1996 Grand Caravan Instrument cluster dead

sam1drake · #1 05-03-2007, 10:38 AM

I am trying to be of help to a poor friend in need. The instrument cluster is dead. None of the needles move. No gear position indicator, no odometer, tachometer, gas guage etc. tried removing some panels underneath to get at some connectors but it looked hopeless so I surmise that you must get at it by removing upper parts of the dash.

First any ideas of a common link that would cause this thing to be so dead. Is there a common power source?

Also, how do you remove the cluster to replace it? It looks like I could watch Ebay and sooner or later a cluster for a 96 Grand Caravan SE would show up.

Anybody "been there done that" with any information at all? Anything at all would be appreciated. Is it fixable or the end of the world?

jsinton · #2 05-03-2007, 11:52 AM

Do a search on this forum for "instrument cluster". There was problems with the solder on the circuit board in the back. Also there is a fuse you can unplug and reset the system.

sam1drake · #3 05-03-2007, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsinton

Do a search on this forum for "instrument cluster". There was problems with the solder on the circuit board in the back. Also there is a fuse you can unplug and reset the system.

thanks. ton of information in that search. Learned pretty sad story but also found procedure for removing cluster and it is not too bad.

I will remove this one and try substituting a new one after checking grounds, battery connections and a few gotchas I learned from the forum.

ronmar1 · #4 05-03-2007, 04:25 PM

The panel is not hard to remove and replace. Just be carefull as all this opperation deals with plastic.

Sounds like your friend has an issue with the panel not getting a good ground. Could be in the wiring harness or the panel plug contacts. Could also be a broken printed circuit on the panel back also.

Good Luck!
Ron

vipergg · #5 05-03-2007, 08:05 PM

the simplest thing to try before anything else is to pull the IOD fuse under the hood in the PDC , usually mear the top . Pull for like 2 minutes then reinsert . May not help but have seen many cases where it will reset the bcm and liven up the dash , happened once on my 96 and i did that and it all came back and have never had another problem .

sam1drake · #6 05-04-2007, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vipergg

the simplest thing to try before anything else is to pull the IOD fuse under the hood in the PDC , usually mear the top . Pull for like 2 minutes then reinsert . May not help but have seen many cases where it will reset the bcm and liven up the dash , happened once on my 96 and i did that and it all came back and have never had another problem .

Does this have a different effect than disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. It just might --- so I will try both things.

I really appreciate all the good responses. The person I am helping could use a little encouragement right now so wish me luck as I dive into the dash of a car that is not mine. I have ordered a used Ebay odometer ($39) to use as a backup incase none of the tips work. Won't be getting into this until next week. By then this post will be out of mind for most of you who are getting on with your life but I am sure your input will help others as well even if this topic has been a live one.

If the van was sitting in my drive way I would go out and try the various things and report back. sorry that I can't add any thing and am only a taker at the moment.

RIP · #7 05-05-2007, 03:15 AM

You may want to keep tabs on this current post: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=694566

There's some info and pics that may help.

sam1drake · #8 05-05-2007, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIP

You may want to keep tabs on this current post: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=694566

There's some info and pics that may help.

Thanks, a gold mine ofinformation!

So far it looks like the problem is in the cluster or somewhere in the dash. Tried hitting the dash a little harder (one post mentioned that wife could not get it going but he could by hitting harder, so I hit it harder) and the cluster came to life. Also FWIW this particular problem is not causing starting problems.

sam1drake · #9 05-10-2007, 07:07 AM

Update. I just got a call from my friend and the cluster came alive when the car van was jump started. She tells me that the battery in new but I am now skeptical of the health of the charging system or connections such as grounds. This weekend I will be spending some time going over the points that have been mentioned on this thread. Just thought that the jumpstart thing might ring some more bells

webbee · #10 05-10-2007, 01:05 PM

Ring...another thing to check are the battery connections, the wires, and the connections that the wires hook up too. These have a history of corroding and screwing with the BCM, which is voltage sensitive. If you are unsure about the quality of your existing wires, I would replace them. Another problem can be the alternator, especially if you recently replaced the battery. Have it checked free at one of the box auto stores.

johnd9037 · #11 10-27-2011, 06:18 PM

I really want to thank all the authors who posted replies to this problem! Just coming here and reading the posts helped me find the answers to several car problems that have been been getting worse. I take off my hat to these masters, and as a result of of their willingness to share their hard earned knowledge, I have signed up and hope to be able to add my knowledge (such as it is) to the pool. Again thanks to all for the timely help.

RIP · #12 10-27-2011, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnd9037

I really want to thank all the authors who posted replies to this problem! Just coming here and reading the posts helped me find the answers to several car problems that have been been getting worse. I take off my hat to these masters, and as a result of of their willingness to share their hard earned knowledge, I have signed up and hope to be able to add my knowledge (such as it is) to the pool. Again thanks to all for the timely help.

Thanks and welcome aboard.

You're new so we can't bash you over the head over it (as if we could) but please try not to open dormant threads unless you have something concrete and relevant to the discussion in that particular thread. A thread is considered dormant if the date of the last post in the thread was 2 months ago. Just start a new thread. You don't have to have a problem and be looking for answers to questions. You can post just a statement or opinion. Cheers!

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