Repairing Guides

how to repair instrument cluster

by Vernie Spencer Jr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Can a instrument cluster be fixed?

Sometimes it may be impossible to find an acceptable replacement instrument cluster for your vehicle. In that case, you can get it repaired.

How do you fix a car instrument cluster?

0:151:51Dorman's instrument cluster repair kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBegin the installation by unhooking the trim panel from the - unscrew the two screws on each side ofMoreBegin the installation by unhooking the trim panel from the - unscrew the two screws on each side of the instrument. Cluster once unhooked unplug the connector harness in the back of the cluster.

What causes instrument cluster to stop working?

Overloaded Circuit A faulty voltage regulator, which sends power to the instrument panel in most current vehicles, may be responsible for what causes the instrument cluster to stop working.

How do I repair GM dash cluster?

4:458:30Instrument Cluster Repair – 2003-2006 5.3L Chevy Silverado ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing your soldering iron melt the existing solder then add a dab of new stuff as. Well we'll doMoreUsing your soldering iron melt the existing solder then add a dab of new stuff as. Well we'll do this again now for each.

What are the common problems of the instrument cluster?

Some of the more common failures include:Erratic or non-functional gauges & inaccurate readings.LCD not Stuck or fluttering needles on gauges.Burned out indicator lights.Burned out/dark spot backlighting.Loss of LCD display or erratic operation (number 8 showing as 0)

Can you just replace instrument cluster?

A broken or malfunctioning instrument or gauge cluster is not giving you the vital information you need about your vehicle. We're happy to tell you that you can replace your instrument cluster right at home. It's not as hard as it looks, and you'll save a lot of money in labor.

Is there a fuse for the instrument cluster?

The fuse may be labeled gauges, clusters, or something similar. This fuse should have power on both sides with the ignition in the on position. If the fuses are okay, check for power at the instrument cluster. If the instrument cluster has power, then check for ground.

Where is the fuse for the instrument cluster?

0:322:12INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FUSE LOCATION (2008 - 2016) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then leave the cover straight up on the back side of the cover you will also have a small fuseMoreAnd then leave the cover straight up on the back side of the cover you will also have a small fuse diagram. First fuse you want to check is the fuse.

Can you reset an instrument cluster?

Push and release the Sel/reset button button 3 times repeatedly. The instrument cluster begins its self-test. Each successive press of the Sel/reset button initiates a new cycling of all the gauges. To end, turn the ignition switch to OFF, or vehicle speed exceeds 1.5 mph.

Why is my dash cluster not working?

As stated above, a defective instrument cluster and a blown fuse are common reasons. These are only applicable if you're sure that not a single gauge in your car works. There could also be a problem with the part that feeds your car's instrument cluster. This part is called the voltage regulator.

How do you fix a speedometer cluster?

7:1919:00How to repair GM Instrument Cluster | Speedometer | Gauge | StepperYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's best to take a D soldering iron with a little pump on it and and suck the solder out of eachMoreIt's best to take a D soldering iron with a little pump on it and and suck the solder out of each one of those little joints there and then pull it up and out.

How do you test an instrument cluster?

0:000:53How to test a Ford Instrument Gauge Cluster - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you gotta do hold down the trip button when you turn the key on and that puts the cluster in aMoreAll you gotta do hold down the trip button when you turn the key on and that puts the cluster in a test mode.

How do I reset my instrument cluster?

Push and release the Sel/reset button button 3 times repeatedly. The instrument cluster begins its self-test. Each successive press of the Sel/reset button initiates a new cycling of all the gauges. To end, turn the ignition switch to OFF, or vehicle speed exceeds 1.5 mph.

How hard is it to replace an instrument cluster?

Changing the instrument cluster is a relatively easy process and can be attempted by anyone who is familiar with a basic set of tools. There are a few things that can go wrong but the steps are still considered simple by most mechanics. Put aside roughly an hour to an hour and a half for this job.

Where is the fuse for the instrument cluster?

0:322:12INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FUSE LOCATION (2008 - 2016) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then leave the cover straight up on the back side of the cover you will also have a small fuseMoreAnd then leave the cover straight up on the back side of the cover you will also have a small fuse diagram. First fuse you want to check is the fuse.

How long does it take to fix an instrument cluster?

How long does it take to replace an instrument cluster? It typically takes about one to two hours to replace an instrument cluster. It may take longer depending on the type of cluster that you have.

Common Issues

Here is a list of common issues that you may be experiencing with your vehicle’s ICP:

Instrument Cluster Repair & Return (Like New, Only Better)

Your original part is repaired and will not need to be coded to your vehicle VIN because it is original and came out of your vehicle.

Start Saving Today at UpFix!

UpFix offers repair and replace services that fix malfunctioning car parts. Our services are much more affordable than dealership rates. Our services include instrument cluster repair and replacement, dash cluster repair and replacement, speedometer repair and replacement, odometer repair, speedometer calibration, and speedometer cluster repair.

Difference Between Speedometer Repair and Mileage Correction

It is important to understand that a speedometer repair and an instrument cluster repair are not the same as a mileage correction. Mileage corrections alter the displayed number of miles that your vehicle has driven.

How Our Instrument Cluster Repairs Work

It is critical to ensure that your vehicle has an easily visible and functioning speedometer in order to maintain the safety of the driver and passengers.

Talk to a Technician About Your Speedometer Repair

Do not waste your time and money on new parts when UpFix can restore your original parts to a properly functioning unit. Avoid expensive dealership parts replacement by having us repair and reuse your original parts. Trust UpFix with your automotive needs! All of our services are 100% guaranteed.

Step 1 – Remove the instrument cluster

Use a trim panel tool to pop the knee bolster loose. Remove the two 7mm screws behind the knee bolster on either side of the steering column. Use the trim panel tool and work your way around the trim piece surrounding the instrument cluster to pry it loose.

Step 2 – Disassemble the instrument cluster

Remove the screws from the back of the cluster, then pull off the white cover. Unplug the connector on the back and carefully separate the circuit board from the gauge assembly. Check the pins shown in Figure 7 to locate the bad joint, using a magnifying glass. If you have a bad joint (shown in Figure 8), use your soldering pencil to repair it.

What is an instrument cluster?

An electronic instrument cluster is the collection of gauges (a cluster of gauges) that sits behind the steering wheel of a car and comes out as a single pod or module. The cluster is also known as a dashboard from back in the Model T days when it was really a board. Also called an Instrument Panel, or IP panel, especially in factory repair manuals.

Where does the speedometer get its signal?

The electronic speedometer in the cluster gets its signal from the VSS, or Vehicle Speed Sensor. The speedometer may have a digital speed readout (digital dash) or analog one that shows the speed with a dial like a clock face. Most cars made after 1995 use an electronic instrument cluster.

How to remove a solder cluster?

First you have to gain access to it. Use your finger to separate the clips that hold the cluster together. Pull the backside cover of the cluster off. Figure 5. Removing backside cover. Place the board in a flat surface. Begin to heat up the solder torch. Inspect the solder points for the plug connector on the board.

Does the Silverado 1500 have an instrumental cluster?

The first-generation Cheverolet Silverado 1500 has an un fortunate tendency for their instrumental clusters to fail. Most drivers decide to replace their clusters without realizing there is an alternative, less expensive fix.

Can solder cracks be seen?

A good connection should not have any burn marks or cracks. When you visually inspect the solder you may be able to make out the damage areas, but it should still be noted that many cracks may not be so easily seen.

Can solder points be refreshed?

However, once these solder points are refreshed, the cluster can return back to its normal functions.

Signs of the bad instrument cluster

While the meat of this article is to talk about resetting an instrument cluster, you have to understand that you should only reset it if your instrument cluster is actually busted. But how can you tell whether or not an instrument cluster is bad?

What causes the instrument cluster to stop working?

If you are wondering why an instrument cluster would actually stop working or why some instruments on the instrument cluster go bad, the primary reason is the usual wear and tear that they go through on a regular basis.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9