1999 buick regal LS ODOMETER DOESNT LIGHT

[fun2b1]

I have searched all of the past posts but I have yet to find the procedure to fix the odometer light and parking indicator light problem. I have also tried joining regalgs.org forum but after a few days I still havent been activated so it will not allow me to login and view the post. I need to get this thing fixed for inspection. If someone has a membership to that website or knows the procedure. could you please post it here so we could all benefit from it, instead of having to sign up to yet another forum. thank you in advance for any help.


I guess i shoulda waited for a few more hours...

heres the picture and info




Replace only where the resistors are shown. You can buy these resistors at Radio Shack and they come in packs of 5.

Radio Shack Part # 271-1109


Hope this helps everyone.

[BNaylor]

We have old posts that mention the cheap odometer fix which is from RegalGS.org but they redesigned the web site and the links no longer work. However, thanks for the pic.

[fun2b1]

ok so I tried the fix.. mine does this nifty little thing, that every time you disconnect the gauge cluster . then reconnect it it adds 10 miles to the odometer reading. so it sucked that I had mine in and out around 15 times due to issues I had... I tried the resistors that were specified. IT WORKED!!! for about 2 minutes.. the new resistors got so hot the gauge went dark again.. ( heat = increased resistance) so i tried the old resistors. they worked for a whole 3 minutes then one of them actually flared up and caught fire.. so yeah this fix may work.. As for myself.. I now have to get a new gauge cluster..lol but for those of you who would like to try the DIY fix.. theres actually a video on utube that tells you exactly what to replace and how to do it. hopefully others have better luck.

here's THE LINK

and if anyone knows where to get the factory style resistors... please let me know.. for some reason.. I think the radioshack ones aren't designed for the amount of heat that the cluster generates... that or there's another underlying issue with my cluster and I needed a new one anyways....

Well good luck

[BNaylor]

The big issue is most of us regardless of any DIY talents are not qualified to do SMT soldering or desoldering so that is an issue to be considered and RadioShack components are not the best around. Anyone have an ANSI J-001 certification?

You probably have another underlying issue so replacing the complete IP cluster is the best way to go if you want the job done right. Also, don't forget the odometer module in the IP cluster will need to be programmed with your current mileage. Good luck!

[fun2b1]

yeah trying to find a boneyard around me that has a odometer with the full data display now.. and yeah it wasn't THAT hard to solder and desolder. it's pretty straight forward. and as far as reprogramming... as long as you can live with a white lie;-)O:-). or you dont plan on selling the car.. it's not an issue>

[jimh]

Question, do the resistors go bad or is it just a bad factory solder job? I am going to pull the instrument panel this weekend on a '99 Regal. NO lights on the odometer and time for inspection. Just wondering if the resistors should all be replaced with new ones or just re-soldered.
Thanks,
Jim

[fun2b1]

sorry for the massively late reply.. but yeah I'd first suggest jsut touching up the solder points... I have TONS of pictures on where these points are.. but once you open it up an see them you'll see for yourself.. it's pretty simple..

still have not come across a cluster tho... anyone have one I can have?
:-D