Ford F150: How to Repair Instrument Cluster
- Step 1 – Remove the instrument cluster. Use a trim panel tool to pop the knee bolster loose. Remove the two 7mm screws...
- Step 2 – Disassemble the instrument cluster. Remove the screws from the back of the cluster, then pull off the white...
- Featured Video: 2004 F150 Instrument Cluster Removal.
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Full Answer
How do I remove the instrument cluster?
After pulling off the trim bezel by hand (they have no screws on most models, they just pop off by pulling firmly.) you'll find a few 1/4" screws holding in the instrument cluster. Remove them and you will then be able to angle the instrument cluster out.
How to replace the instrument cluster on a Ford F150?
Ford F150: How to Repair Instrument Cluster Step 1 – Remove the instrument cluster. Use a trim panel tool to pop the knee bolster loose. Remove the two 7mm screws... Step 2 – Disassemble the instrument cluster. Remove the screws from the back of the cluster, then pull off the white... Featured ...
What kind of instrument clusters do we repair?
We repair a wide variety of Chevrolet instrument clusters including Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Avalanche, Cavalier, Impala, Kodiak, Malibu, Monte Carlo, SSR, Tracker, Trailblazer, and Venture for many different issues. Click your make below to see the failures we service for specific models.
How do I fix a bad joint on my 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.
How do you repair a damaged circuit board?
How to Repair Damaged Printed Circuit Board PadsStep 1: Tidy Up the Damaged Track 1: ... Step 2: Tidy Up the Damaged Track 2: ... Step 3: Exposing the Track: ... Step 4: Sticking Copper Tape Over the Exposed Track: ... Step 5: Soldering the Copper Tape Joints: ... Step 6: Pierce to Make the Hole: ... Step 7: Solder in Your Component:More items...
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.
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 much does it cost to repair a cluster?
The average cost for instrument cluster replacement is between $845 and $865. Labor costs are estimated between $78 and $98 while parts are priced at $767. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
Can you drive without instrument cluster?
Can I drive my vehicle while the instrument cluster is out for repair? Yes, you can still start and run your vehicle without the instrument cluster.
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.
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 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.
How do you test a car 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. And then the first test will be a sweep. So you're gonna watch all the needles.
How long does it take to repair an instrument cluster?
Replacing an instrument cluster can take from 1 hour to over 4 hours. It really depends on the car model, some are easier to replace than others. It can take longer if you have to reset the odometer or program the car keys over the instrument cluster.
How much does it cost to program an instrument cluster?
Instrument Cluster Replacement Cost - RepairPal Estimate. The average cost for instrument cluster replacement is between $804 and $824. Labor costs are estimated between $77 and $98 while parts are priced at $727.
Do you have to program a new instrument cluster?
In some newer vehicles, you may not need to do anything. The mileage will automatically show up on the new instrument cluster when you install it. It will receive the information from the computer or chip that contains it and display the mileage. In these cars, the instrument cluster is just a display.
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.
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)
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.
Can you just swap instrument clusters?
All you need to do is: Remove the instrument cluster from your dash. Either have your instrument cluster repaired or buy a new one. Install the repaired or new instrument cluster in your dash.
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.
How many rivets does a speedometer have?
The speedometer also has a hard circuit board that is riveted to the plastic circuit board through four rivets. So in order to remove the plastic circuit board, the hard circuit board must come off too. There are two screws that hold the hard circuit board to the plastic instrument enclosure.
How to remove indicator bulbs?
The indicator/warning bulbs are removed by twisting counterclockwise 90 degrees and lifting up. The instrument illumination bulbs are removed in the same manner - there were three of these. Once you get the bulbs out, it's a good idea to test each one to see if it is working properly.
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.
