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Old May 20, 2020 | 02:16 PM
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i987c0sw0rth's Avatar
i987c0sw0rth
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Hi guys. I have had issues with the instrument cluster on my 1988 C4. A couple of days ago, I turned the ignition key and the cluster went haywire. Flashing and jumping all over the place. I went as far as ordering a reconditioned cluster in the UK. Today, I was tidying up a few things around the car and the cluster started to operate properly again. I have a suspicion that it could be ignition switch related. I have put the replacement cluster on hold for a couple of days to see if the cluster faults again. When the ignition key is turned, the speedo displays a back to front 6with 88. it then displays 27, followed by3, then 1 and 0. THe rev counter displays 88, followed by 27 and then 0. Both arrive at 0 at the same time. All other elements seem to be operating correctly. The light sensor is also working. I am finding it difficult that the cluster can fault repeatedly and then function correctly again. Any thoughts guys?. I obviously don't want to buy a new panel and find that the original was not the issue.
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Old May 20, 2020 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by i987c0sw0rth
Hi guys. I have had issues with the instrument cluster on my 1988 C4. A couple of days ago, I turned the ignition key and the cluster went haywire. Flashing and jumping all over the place. I went as far as ordering a reconditioned cluster in the UK. Today, I was tidying up a few things around the car and the cluster started to operate properly again. I have a suspicion that it could be ignition switch related. I have put the replacement cluster on hold for a couple of days to see if the cluster faults again. When the ignition key is turned, the speedo displays a back to front 6with 88. it then displays 27, followed by3, then 1 and 0. THe rev counter displays 88, followed by 27 and then 0. Both arrive at 0 at the same time. All other elements seem to be operating correctly. The light sensor is also working. I am finding it difficult that the cluster can fault repeatedly and then function correctly again. Any thoughts guys?. I obviously don't want to buy a new panel and find that the original was not the issue.
The inner boards on the cluster have a through pin connector. A lot of times those have cold solder joints and causes the erratic operation. Mine would work, freak out flashing all random things and then go black. Then a random bump would make it work again or go back out. If you feel like pulling it out you could take a look there. Batee has the diagrams showing what I'm referring to as well as tutorial videos on YouTube.

Touching up the solder has fixed mine for 4 years now.

Last edited by 84 4+3; May 20, 2020 at 03:06 PM.
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Old May 20, 2020 | 05:02 PM
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Thanks for that 84 4+3. I will look at what you suggest if it faults again. The instrument cluster has not been subjected to any vibration- knocks as the car is not taxed for road use at the moment as it is on what we call SORN. I could check it as the dash pad is out at the moment and the front facia panel is also out for repairs to broken or missing corners. Might be of some interest to you guys in the USA. I have used a super glue called Q-Bond. It comes with powder additives. It is about the only thing I have found that will repair American plastic car trim parts. I have remade missing corners using it. Not many Corvette spares available in the UK and importing from the USA costs an arm and a leg. Thanks again for your help. John.
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Old May 21, 2020 | 08:05 AM
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Originally Posted by i987c0sw0rth
Thanks for that 84 4+3. I will look at what you suggest if it faults again. The instrument cluster has not been subjected to any vibration- knocks as the car is not taxed for road use at the moment as it is on what we call SORN. I could check it as the dash pad is out at the moment and the front facia panel is also out for repairs to broken or missing corners. Might be of some interest to you guys in the USA. I have used a super glue called Q-Bond. It comes with powder additives. It is about the only thing I have found that will repair American plastic car trim parts. I have remade missing corners using it. Not many Corvette spares available in the UK and importing from the USA costs an arm and a leg. Thanks again for your help. John.
Q-bond is pretty cool.

Mine would randomly flake out just sitting as well. Its an easy enough check so may be worth it especially since everything is already out.
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