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on the 1986 dash cluster I have all gauges working, but the lighting to the cluster stopped working. what part needs to be changed to get the cluster to light up. also, where is the best place to send the cluster for repairs and what can I expect to pay? the search format is not allowing me to view past posts.
there is an outfit just outside of Evansville In. that rebuilds those.
seen a place called tabers corvette parts in southern Indiana. I also seen ecklers advertises a repair service for the gauge service. I figured this was the best site to get feedback on the various shops that repair the clusters and shops that have reasonable repair cost.
If you need to, I understand Bryan's (batee.com) prices are reasonable. He has owned a C4 and has taken the time to share his knowledge with the community. He is an electrical engineer and other than the original designers is probly the definitive go to guy on the digital dash. Support him as he has supported us.
The info on batee will probly help you solve your issue if your the least bit handy. There may not be an issue with the dash itself. Most likely its a ground issue so check that first for continuity. If that doesnt solve your issue, it may be a problem with a cold solder joint or the interboard connector which was my issue. I saw where the connector had burnt marks and I soldered a jumper around the connector.
I lost the lighting to my dash about a month ago. Replaced the bulbs and discovered most of them had already been out as the display is now much brighter.
I bought a bulb kit from the auction site and replaced them all while I had it apart.
The dash cluster has two main circuit boards connected by a 12 pin connector in the upper right corner (once the back cover is removed -see pict. below). The original lamps draw a fairly high current and the end connecting pins supplying the lamp circuit on the lower board tend to burn out. This might be your problem if all the lamps are out. The other main possibilities are the caps on the power supply or the photo-diode voltage regulator that controls the lamps' brightness. You can get replacements for all these components from Batee (http://www.batee.com/corvette/dcrg/s...connector.html) as others have mentioned.
The dash cluster has two main circuit boards connected by a 12 pin connector in the upper right corner (once the back cover is removed -see pict. below). The original lamps draw a fairly high current and the end connecting pins supplying the lamp circuit on the lower board tend to burn out. This might be your problem if all the lamps are out. The other main possibilities are the caps on the power supply or the photo-diode voltage regulator that controls the lamps' brightness. You can get replacements for all these components from Batee (http://www.batee.com/corvette/dcrg/s...connector.html) as others have mentioned.
I have a 88, took mine to Tabers, only live about 3 hours north of them, nice drive and good service, they remove, repair and replace while I waited, about1 1/2 hours, probly less, nice people, great service, about 240.00 for repair, 35.00 to remove and replace dash. Very happy with them
Last edited by bruce017; Jul 13, 2014 at 01:22 PM.
Reason: Spelling
I had same problem with my 86, I ordered bulbs, took the time to take apart and change bulbs. Didn't solve the problem. I had to put back in to continue driving the car. Now I need to take back out and send in. I also was told about bate, seemed to be good place, just have to get up the money. He said it probably need to be re-soldered. Good Luck
Check these guys for everything from dash repairs to radio repairs- I had a C4 in Tampa, I drove my car there, pulled the dash, they fixed it same day 3 hours.
I live in Las vegas now, restored another 86 - I sent them the dash and my dash from my Tahoe- great work !
86 dash cluster
