Instrument Cluster Problem

[junbalingit]

Hi guys!

I have a 96 Town & Country with 250,000 km on it. I have a problem about the cluster going dead. Sometimes the clusters would come on while driving but this seldom happens. The clusters would very briefly come on when I start the engine and then die down slowly. When I read the threads here I decided to do the solder solution. Unfortunately it did not fix my problem and my cluster is still dead. I've also done the battery disconnect to reset the computer and still no fix. I also checked the ground of the connector for the PCV, but still nothing. Do you think it is the BCM? Is there a test I could do to determine if the BCM is toasts? I suspect that there is something wrong with the power supply going to the BCM because the Odometer reading doesn't change when it comes on from the last time, however when it does come on while driving, the odometer registers the distance traveled.

Help please :help: .... thanks in advance.

[vipergg]

You may have to go and have the thing scanned , they can see things if it is a bcm problem if all the other fixes have failed , certainly could be a failed bcm . Not cheap to fix .

[junbalingit]

Thanks for the info, I will set an appointment with the dealer to find the problem. I will let you know what happens.

[junbalingit]

Ok I did two things to find out what is wrong with the cluster. I purchased an OBD II code reader where the reading showed P1698... a TCM problem. I'm not sure that is the problem with my cluster although the CM might have a problem nevertheless. I brought the van to a Chrysler dealer and was told that something is internally wrong with the cluster and needs to be replaced. I did not have it replaced as I'm not sure that would fix the problem place they want $700 for the new cluster. I'm going to try another cluster wiring check this weekend and keep you posted.

[webbee]

There was a post about leaking capacitors on a recent forum, unfortunately I don't have the URL.
I would replace the cluster with a wreaking yard one. Probably your cheapest option, especially since you've done the solder fix and are experienced with taking it out.

[dadvango]

speaking of wrecking yards, i found this site called "junkyarddog.com" where they search for parts from many yards for you. just my 2 cents worth

[junbalingit]

Ok I got a cluster from a used parts yard. It cost me CND$30 but I had to go to the yard myself and pull it out from the junked car. Anyway I installed it and it did not fix my problem which means that it is not in the cluster. Goes to prove that the dealers may not have the correct diagnosis either.... sure saved me $700 to replace the cluster because I'm sure they will say that the cluster is really dead but there is also something else wrong with the system that needs to be fixed.

Anyway, I failed to mention that the radio also does not function together witht the cluster. I did a check on the power into the junction box and there is no power going in. Any suggestions on where I should look? I checked the Haynes manual and I could not trace the wiring where they point to.

[junbalingit]

Ok, after returning the instrument cluster I got a used TCM and installed it. Still did not fix the problem, I returned the TCM and this time got a used ignition switch. I installed it and it still did not fix the problem. Its a good thing that the wrecker accepts all the stuff I return.

So now, I'm still at a loss on how to fix the cluster. Is there anybody who knows how the Power distribution center, junction block and the BCM connected to each other? What I think is that the junction box is not getting any power from the PDC. Can any body tell me what wire supplies the power to the junction block or if there is a relay that I have to check that powers up the junction block?

I would appreciate any help.

[junbalingit]

Checking the wiring diagram from my Haynes manual, the junction block is powered by a connection from the PDC through a fused B+ connection. Upon further research, a B+ connection passes through the alternator. I'm a bit of a novice with this but I am an engineer and can pick-up the techinical description or procedures. I would appreciate any help.

[junbalingit]

Finally was able to fix the problem. For the benefit of those who have the same problem, while I was driving, the clusters came alive by itself so I decided to listen to the radio. After turning the radio on, the clusters went dead again together with a clicking sound coming from the junction box. Apparently, the radio had a short in the unit which caused the circuit breaker to break the circuit. Since the clusters are in the same circuit, the clusters were also dead. I diconnected the radio and everything went fine.

This board is great, I was able to figure out the problem eventually after studying all the posts for similarities in my problem and thus eliminate possible problems one by one and understand that my problem was purely electrical in nature. One comment I have for the engineers of Chrysler is that the fuse should have done its job if the radio had a short. It should have not affected the whole circuit