So basically I have something intermittent. It seems that I will have no gauges, but if I remove the cluster and let something reset and plug it back in, the gauges work and the self test works. But after performing the self test then my needles flicker with the key off, and when I try to turn it on again, I get no gauges.
I got some diagnosis steps that Trip worked up for me that I plan to try tonight. Documenting them here for future reference:
1. Measure between pin 3 on the OBD and ground - should be 2.5v
1A. Measure between pin 11 and ground - should be 2.5v
If I have that voltage then i need to replace the cluster, but if I dont I need to keep testing via step 2.
2. Disconnect Cluster and repeat step 1 & 1A. If I now have 2.5v on the bus - replace the cluster
if not go to step 3.
With the cluster disconnected locate and disconnect the Airbag module connector (the one with the twisted wires).
3. Repeat steps 1 & 1A if that now shows voltage, the airbag module is bad, reconnect gauges and they "should" work
if that doesnt work repeat steps 2 and 3 with ECU disconnected instead of the cluster.