I would unhook the green wire from the 14 pin connector and then try
starting again with everything else hooked up.

Mark

Dan Barrett wrote:
> Vanagonauts:
>
> I started my bus the other day to the sound of a crackling electrical
> short somewhere under the instrument panel, accompanied by a small wisp
> of smoke.  After pulling the instrument panel, I can report the
> following symptoms:
>
> (1) when instrument panel multi-pin connector below
>      the tach is plugged in, the fuel pump runs and
>      starter works, but engine just turns over without
>      catching.
>
> (2) with the multi-pin connector off, engine fires
>      right up.
>
> The connector and wires look fine (unburnt / no nicks / etc.).  The
> instrument panel ribbon cables look fine.  The switches are not causing
> the problem, neither is the speedo induction sender.
>
> I'm lost re. the wiring diagram and why an instrument panel short would
> prevent starting.  I see that a current track runs to the ignition
> switch, but wouldn't a short there cause the fuel pump not to run?  This
> is on a 1990 GL.
>
> Best,
> d.
>