Dying Dash Cluster???

95 Pontiac Grand Am, 3.1L with a little over 100k.

My dash cluster is mesing up horrible. The gauges still work (they're mechanical) but no lights. My SES lights and such still come on but no lights behind the gauges which really sucks when driving at night.

I doubt all the lights died at exactly the same time but if they did how do I replace them???

I searched the archives and all I could find similar was this post http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=626182&highlight=dash+lights

hopefully this isn't a dying dash cluster. I've been to the junkyard enough times this year. :lol: And I still have to go more on monday (if i have time)

O and if anyone knows how to get a smashed hood up please let me know, hood latch is broken.

did you try the fuse for the lighting?

Might pull the cluster to check the bulbs.
Though it does sound like you cluster might be going as they are prone to failure on these models.

Check your dimmer as well. As for the hood, if its bent beyond repair, use a chisel on the top over the hood latch, cut the hood open and knock the nut loose holding the latch pin in place. A few good whacks with a chisel will loosen this, then remove the nut and lift up on the hood.

did you try the fuse for the lighting?

Might pull the cluster to check the bulbs.
Though it does sound like you cluster might be going as they are prone to failure on these models.

I checked every fuse in the fuse box on the drivers side. Is there another fuse box I could check. It also seems weird that all the bulbs would die at the same time. My gauges still work and my SES lights, oil lights and such still turn on when I first start up the car.

Check your dimmer as well. As for the hood, if its bent beyond repair, use a chisel on the top over the hood latch, cut the hood open and knock the nut loose holding the latch pin in place. A few good whacks with a chisel will loosen this, then remove the nut and lift up on the hood.

I've tried the dimmer it turns on the interior lights but no dash lights. I turned on my low beems, high beems fog lights, parking lights everything to no avail.

The hood is fine but someone smashed in the grill straight in and knocked my radiator and everything back including the hood latch so I can get to the bolt and everything I just hope that will actually get the hood open.


thanks guys.

My dash cluster seems to have fixed itself.

I dont know how or why but I'm happy with it.
Hopefully I can trace down the problem before it happens again.

My dash cluster seems to have fixed itself.

I dont know how or why but I'm happy with it.
Hopefully I can trace down the problem before it happens again

Glad to hear it's going again!

Though, I wouldnt hold my breath on it being "fixed".
It will probly do this again before to long.

The problems I have seen on these clusters is that the soldered circuits , either from heat or vibrations, tend to loose thier connections.
So You could go over the intire piece and possibly find the short cicuits and resolder them.

If I were you I'd still try finding a replacement so when it does die out for good.
I have seen them on Ebay , I'd just make sure they guarantee it works.

welps it died on me again and i noticed that if i leave on my headlights and open the door i dont get a warning ding like i used too i'm guessing its all tied into the same problem.

is there a way I could replace the cluster with an aftermarket one instead of the same old boring one? without having to rewire anything?

Ebay does have replacements ranging from 20-50 but i'm looking for something different from what i have now. even if its just a color change.

PS thanks xeroinfinity

O nevermind on the aftemarket gauges http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=685025

I found your write up on it.
VERY USEFUL

thanks again