Instrument Cluster

[SEREGA784]

On moist cold days half of my instrument cluster malfunctions.
Warning lights do not show up; it does not show RPMs, but speed is fine;
Fuel gage is fine, but temp gage works backwards (strange).
It only works fine after the car was off and reseted itself, which sometimes happens right away (after couple of seconds being off) or have to drive around for awhile to be reseted..

Also when fine, the millage is not showing up, but some odd number does.

Do this could be that the cluster itself is bad, or maybe connections inside are bad and need cleaning, or it could be something else.

Hint of what is wrong will be helpful.
Thank you.

[crazy Jim]

model and year of vehicle would be helpful here

[SEREGA784]

99 grand am

[xeroinfinity]

I would think it was a bad cluster(nothing is impossible though) unless you or someone had it out messing with it.

The cold sure will effect the operations of your electronic devices.
Its been down to neg -5 here at night.
Both my GA's ususally set outside, and I have never had problems like this, other then CD's not playing or the Delco display is garbled(which is common anyway).
The needles on the gauges do move realy slow untill its ran for 5-10 min.

Check your fuses too as one may be loose of blown causing odd things to happen.
Also make sure your battery is connected good and you have 12-13volts

[SEREGA784]

now my cluster switched to bad mode to all the time, i cant get back to normal.

is there a fix for that. previously someone said to check fuses, which fuses should i check and where.

and if i have to replace the cluster how do i do it.

someone told me that to order a new cluster one must do it through the mechanic and they must specify the right milege. and the price for cluster like 300 bucks.

is this what supose to be done.

or i can just go to junk yard and buy working claster and put in.

please help.

[xeroinfinity]

Fuses are in the fuse box, since you didnt say what year...
it could be under the dash on the drivers side or the ends of the dash or maybe evenunder the hood, you'll have to figure that one out.

You can pick up a used cluster and its pretty easy to install. Just make sure the neg battery terminal is disconnectd before you start.
The mileage doesnt matter that's stored in the ecu/pcm and isnt affected by changing the cluster(IPC).

Not sure what your year is, but thiers usually a couple screws holding on the bezel around the cluster. 4 usualy hold in the IPC. Unplug it, and just hook up the replacement.

Might have to do a system relearn before it will work.
Try and see if it starts after its installed, if it doesnt work try this....
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...76&postcount=2


good luck

[SEREGA784]

i did say the year of the car in my above posts. it is 99 grand am (earlier one that has one wire knock sensor).

I will look for the fuse just to make sure, but it does not seams to be the problem, as everything seems to work just not show up, like half dead cluster. As in my first post on top i had described the problem.

Is there a difference between clusters, and do I need to get specific one for my car or they all are the same for 99 grand ams?

And just to make sure, as you said, the millage does not mater as it is not kept in the cluster itself. Because i looked online and they all say millages. I was wondering that all, so I do not buy on with to much millage on it.

But I think I will need to go to junk ya and get used cluster, just after my answer above will be answered. thank you.

[SEREGA784]

Do you really have to worry for battery of dying when doing security relearn. So is there a fuses that can be puled to disable lights and other electronics and still not effect the relearn. thank you.

[xeroinfinity]

Ok I didnt re read everything, but being a 99 I wouldnt think the cluster was bad just yet.

It is possible that your ignition lock cyl or switch is the problem.
Probly best to have it scanned with a scan tool, preferably a GM Tech II.
Or if you have a multi meter you could try testing this your self.
See below...
Ignition switch-Lock Cylinder check/replace 99+ Grand am's & some other N-bodies

Also, If and when you do a relearn you can pull the headlamp fuse to save power.

Hope that helps.

[SEREGA784]

OK Ill check.

[SEREGA784]

I looked at the ignition switch, but could not get it out, as there is some sort of the cable (seems to be for security) that is holding it. What is the best way to get the ignition switch out of there. thank you.

[xeroinfinity]

that would be the interlock cable

I'll update that procedure and add a couple pics that will help you figure this out

Here is the link to that page..
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...55#post4805055

[SEREGA784]

but in quick few wods how do you remove that cable.