I had my dash out to install restored woodgrain pieces and do a repaint.
After I re-installed I now have my amp gauge going complete discharge when I turn the key forward or to accessory.

I pulled one fuse at a time to no avail.
Re-inspected and fuse block wiring for any shorts etc...
Re-installed my old (working) original voltage limiter
Unplugged all accessories one at a time.
Re-installed my old (working) blinker harness

Interior lights work, dash lights work, 4 ways work, in other words anything that doesn't require the key to be turned on including clock .

Can anyone post the backside of a 71-4 Rallye dash to see if I attached something wrong??? This is far from the first time I've done this job and even took the dash assembly back out and onto the bench for a 2nd. time to no avail.

Thanks in advance Ron

Here is my 71 Charger Rallye dash with clock. Low mile car just removed a few weeks ago. If you need other pics let me know.

Thank you very much!!!!

I found the problem and it was operator error!!!
I've taken many apart and put back together so why take a second or two and take a picture I told myself before disassembly!!!

Didn't factor in my being 60 years old now and I had a black wire w/white tracer on the voltage limiter that is a cluster ground!!!
Makes perfect sense now: If you put a ground wire on a V.limiter's ign. side you will get a large discharge when you turn the key on!!!!!
I'm a real Richard on this one!!

Ron

Thank-you for your honesty and reminding us all that we're not perfect and double check our work because we all make mistakes.

happy that the cause was found before the "magic smoke" escaped from the harness !

I really did expect to find a melted mess when I took it apart but someone was looking out for me this time!!

Ron