Help! 1996 Grand Am with CPU/Electrical Problems

[Brock Landers]

My wife was on the way to work with our 1996 Grand Am SE 2.4l 4 cyl. 5 speed 141,000 miles. She told me a gauges stopped working (speedometer, tachometer, gas, temp, etc.) and all emergency lights came on (cel, oil, abs, etc.). She said the car is driving normal, but she doesn't feel comfortable driving it without knowing her speed. This has to be 1 centalized issue right?

Thanks!

[Brock Landers]

and to add....I've checked fuses (inside and under hood), cleaned battery connections...the problem still exists.

[xeroinfinity]

Has anyone ever done any Wire Splicing or installed an aftermarket stereo ? I've seen simular things happen when someone who doesn't know what they're doing starts choping wires trying to put in radios/amps and other electronics.Or Do you smell anythiing like burnt plastic? If so, it's probley time to SELL. Good Luck!

[mkb2444]

My sons 96 Grand Am just did the same thing. All the gauges quit working. If anyone can help, let us know.

[skibum1111]

Couple of ideas for you to check: Possible defective instrument cluster, it might have a short in it. It could also be a defective ecm, and it could ba a bad ground somewhere.

[Ridenour]

Not sure, but this sounds like it could be related to a bad BCM. It is located underneath the glovebox inside the passenger side dash. You might want to check all the connections and grouds on the unit; as it may be your culprit.

[Drova]

I had the same problem first when i bought my car only mine would shut off as soon as it would happen, wait like 15 min the car would start and everything be back to normal, the problem with mine was the computer went, i hope yours isnt.

[Sckary]

I would say it's a bad instrument cluster. Happened to my 97 grand am a couple months back. Was a $50 fix (junkyard cluster)

[97grandamld9]

Originally Posted by Sckary

I would say it's a bad instrument cluster. Happened to my 97 grand am a couple months back. Was a $50 fix (junkyard cluster)

yea, i would put my money on the cluster.

[Brock Landers]

Originally Posted by 97grandamld9

yea, i would put my money on the cluster.

I am going to check all out. How can I test the cluster to see if that is the defective part/issue?

[Brock Landers]

Another question...When buying a new cluster (if needed), do I have to buy a "1996" model cluster, or will one from a 95, 97, 98 be ok (they all look the same)? How easy/hard is it for a DIY to do this project?

Thanks!

[Sckary]

Originally Posted by Brock Landers

Another question...When buying a new cluster (if needed), do I have to buy a "1996" model cluster, or will one from a 95, 97, 98 be ok (they all look the same)? How easy/hard is it for a DIY to do this project?

Thanks!

I'm not sure on the compatability of the years, I was lucky and found a nice cluster the same model year as mine.

As to how easy it is: I don't spend a lot of time fixing cars myself, and I found it to be pretty easy. You'll need a #2 philips screwdriver, a #2?? star torque screwdriver, and one to two hours.

You have to remove a cover under the driver side dash, 4 philips screws to remove the instrument cluster cover, and 4 star torque screws at the cluster.

I had difficulty removing some of the wire connectors until I took a #1 mini screwdriver and used that to pry open the snaps at the connectors.

Good luck and I hope it's not 95 deg when you do it, like it was for me.

[mkb2444]

Went to the junkyard Saturday and picked up a cluster for $50.
Got home, put it in, and it worked like a charm. Real easy to change.
Thanks for the help.

[Brock Landers]

Picked up a cluster on ebay for $30, installed it....

car started, then died (VATS). Reset factory alarm...

It works beautifully...Thanks all!

[Sckary]

I am happy both of you got it fixed. I was so nervous giving advice with me being such a noob to fixing my own car. =)