98 Caravan. Dash problem. Speedometer broken

pitbullvassar · #1 01-27-2012, 08:02 PM

Ok, here is my situation. I have a 98 Caravan that has the cluster problem (I think that is what it is) where the guages quit working and you bang on the dash and they start working again. It has been like this for at least 6 months. well today, one bang wouldn't do it. I banged and I banged and evidently broke off my speedometer which is now laying at the bottom of my panel. Can I buy a panel from the junkyard and plug everything back in?

RIP · #2 01-28-2012, 12:55 AM

Yes you can but are you sure it didn't just fall off? I've read you can just push the needle back on if that's the case. You'll have to download this slide show (PDF file) but it shows how to remove the cluster and disassemble it to make the solder repair.

http://www.4shared.com/document/ymiA...er_repair.html

pitbullvassar · #3 01-28-2012, 11:10 AM

Thank you for the link. I will try this tomorrow. The speedomoter may have fallen off, I didn't think that was an option.

pitbullvassar · #4 01-28-2012, 11:13 AM

Also, I did not see how to do the soldering, just the dis-assembly. Did I miss something or do I have to look it up?

RIP · #5 01-28-2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pitbullvassar

Also, I did not see how to do the soldering, just the dis-assembly. Did I miss something or do I have to look it up?

Yup you missed it. Scroll towards the end. Soldering starts at step/picture #14 through #16. If you have more soldering questions I'd be happy to help.

pitbullvassar · #6 01-31-2012, 05:27 PM

The one you sent to me stops at step 6 figure 9. Is this on youtube?

RIP · #7 01-31-2012, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pitbullvassar

The one you sent to me stops at step 6 figure 9. Is this on youtube?

Odd. I just downloaded the file using the link posted. Worked fine. There's 17 steps and 19 pics. Try downloading again, in the mean time I'll see if I can find it somewhere else. YouTube? No. 4shared.

Mbriggs · #8 02-03-2012, 01:13 PM

This set of Instructions worked perfectly for me! Used on 4 different vans.

pitbullvassar · #9 02-06-2012, 08:38 AM

giving you guys an update. I have the dash apart (the whole file was visible this time). I have no idea how to solder or what material to use so I have a guy that is supposed to do it later today. I will let you know when I get done if it solves the problem. Am I just concentrating on the things behind the red plug?

RIP · #10 02-06-2012, 04:41 PM

Yes, around 20 points at the red plug connection to the board. Inspect with a maginifier. Look for cracks, dull colored cold solder joints etc. Reflow all 20 no matter how they look. Some cracks can be practically invisible. Reflow means to just touch each point with the soldering iron until the solder melts then remove the iron. Add new solder if there are gaps in the solder around the contact.

pitbullvassar · #11 02-06-2012, 05:03 PM

Ok, first I want to thank you for all the help. It was not as difficult as I thought and following the diagrams was very easy. I had a buddy do the soldering, but even that did not look difficult. I put everything back together and have one problem. I had told you that my speedometer had fallen off, I put it on and I must have done it wrong because it does not even start working until you are going about 20 (so it is about 20 mph off to the low side). Is there an easy fix for this?

Mbriggs · #12 02-07-2012, 10:19 AM

Did you do the panel reset step that was listed in the link that I provided?

With the ignition key in the on position, press and hold the "trip" and "reset" buttons until the gauges start their self test sequence.

If this doesn't work, sounds like you'll need to take it back out and spin the needle a couple of notches to the left.

When I banged on one of mine hard enough to knock the needle off, that van had the kindness to shred it's tranny the same week, so I never had to fix it.

pitbullvassar · #13 02-07-2012, 12:13 PM

Ok, I tried that and it did not work. I can tear the thing back apart and put it back toether fairly easily now, my problem is that I put the speedometer back on wrong once already. I don't want to do it all again only to have it off still. I need to find a way to make sure I get it on the right speed so I can sell it.
Any ideas if there is a certain way or technique to put it on correctly?

RIP · #14 02-07-2012, 04:37 PM

If you can get the test to work you can adjust the needle and see what it does on the test. On my 96 to get it to start I have to depress both buttons THEN turn the key to on. Within 5 seconds the PRNDL display goes blank and the ODO displays "code". When you see that let go of the buttons. The gauges will start to cycle in another 3-4 seconds.

Here's what it should look like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sD--eo1ERs

pitbullvassar · #15 02-09-2012, 08:50 AM

The test worked fine, but the speed is still off. When I put the speedometer back on, I put it so it was laying right on the knob that keeps it from going down to far. I don't think there are grooves in the thing that holds the speedometer. I don't think I need a new cluster, just to figure out how to get this adjusted.

Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
2005 Grand Caravan Transmission Problem - No limp - No fault codes	aricsdaddy	Caravan \| Voyager	10	01-07-2012 06:43 PM
Head unit install = broken speedometer?	robkule422	Car Audio	2	01-03-2011 05:29 AM
Electrical Problems......	GaryCifers	Corsica	6	01-13-2010 05:08 AM

The Following User Says Thank You to RIP For This Useful Post:
pitbullvassar (01-28-2012)

The Following User Says Thank You to Mbriggs For This Useful Post:
pitbullvassar (02-06-2012)

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD