How To Repair Chrysler/Dodge Minivan Instrument Cluster Problems is part of the Fixing it Forward series. Not long after Barbara got her van back, she called me and told me her instrument cluster was freaking out. With a little research I found out the problem might be the solder joints on the back of the instrument cluster circuit board. I decided to give the repair a try and made this video.
If you need to know how to remove an instrument cluster from a Chrysler or Dodge minivan, this video will show you how to do that. The video also shows how to disassemble the instrument cluster for repair and how to solder the problem joints.
This money saving repair won’t take that long and may save you from buying an entire cluster. This video also shows how to check the instrument cluster bulbs as well as replace them.
After removing and inspecting the instrument cluster I think the problem might be the ignition switch. Every time I moved the wiring the key chime would go on and off. This usually indicates a loose connection. If you’re doing this repair, you might want to check the ignition switch while you’re in there.
Thanks for watching!
You can donate to Fixing it Forward here: gofundme.com/3a3s27dg
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: http://www.ericthecarguy.com
Discussion about this video: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/60304-how-to-repair-dodge-minivan-instrument-cluster#148799
Tools
Weller Soldering Iron: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/weller-wes51-analog-soldering-station-with-power-unit-pencil-new#oid=1002_1
DVOM: http://www.jbtoolsales.com/electronic-specialties-480a-auto-ranging-digital-multimeter#oid=1002_1
Related Videos
Honda Main Relay Repair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viIZ8k60awY
Introducing Fixing it Forward: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfBnTwpEBu0
1998 Chrysler Town & Country Diagnosis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKl6wuvXx60&feature=youtu.be
1998 Chrysler Town & Country Transmission Diagnosis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVyv7UpFPEc
1998 Chrysler Town & Country Rear Wing Window Motor Repair $0!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUlx41w7L1E
1998 Chrysler Town & Country Transmission/Radiator Replacement (Part 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra8rnVutsGM
1998 Chrysler Town & Country Transmission/Radiator Replacement (Part 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUSNW3HDZgo
1998 Chrysler Town & Country Transmission/Radiator Replacement (Part 3): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Ii_6BKMZw
1998 Chrysler Town & Country Transmission/Radiator Replacement (Part 4): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILAXVYd-bLk
Useful articles.
Engine overheat: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/what-to-do-when-your-engine-overheats
No start problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-no-start-problems
Idle issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-idle-problems
Performance issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-performance-issues
Diagnosing Noises: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car
Diagnosing Vibrations: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/determining-the-causes-of-vehicle-vibrations
Electrical Problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-electrical-problems
Brake Issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-brake-problems
Transmission issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-transmission-problems
HVAC problems: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-hvac-problems
Buying a Used Car: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/what-to-look-for-in-a-used-car-purchase
Leaks: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-leaks
MPG: http://ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-the-causes-of-poor-mpg
Social Network Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricTheCarGuy?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricTheCarGuy
Google+: https://plus.google.com/100195180196698058780/posts
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ericthecarguy
Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
I don't believe what I just saw! This guy could have taken out the instrument panel by doing half the work IE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9qi78IAPF0 He had "No" idea what he was doing and shouldn't have touched it at all. This is one of the most misleading video's I have ever seen.
Eric the dash issue okay you fixed the one problem you saw, But what you said about the ignition switch problem make you a half ass mechanic because you what the problem is, And you didn‘t fix it. Ill bet you gave that van back to your customer without fixing that ignition issue that day that would make you a REAL JERK AND JACK_SS PEROID. I pulled wrenches to in my life time, I wouldn‘t do that to a customer I would fix it that day. and made the customer happier and call them and tell them about the new problem, and still fix it that day if I could get the parts. A smilely face on a customer will get you 10 more customer from that one person.
Chryslers are great, as long as they were built before 1975.
This is one of the best service / repair related videos Ive ever watched…excellent combination of explaining…video shots…sense of humor and patience….thank you Eric The Car Guy…I need to do the exact thing with my 97 voyager instrument panel due to no backgroung lighting (cannot see odometer, tachometer, temperature, gasoline level at night while driving) …..is there a part number for the gauges assembly (the assembly the circuit board is mounted unto) or can the clear plastic cover be removed to get to the gauges??..I have to ocassionally tap on top of cluster panel / Dashboard to get the tachometer show the right speed from 0 mph…Thank you
Thanks for this video, and especially the description. I had no function on the dash. Google gave many hits for the solder joint. I inspected the board but did not find any issues. I also had an intermittent chime and suspected the ignition. I'm going to change the ignition and I'll be back!
Helluva lot of screws, and I know that tight work would be a bugger and a half. But may as well fix the heater core, which also needs doing, if I do this. Might just let the shop take care of this one if it;s not something simple like a poor battery terminal connection,, but at least I'll know what it is.
My van 2000 voyage. Don't show the miles. Not Mph. Miles. So I open it. Thanks for showing me how.. Only if I can post pictures someone needed to open it so it will burn out & not show the. Miles it. Has. Thank you for ur help.
Saw what I needed to see. Thank you.
THIS IS NOT A FIX #&*%@^&!(&^#%$^$&
I seem to remember that if alternator is on the way out on some dodges it causes the dash to go crazy like your customer complained about. there are videoes about this on youtube
Fuck ads
@EricTheCarGuy I know this is a old video and you may not receive this but I will try anyway, I have a cluster in my subaru that has lost its constant power source after putting in the wrong bulbs (clock resets when the power is off, tripmeter does the same and the door open display does not work) You seem pretty clued up and onto it, would you have any advice on things to check and how to check them?? Thank you heaps in advance 🙂
'02 T & C LX 3.3 – had turn signal not resetting. Then, noticed car taking more than once to start.. no noise. Battery good 12.93v – Car sometimes cranks first, or later (15th) try. Going to turn right, the column multifunction switch reset the dash while driving, and on every use of turn signal. I have no left/right signal outside the car. Inside hazards blink, outside, do not. I'm checking turn signal fuses. However, I think the ignition switch is the culprit to the starting. I hope a new turn-signal lever fixes the dash shorting out. I thought I did not have a chip-key, no remote fob. But. when asking parts store, he said I did..it's black. Only shows battery disconnect code, but there are two E code from the dash reading.
Excellent video. Thank You Sir.
the reason why it doesn't start the van is in gear
Quick question about the Compass mini trip computer, mine is working intermittent. It comes on after about 20 minutes and then it fully works. Before that, I just have a blank screen. Anyone got an idea? It’s a 97 Sebring btw.
I realize that this video was posted years ago, and you may not have done any current work with the Gen III Chrysler minivans, BUT have you ever had a problem with a Check Engine light that doesn't come on during the initial function check when the key is first switched to the run position before starting? Without verification that the light is working, there is no way to know whether a code comes up. Thus it won't pass the emissions test. I'm stuck with a nice old 2000 T&C which now can't be registered in my county until I solve the Check Engine light problem.
Did the soldering on the instrument cluster solve the issue or did the ignition switch harness or switch itself needed to be replaced or some other issue?
Fail, Fail, Fail. Fail…. the instrument cluster is still a FAIL… Did I say FAIL??? Perhaps MOPAR stamped all over has something to do with this issue.
I got mine for $1000, and only had an ABS problem (one).., bu that almost got me killed.. Lesson? Don't screw around with ABS unit.., just pay the price to fix it..!!
I think I can!! I think I can!! Been thinking that all day lol.
0:48 omg did someone else notice the ghostly eye that peeked out?! :O
mine was cracked at the same joint i soldired it and gt fixed it
No mention of the BCM (not PCM/ECM!) under the dash??
My 97 Caravan goes straight to 35 MPH when you turn on the ignition. Speed stays there when you drive. When I try the reset function it goes to 120 and stays there until I tilt it and gravity pulls it back to 35. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the detailed video! I know you put some time in it so I appreciate it. My van has a similar problem, I have to slug the dash on occasion to get it to work again. Hopefully this will fix mine.
American engineering…gross.