99 Venture - Overhead console

Need help with the overhead console. It went out a few years ago. I grabbed a replacement from a u-pull and save lot. It powers up, but none of the functions work. I get the dotted line on the main readout (temp/direciton).

I looked for a broken connection and did not find any. I also replaced the ambient temp sensor. No change.

I tried to "program" the compass. It goes into program mode but does not set.

Any other thoughts?

What year was the new console from? Has the PCM been reprogrammed?

Not sure what year the new console came from. I want to say 2000.

I wasn't aware the difference in year/model would make a difference as long as it was 97-2003.

I tried to reprogram it by holding in the two buttons then driving in a complete circle. (I may be missing a few steps but I followed the service manual). I never could get the computer to recognize the instructions. It did, however, go into program mode.

Yeah, year differences can be an issue, as a side note maybe you have other issues besides the console, put the old one back in and see if you have the same functionality as the new one again. Also, maybe your PCM (the ENGINE/TRANSMISSION computer) may have to be reflashed.

The tube went out on the old one (screen went blank)...

This one powers up, but as I said, none of the functionality works.

How do I reflash the PCM? does it have to be done by a dealer?

Reflash=Dealer

Can you solder? Swap tubes..... Radio Shack sells a small roll of Solder wick for a few bucks, small roll of solder for a few, soldering iron for a few. HEAT IRON UP WELL, put wick over solder on pins, heat wick, wick will "wick" the solder up, repeat to the other tubes pins, put good tube in the other unit, resolder.

P.S. I doubt the tube is bad, probably something in the driver circuits that power the tube.

I would have to agree with lester! - that is - try to replace just the display. Or you can try to get another console from the appropriate year(s). I know there was a wiring change at the main connector right around the 1999-2000 model year. I looked that up and see that information here (http://www.my-chevy-venture.com/driver-information-connector.html).

Reprogramming the PCM probably wouldn't to much good, so I wouldn't waste the time or money doing that.

For what it's worth, I had the dic go dim , bright, dim, and finally went out altogether. I bought a new one and it powers up and works perfectly so far. 1999.

(my display was burnt blackened)

My display went out completely on my 99, started looking for replacements when I came across an article stating that it is common for these to simply need to be re soldered (couldn't be that simple) figured it didn't work anyway so I gave it a try and it's been working for about a year and half since I did it.
I know link is for a ford but it's pretty much the same once you open it up.
hope this helps.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayalbum.php?&userid=297231&albumid=19462

I went down and grabbed my old display and took the board out...nothing appears to be loose - - - all solders look good. Where did yours need to be resoldered at?

I don't remember exactly which ones it was as it's been almost a year and a half, but I do remember they didn't seem to be lose but I followed the directions in the link and it worked for me.

Check for bad connections around the pins for the tube, some of the components for the high voltage drive for the tube..... (Tv tech)

I came across a display unit out of a 98 Montana trans sport. I assume this is the same as was in the Venture? If so, I think I'm gonna grab that one and sell the one I have out of the 2000 Venture.

Same platform, should work I suppose.

Well, got the new one in and it now works! Anyone need one from a 2000+ model?

I have a 99 Venture, dic died couple years ago. Before it croaked, I could bang it and the display would come on, so maybe desoldering and re-soldering might do the trick. thanks for the tip, think I'll give it a shot.

Wouldnt worry about desodering anything, suspect with the vibration over time the solder has cracked (look around the pins with a good flashlight you will see "ring" crack around the pin in the solder if this is the case.) Usually these electronics are coated and difficult to solder, I usually use a small wire wheel in my dremel to lightly run over the board and it effectively removes the coating. When done and working you can buy a can of ignition sealer from your parts store and reseal the board.