C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Instrument Cluster Not Working

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Old Nov 30, 2016 | 12:16 PM
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Default Instrument Cluster Not Working

So I’m looking at buying a 1985 Corvette and one of the only issues is that none of the dash is working. This includes both the screens behind the steering wheel and the screen above the center consul. When I turned the electricity on in the car the dash flashes on but only for a second, when I shined my flashlight on it I still couldn't see anything. The dealer told me he could probably fix it for $60 but I doubt that, i was wondering if this is something bigger than like a bad fuse or just needing a new cluster or if this will be a big expensive problem.
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Old Nov 30, 2016 | 03:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Deadneedle72
The dealer told me he could probably fix it for $60
Welcome to the forum!

Let the dealer fix it for $60 and drive away happy.

It is tough to buy a car with known problems but if the guy says he can fix it for that little money, have him.
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Old Nov 30, 2016 | 03:34 PM
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He'll charge me more when he finds out that it will cost more, and I'm most worried about this being something small hiding something big
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Old Nov 30, 2016 | 03:43 PM
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Sounds like that may be his problem. Negotiate a price that is good for you with the dash all working.

It becomes the dealer risk; if he finishes quickly he makes extra money, if it takes longer then you are safe.
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Old Nov 30, 2016 | 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by billschroeder5842
Welcome to the forum!

Let the dealer fix it for $60 and drive away happy.

It is tough to buy a car with known problems but if the guy says he can fix it for that little money, have him.
I agree, have the dealer fix it BEFORE you buy and have him add 60 bucks to the price.
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Old Nov 30, 2016 | 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by divotdug
I agree, have the dealer fix it BEFORE you buy and have him add 60 bucks to the price.

It typically costs alot more than $60 to get the instrument cluster fixed. If they want to sell it, make that part of the deal or walk away. There are many vehicles out there if this one doesn't work out.
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Old Dec 1, 2016 | 12:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Deadneedle72
So I’m looking at buying a 1985 Corvette and one of the only issues is that none of the dash is working. This includes both the screens behind the steering wheel and the screen above the center consul. When I turned the electricity on in the car the dash flashes on but only for a second, when I shined my flashlight on it I still couldn't see anything. The dealer told me he could probably fix it for $60 but I doubt that, i was wondering if this is something bigger than like a bad fuse or just needing a new cluster or if this will be a big expensive problem.
Offer him $100 more than the negotiated price. $60 is less than an hour work and I have my doubts too. I'd be skeptical that you can find a new gauge that is NOS. Rebuild costs more than that. What he is quoting is R&R of the cluster from what I see.
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Old Dec 3, 2016 | 01:41 AM
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Default Dash cluster lights

No "new" technician is going to fix your 25 plus year old dash problem!!! He/She wasn't born yet... (see I'm correct).Go to Bantee, Call, Get price, or if your DIY, Whole web site with info.....Bantee.Com Still like ALKIM's avartar, Always loved Gina

Last edited by Ziggy*; Dec 3, 2016 at 01:47 AM. Reason: Add on
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