So is it a multimeter or something similar? Or is it more specific to connect to the small contacts on top of each fuse more easily? And I guess you will be checking if current is flowing when it should not be?

 

The unit from Harbor Freight is a Hand Held Amp Meter with the leads and fuse permanently attached to unit itself. You simply plug ( units self attached Fuse) into your Fuse location and whollay the unit reads the Current through the Fuse contacts.
I know it said it reads up to and possibly beyond 20 amps.
I have not used it yet, but looked at it rather closely.
Very inexpensive.

 

This tool been speaking of :
Mfg. CENTECH item # 67725

I have purchased and it does work as
Described.
20 amp upper limit, per
Manufacturer.
Tested reading 7 amps
In one Fuse location.

 

Buttrock21: were you able to determine which circuit has the problem?

The Harbor Freight amp meter looks like a nice tool to have but necessary to find the circuit that is supplying current to the temp & fuel gauges when it should not be. I do not think the dome light circuit should be tied to the gauges circuit.... must have some damaged wires touching somewhere or perhaps the ignition switch.... do not know what passes through it.

 

I haven't yet been super busy with the holiday season. I hope can check it out tomorrow morning. I haven't had any battery issues even with the vehicle sitting for 3 days and then starting in single digit temperatures. It's not likely to leave me stranded but it's just one of those things that bugs me and I want to know why. I'll definitely post my results. Thank you guys for all your input!