Dash Problems on Freightliner Columbia FL112

My dash goes blank.

It initially occassionally started when I'd put the left turn signal on -- the dash and shifter (Eaton 10-speed) indicator would go blank for a second. I progressed to where the volt gauge shows it is 11.5.

We checked the alternator -- and it is throwing 14 volts -- and the batteries are charging.

We figured it must be a short in the dash -- and pulled the instrument panel out. While it appears to have analog gauges -- the whole dash unit apprears to be digital. We can't see any obvious damage (burns, smoke areas, frayed or crimped wires, etc) to the dash panel or the wiring inside. Something is happening before the gauge as the gauge is only getting 11.5 Volts sent to it.

Anyone ever have/heard of this problem -- and can offer help or a link to help? The truck it a toter 2003 Columbia FL112.

Bonus question -- where's the best Frieghtliner place on the west side of Houston to take this too if it isn't a simple fix?


I'm a drag racer -- and the truck only has 10,000 miles on it.

 

More on the subject -- I'm getting 12.5 volts from the battery. Under the electrical/fuse panel cover on the passenger side of the dashboard -- there are 4 thick diameter (maybe 02 gauge) cables coming in and attached to four lugs on the enf of the fuse panel. I'm gettin 10.66Volts from those lugs. Somewhere between the batteries and where they supply power to the fuse panel -- I'm dropping almost two volts. This is before the computer.

 

thanx -- we'll check that next