97 Guage problem

[elmeyer]

Howdy
Have a 97 GM SE The inst readings are wacky. The temp, tach, spedo & fuel guages quit. The coolent low & check oil lights came on. Any idea what this could be & how i can check it myself?
Thanks Larry

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF !!

And sorry for the delayed reply.

Sounds like the typical IPC failure. If you do a search in Grand Am you'll find several others with the same issue?(s).

[elmeyer]

Thanks xeroinfinity, Where exactly is the IPC located on the 97? No problem with the delay, just happy with an answer.

[xeroinfinity]

Ooops! Sorry about that!

The IPC is the instrument panel cluster.

Usualy they get solder breaks somewhere inside, just from normal road vibrations.

Though I would check the wires to and from it, making sure thier are no breaks in any wires causing a short. Also check the fuses for those circuits.

[elmeyer]

Thanks. Anyone out there have a step by step on how to remove the IPC on a 97 ga se. I am not very mechanically inclined & have much more time than money.
Thanks Larry

[3100]

there are 4 Philips screws all together holding that plastic bazzel that goes around your ipc, radio and hvac controls. Two when you look right above the ipc, and two in that shelf below the hvac controls where you would normally put your wallet etc. For this you will need long Philips screwdriver and for the top part short one. You will also have to tilt the steering wheel downwards in order to have more space when you pull out the bazzel. Also be careful when disconnecting dim swithc connector and cigarette lighter connector. When you remove that part you can clean it and paint it in the color of your car. Hahah just kidding just a recommendation. Then you will see all the bolts that are holding your ipc. Also I would like to add that you could also have short in uart bus line which is ckt 800 or tan wire but it is unlikely if no one was playing with the wires before that. IPC on this cars are really bad and agree with what XI said.

[elmeyer]

Thank you 3100. Seems easy enough. This forum has helped me & I appreciate all the replies. When the problem is resolved I will let you know.
Thanks to all
Larry

[xeroinfinity]

Its an easy task.
Just keep hold of those torx screws. They like falling into the bermuda triangle inside the dash never to be found. lol

Glad to help !