I recently tried replacing the dash cluster bulbs on my 86 monte carlo ss. One of the lights was still working so I was assuming the others had just burned out, but the new bulbs didn't work. I'm guessing it has something to do with the electronic strip behind the dash that has somehow shorted out? Has anyone ever had to replace this strip or have any other suggestions?

 

i have an 87, mines got the same problem, half the lights are out. theres a circuit board on the back and i took mine out and theres a crack in it which is definitely causing the lights to be out. i asked around and i cant find anyone who makes them, the best thing you can do if you want to keep the stock dash is find another cluster with a circuit board in good condition and use that. otherwise you can do what im doing and get a whole new digital cluster set.

 

New Printed Circuit Fits Cars with Gauges 1978 1988 Monte Carlo SS El Camino | eBay

found one!

 

Thanks, I was having trouble finding a replacement that was new.

 

Just an FYI - Permatex makes a rear window defogger grid repair kit you can use to repair cracks/breaks in the circuits on the flexible plastic circuit boards. You can also get kits from electronic supply stores. It takes a little longer to do the repair compared to an R&R of the cluster, but will save you a lot of $$$.