEWB... sorry if I'm not posting in the right area...
Modified by Chezchs at 8:59 PM 7/19/2009

[mckmnstr]

i just had the same problem and im looking to resolve it... have you figured out the problem by chance? and as far as i know the 4 unlabeled fuses go no where they are just spares for where you would have fuses if it was an automatic. or so i think idk for sure. but i havent had them for many a long time. anyway my turn signals do work do yours? my tach dont my spedo dont my fuel never has and it wont light up but my clock works so the cluster is getting power just not sending it? and without the cluster working my battery dies as if it was missing an alternator

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

sound like a ground problem if your'e sure power is going to the gauges -- I know nothing specific to your car, but if it where me, I'd pull the cluster out and see if I could identify the ground and see if maybe it's just a bad connection.