Speedo display dim
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Pompano Fl
Speedo display dim
Hi, my 96 speedometer display went very dim and hard to read. The fuel gage and all gage displays are all dim too. I have checked with a scanner but no codes are displayed. I can't find an idea in the FSM, and my poor skills do not turn up any help from a search. Is there a proper name to look up, or does anybody have any ideas? It's a 96 LT4 with 75000 miles, if it makes any difference.
Thanks for any help,
Al
Thanks for any help,
Al
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
This is gonna sound really dumb, but did you try the dimmer? Around the headlight switch, on the left side, is a little lever that you can move up and down. Move it all the way up it sets all your lights to max brightness and it'll turn on your dome light. Move it all the way down and you can barely read anything at night.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
I've got this very same issue on my 95. There seems to be something going on with the LED's light output. My speedo is also very dim as this seems to be a symptom of whatever condition is manifesting itself.
The remedy, for me, has been to buy a whole new instrument cluster. My first thought was to change out just the LED portion, but I was told that is a major amount of work. Easier to purchase a working cluster.
My fear about having the mileage inaccurate was allayed as I was told that the computer that handles the mileage is tucked up behind the radio or that area of the dash. We'll see when I install the new cluster.
I also tried the dimmer and that obviously wasn't the problem.
The remedy, for me, has been to buy a whole new instrument cluster. My first thought was to change out just the LED portion, but I was told that is a major amount of work. Easier to purchase a working cluster.
My fear about having the mileage inaccurate was allayed as I was told that the computer that handles the mileage is tucked up behind the radio or that area of the dash. We'll see when I install the new cluster.
I also tried the dimmer and that obviously wasn't the problem.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Bad luck. I know I've accidentally bumped the dimmer switch and dimmed everything, or accidentally bumped it and turned on the dome light. Since he didn't mention it, it's worth checking.
You are correct, the mileage is stored in the CCM and will transfer to your new cluster. Before you do that, are the lights just on the cluster dim? I ask because the HVAC controls should dim as well. If those are dim, a cluster won't fix it. If they work on the dimmer properly and it's only the cluster that is messed up then a cluster is probably the best route.
You are correct, the mileage is stored in the CCM and will transfer to your new cluster. Before you do that, are the lights just on the cluster dim? I ask because the HVAC controls should dim as well. If those are dim, a cluster won't fix it. If they work on the dimmer properly and it's only the cluster that is messed up then a cluster is probably the best route.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
If you're asking me, everything dims and turns bright with the dimmer switch. Though I'm new to this car, I'm going to venture and say that it is acting normal.
The speedo is the only thing that's dim. Its really a pain in daylight when you're trying to see the speed and its so dim, that you have to peer closely. I used the GPS to give me my speed.
Ralf
The speedo is the only thing that's dim. Its really a pain in daylight when you're trying to see the speed and its so dim, that you have to peer closely. I used the GPS to give me my speed.
Ralf
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
If you're asking me, everything dims and turns bright with the dimmer switch. Though I'm new to this car, I'm going to venture and say that it is acting normal.
The speedo is the only thing that's dim. Its really a pain in daylight when you're trying to see the speed and its so dim, that you have to peer closely. I used the GPS to give me my speed.
Ralf
The speedo is the only thing that's dim. Its really a pain in daylight when you're trying to see the speed and its so dim, that you have to peer closely. I used the GPS to give me my speed.
Ralf
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Pompano Fl
Yes, I did try the dimmer first but it does not change the display in the digital part that is dim. All the dash lights work ok with the dimmer.
I will keep looking at posts, and also the FSM tonite.
Thanks for the quick replys.
Al
I will keep looking at posts, and also the FSM tonite.
Thanks for the quick replys.
Al
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Good luck, Al. I'd been told that its easier to change out the whole cluster. Its in that LED part, but its not often seen. I looked as well but couldn't find anything.
Report back, if you would, should you find the answer.
Ralf
Report back, if you would, should you find the answer.
Ralf
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Pompano Fl
Hi, thanks for the input. Ralf, Vertrx7, sounds like the same thing I am dealing with. I will be trying to figure it out as time allows. Its not bad at nite, but is really hard to see in the day.
thanks everybody,
Al
thanks everybody,
Al
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 4
From: Yucaipa CA
My 90 does this a lot. when my display dims and you press the fuel buttons the display gets the SYS on the display but if I press in on the DIC the speedo brightens up and the sys error goes away. I've never really checked why its related to the dic yet. probably just a poor connection.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
The 90 - 96 clusters really only have one main connection point at the back of the cluster to the car's wiring harness that might cause a dimming issue/problem. If your having problems clean the main connection points and check to see if you issues are resolved.....you'll have to drop the steering column down to remove the cluster (see link below)
If still having problems dissassemble the cluster and replace the two back lighting bulbs (16 & 17 see link below for details) for the LCD and twist to remove the sockets that hold these bulbs and clean them and the contact points that they strike on the back of the circuit board....then reassemble the cluster and test it.
Here is a link with removal and bulb location instructions: http://content.mamotorworks.com/pdf/601022.pdf
Have fun!
If still having problems dissassemble the cluster and replace the two back lighting bulbs (16 & 17 see link below for details) for the LCD and twist to remove the sockets that hold these bulbs and clean them and the contact points that they strike on the back of the circuit board....then reassemble the cluster and test it.
Here is a link with removal and bulb location instructions: http://content.mamotorworks.com/pdf/601022.pdf
Have fun!
