[Outbackmanyep]

Originally Posted by erick

Yes, I first thought "fuse!". But they were all fine. Hmmm....

When instruments are off, I can pull the cluster out and measure 12V coming in on the power line to the socket. I'm confident power in is OK. Have cleaned all the connectors on plugs and in sockets.

You have to check ignition power as well as it is the ignition supply that switches on your instruments, regardless of what power is there with the key in the off position.
I'd be checking to see if there is an ignition relay which performs the function as many different vehicles run different systems, im not sure what is on yours though. Modern vehicles do usually run an ignition relay or several, even though you might hear a "click" when the key is in the ON position doesn't necessarily mean the relay is functioning correctly.

You might be better off assembling the cluster, plugging it in and with the key on gently move the wiring plugs and along the loom and see if it's not a loose connection somewhere else, it can be as silly as a faulty ignition relay (ie: contacts worn over time or burnt, which can lead to the intermittent problem) a faulty joint/connection, broken wire, or a loose/dirty fuse in the fuseholder (not necessarily a blown one!)

I'm still not convinced its a cluster problem,mind you i am at least 1000kms away! LOL

If all else fails, pay me a visit, i am an auto elec!