Digital Dash Repair Question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
Digital Dash Repair Question
My dash occasionally goes dark and the directional lights come on. Usually a short time later, sometimes when I hit a bump, it lights back up. I added a second ground wire to the ambient temperature sensor and the problem did not change. I can usually restore the dash with a rap to the top of the dash, so I am predicting that my problem is in the dash unit.
The question is, who is a good person to repair the unit. I spoke with a gentleman in Massachusetts last year, but misplaced his number. I would be interested in others experiences with various vendors.
Thanks
The question is, who is a good person to repair the unit. I spoke with a gentleman in Massachusetts last year, but misplaced his number. I would be interested in others experiences with various vendors.
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
This is a very, very common problem. The most common cause is ground, but it can be caused by something else.
I had the same condition and added more ground wires that you can shake a stick at trying to solve it. None of that helped. Then I did something that cured the problem, but I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I DID! If I knew what I did, I'd surely post it for you.
I just feel lucky that I solved it since then I haven't had a dark dash instance is quite a while now.
There are a couple of sites that have some very detailed instructions on repairing problems with the digital dash. I couldn't find the links but I'm sure someone will post them for you in case you want to read up then tackle.
Jake
I had the same condition and added more ground wires that you can shake a stick at trying to solve it. None of that helped. Then I did something that cured the problem, but I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I DID! If I knew what I did, I'd surely post it for you.
I just feel lucky that I solved it since then I haven't had a dark dash instance is quite a while now.
There are a couple of sites that have some very detailed instructions on repairing problems with the digital dash. I couldn't find the links but I'm sure someone will post them for you in case you want to read up then tackle.
Jake
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The cluster has two circuit boards that plug together with a single row of pins from the front board to a socket on the rear board. The end pin closest to the center of the circuit board carries the lamp current that back lights the LCD's (liquid crystal displays) and an age relaxed spring on the socket causes connection resistance. The lamp current through this connection resistance causes enough heat to unsolder the pin on the front board. Resoldering the pin will not cure this problem and a cheap permanent fix is to solder a short piece of insulated hookup wire from the pin to the socket. I did this about 8 years ago in my 87 and haven't had a problem with my cluster since.
Now the turn signal lights staying on is due to the cluster losing its ground and the cluster current goes through the turn signal lamps to their ground. Go to www.batee.com and click on Corvette Stuff and then digital dash repairs.
Now the turn signal lights staying on is due to the cluster losing its ground and the cluster current goes through the turn signal lamps to their ground. Go to www.batee.com and click on Corvette Stuff and then digital dash repairs.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Wow! Thanks
I didn't originate this thread, but I have the EXACT same problem, except I haven't tried hitting the dash to make it go away. I didn't even know where to look for this one. Now I ave a starting point, if I can ever get my stupid upper steering column rebuilt.... different thread.
Bob
Bob
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 49
From: A place where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned
Originally Posted by jfb
The cluster has two circuit boards that plug together with a single row of pins from the front board to a socket on the rear board. The end pin closest to the center of the circuit board carries the lamp current that back lights the LCD's (liquid crystal displays) and an age relaxed spring on the socket causes connection resistance. The lamp current through this connection resistance causes enough heat to unsolder the pin on the front board. Resoldering the pin will not cure this problem and a cheap permanent fix is to solder a short piece of insulated hookup wire from the pin to the socket. I did this about 8 years ago in my 87 and haven't had a problem with my cluster since.
Now the turn signal lights staying on is due to the cluster losing its ground and the cluster current goes through the turn signal lamps to their ground. Go to www.batee.com and click on Corvette Stuff and then digital dash repairs.
Now the turn signal lights staying on is due to the cluster losing its ground and the cluster current goes through the turn signal lamps to their ground. Go to www.batee.com and click on Corvette Stuff and then digital dash repairs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
First-did you check your ground on the drivers post? Second did you check and clean the ground behind the head on the drivers side?
And here are two great sites.
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/24899/
and one from here!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=885976
Sounds like you've already got Gordon Killebrews book, based on your adding a ground wire to the ambient switch.
Goog Luck.
And here are two great sites.
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/24899/
and one from here!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=885976
Sounds like you've already got Gordon Killebrews book, based on your adding a ground wire to the ambient switch.
Goog Luck.
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