D2 instrument panel problem

[kwalikum]

Hi, I've got an intermittent problem with my D2 instrument panel, in that the gauges/lights cease to function most of the time. By cease to function I mean the temp, speedo, tach, fuel all drop to resting position and the instrument lights go out. Trip and odometer stop working. Nothing else appears to be affected. Indicators work, starts and drives fine, cruise control works, etc. From what I can gather:

1. They come on every time you turn on the key, but usually only for a second or less. They seem to stay on longer if the vehicle is cold but this may be anecdotal.
2. They come on and stay on a random intervals. They might stay on for 20 seconds or more, but always go off again.

I have checked fuses to the best of my ability - changed the 10A instrument fuse for another, re-seated all fuses inside and under bonnet. No change.

It has been suggested this is most likely a grounding/earth problem, but I don't know how or where to look to fix it.

Any assistance would be appreciated. :D

[kwalikum]

The problem turned out to be a short in the connections at the top of the fuel pump.

After a while I started to notice that on occasion the instruments would come on but the fuel gauge would remain off. I removed the rear cargo area carpet to get at the fuel pump (plenty of how-to's out for help with this) and the plug on the top of the fuel pump was a bit melted as was the plastic sheath on one of the wires. I debated buying a new fuel pump unit but in the end my epoxy fix was working pretty well so I left it like that. Fuel gauge no longer reads right as "full" is about 1/8 tank so a new unit is on the cards at some point.