1984 Corvette Digital Dash Issue
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
1984 Corvette Digital Dash Issue
I have a 1984 Corvette that I've owned for 22 years. A few years ago, the dash would work fine, then the LCD'S would get all garbled and mixed up and the go back to normal. Recently, the entire dash got dim and hard to see. I sent it off for a rebuild and got it back. After installing it, the speedometer would read 2 mph standing still in the driveway. And the green LCD speedometer bar was all the way at the top and broken in a few spots. I removed it and sent it back. I was told it tested fine and that my problems are in the VSS sensor or wiring harness. I got it back and installed it and the speedometer now reads three digits all broken up and the green LCD speedometer bar is all the way to the top and perfect not broken. I plugged my scan tool in, it captures live data and shows the vehicle speed as 0 mph while parked in the driveway. Is there anything in my car that would make this speedometer act like this or is this purely a dash issue? Thank you!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 275
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
I have a 1984 Corvette that I've owned for 22 years. A few years ago, the dash would work fine, then the LCD'S would get all garbled and mixed up and the go back to normal. Recently, the entire dash got dim and hard to see. I sent it off for a rebuild and got it back. After installing it, the speedometer would read 2 mph standing still in the driveway. And the green LCD speedometer bar was all the way at the top and broken in a few spots. I removed it and sent it back. I was told it tested fine and that my problems are in the VSS sensor or wiring harness. I got it back and installed it and the speedometer now reads three digits all broken up and the green LCD speedometer bar is all the way to the top and perfect not broken. I plugged my scan tool in, it captures live data and shows the vehicle speed as 0 mph while parked in the driveway. Is there anything in my car that would make this speedometer act like this or is this purely a dash issue? Thank you!!!
I recommend you have a look at the following website.
www.batee.com
He rebuilds dashes, There are rubber like connectors that go from the glass display to the printed circuit board. They have to be aligned carefully, Batee does good work and has a lot of helpful diagnostic
info.
Good Luck
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 288
Likes: 10
From: Proctor WV
I was scared to death to open up my "Digital" dash...But thru forum members (Crowsnest) got it done...New film, Broke 2 panels, Do to not READING before I tore into it....Could be lint or dirt between glass plates
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
This problem could be caused by the rubber conductors that connect the PC board to the LCD panels. I would be very careful about cleaning the PC board contacts and the corresponding contacts on the LCDs.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
The elastomeric ("Zebra") connectors can easily be tested. The display goes thru a half second test when you turn on the ignition. All display segments should be illuminated for that first half second. All numbers should show "888", except the first digit may be a backward "6", and the speedo will show both english and metric numbers.
If it fails this test, return the unit to your "rebuilder". That's a sign of poor connections of the zebra connectors.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,427
Likes: 604
From: Minneapolis Mn
I sent my cluster to Bryan at Batee the other year, he has excellent service. I had a grand total of 1 problem after the fact, it showed up a short time later and was the contacts on one of the replacement bulbs used which was in no way associated with his work. A little careful rework on the contacts on the bulb where they went into the socket and it's been perfect ever since.
I highly recommend Batee, you won't be disappointed.
I highly recommend Batee, you won't be disappointed.