96 Sebring Tachometer problems

[vacaphobia]

Most of the time it dosen't work, sometimes it just comes on while I'm driving. Also the odometer and the gear indicator are out when the tacho is out. I've pulled the dash panel and searched for bad wires. All fuses are good. Any ideas?

Lonnie

[green96sebring]

I had the exact same problem with my '96 Sebring convertible. Unfortunately its a bad gauge cluster. The odometer continues to track the correct milage because it is "collected" in the brain box and is mearly displayed on the dash. The good news is that the gauge cluster is a super easy part to replace. Maybe five minutes worth of work. First off you should go to a junk yard and pick up a used gauge cluster. Mine came off a '98 Dodge Strata and has white faces, a very cool update. I paid fifty dollars after some negotiating. Just look for the exact same gauge layout in any junked Chrysler. I switched mine out right there in the parking lot of the junkyard just to make sure I got a "working" dash.

To remove the gauge cluster carefully pull off the trim surrounding the gauges and radio. Remove the screws on the face of the gauge cluster, pull it forward enough to unplug the wiring harness and your done! Just drop the new cluster in and your finished. The correct milage will "magically" appear. The one and only goofy thing about my replacement with a non Sebring exact match is that the trip odometer is now the default display and I have to push the button to switch over to the odometer, but at least the white gauge faces are cool!

[Skibjr]

I've had the same problem with my '97 Sebring since I bought it last November. I was dreading bringing her into the dealer and paying $80.00/hr. plus inflated parts charges when I thought I'd check the Web to see if, just possibly, any other Sebring owners had come across this issue. Suffice it to say, this is probably the most common problem with '97 Sebrings, and probably many other models/years sharing this particular instrument cluster's circuitry.

Due to some very kind forum members who left detailed instructions regarding how to fix this issue, I decided to give it a try. Since many members have expressed an interest in some pictures of the procedure, I thought I'd take a few while I was at it, and post them if I was successful.

Well, it's actually a very simple procedure, and only took me about 90 minutes, including the extra time to take the pix. My odometer and tach have worked flawlessly ever since. You may want to pick up a set of Torx screwdrivers or a set of hex-key wrenches before you start - you'll need them. You'll also need a small soldering iron, some 60-40 rosin core solder, some rubbing alcohol, and a few cotton swabs. I've shamelessly plagiarized the best of the posted procedures I used, added a few of my own observations, and distilled them into a pictorial step-by-step at the following link:

http://members.cox.net/dpeters30/97_sebring_dash.htm

Good luck!!

[rswirtz]

Same problem with my 97, i followed Skibjr tutorial, it was a piece of cake !!! took me 60 minutes with beer and smoke breaks.

this has been busted for years and i had one garage tell me it was the computer, another said the computer and/or dash circuit board.

Skibjr, you saved me up to a grand!! your da-man

[19amx68]

Originally Posted by Skibjr

I've had the same problem with my '97 Sebring since I bought it last November. I was dreading bringing her into the dealer and paying $80.00/hr. plus inflated parts charges when I thought I'd check the Web to see if, just possibly, any other Sebring owners had come across this issue. Suffice it to say, this is probably the most common problem with '97 Sebrings, and probably many other models/years sharing this particular instrument cluster's circuitry.

Due to some very kind forum members who left detailed instructions regarding how to fix this issue, I decided to give it a try. Since many members have expressed an interest in some pictures of the procedure, I thought I'd take a few while I was at it, and post them if I was successful.

Well, it's actually a very simple procedure, and only took me about 90 minutes, including the extra time to take the pix. My odometer and tach have worked flawlessly ever since. You may want to pick up a set of Torx screwdrivers or a set of hex-key wrenches before you start - you'll need them. You'll also need a small soldering iron, some 60-40 rosin core solder, some rubbing alcohol, and a few cotton swabs. I've shamelessly plagiarized the best of the posted procedures I used, added a few of my own observations, and distilled them into a pictorial step-by-step at the following link:

http://members.cox.net/dpeters30/97_sebring_dash.htm

Good luck!!

Just wanted to say thanks!! This fix is easy and workrd great. The Pix were a great help.
Thanks again,
Marty

[TapOut64]

My wife's 96 has the exact same problem, with my electronics background touching up a few cold sodler joints will be a breeze, thanks for the info.