Instrument Cluster Basics
#1
10-03-2010, 10:17 AM
Instrument Cluster Basics
MotorWeek
Instrument Cluster Basics
Pat Goss
Back in the day when this Mustang was new instruments were a lot different than they are today. See back then things like the speedometer was run by a speedometer cable and other things were hard wired, while everything was mechanical in the way that it worked. Today none of this stuff, even though it may look the same, none of it works the same. It's all electronic. Now as the owner of a vehicle, what does that mean for you? Well theres some basic things that you have to know. First, the way these work.
There are going to be censors at various spots around the vehicle. Those sensors generate a signal that is sent to the car's computer. The computer analyses those signals, converts them into something that can be read by the instruments in the instruments cluster. Now here we can control this one. We can turn it on and we can see the gauges move and so on. Now, here's the problem. If one of these doesn't work. How do you know if it's one of these instrument cluster, which has to be replaced as an entire unit or is it something else.
Well there's a test procedure to tell you whether it's one of the censors, whether it's the wire between the censor and the computer, it's the computer, the wire between the computer and the instrument cluster, or the instrument cluster itself. See all of these signals feed in on one common connector on the back of the cluster, that's all there is. What makes these go bad? Well there are a lot of things. Number 1 is failure to properly maintain your battery cable connections. See if the connection cables get dirty you can get voltage spikes through the electrical system and that can damage the electronics in the instrument cluster. That's number 1, number 2 is improper or even proper use of booster cables. You can do everything right and still damage the electronics in this instrument cluster. And here's one that might surprise you, if you're a smoker, you should get out of the habit of smoking in the car because smoking leaves a film inside these instruments that can actually shorten their life.
Alright now here's another issue with it and that is that the whole assembly has to be replaced and in the past, the only way you could do that was with a brand new unit. Well these came from Durmon. Durmon products is remanufacturing instrument clusters for some vehicles. Now, what do they do? Well things like stepper motors are upgraded, they have better circuit boards. They've actually gone through and most cases made better than new. But then theres another issue and they have addressed that as well. You don't have to worry about odometer problems or having issues with your title as to true mileage unknown because they document all of the mileage information that is needed to keep you legal. So great idea and a great way to save money.
Instrument Cluster Basics
Pat Goss
Back in the day when this Mustang was new instruments were a lot different than they are today. See back then things like the speedometer was run by a speedometer cable and other things were hard wired, while everything was mechanical in the way that it worked. Today none of this stuff, even though it may look the same, none of it works the same. It's all electronic. Now as the owner of a vehicle, what does that mean for you? Well theres some basic things that you have to know. First, the way these work.
There are going to be censors at various spots around the vehicle. Those sensors generate a signal that is sent to the car's computer. The computer analyses those signals, converts them into something that can be read by the instruments in the instruments cluster. Now here we can control this one. We can turn it on and we can see the gauges move and so on. Now, here's the problem. If one of these doesn't work. How do you know if it's one of these instrument cluster, which has to be replaced as an entire unit or is it something else.
Well there's a test procedure to tell you whether it's one of the censors, whether it's the wire between the censor and the computer, it's the computer, the wire between the computer and the instrument cluster, or the instrument cluster itself. See all of these signals feed in on one common connector on the back of the cluster, that's all there is. What makes these go bad? Well there are a lot of things. Number 1 is failure to properly maintain your battery cable connections. See if the connection cables get dirty you can get voltage spikes through the electrical system and that can damage the electronics in the instrument cluster. That's number 1, number 2 is improper or even proper use of booster cables. You can do everything right and still damage the electronics in this instrument cluster. And here's one that might surprise you, if you're a smoker, you should get out of the habit of smoking in the car because smoking leaves a film inside these instruments that can actually shorten their life.
Alright now here's another issue with it and that is that the whole assembly has to be replaced and in the past, the only way you could do that was with a brand new unit. Well these came from Durmon. Durmon products is remanufacturing instrument clusters for some vehicles. Now, what do they do? Well things like stepper motors are upgraded, they have better circuit boards. They've actually gone through and most cases made better than new. But then theres another issue and they have addressed that as well. You don't have to worry about odometer problems or having issues with your title as to true mileage unknown because they document all of the mileage information that is needed to keep you legal. So great idea and a great way to save money.
#2
10-03-2010, 12:44 PM
2 min - Jun 24, 2008
Uploaded by 2carpros
youtube.com
Click above to watch vid + once connected there are several associated links ~> Vid's relating to Testing/and types of Scan tools...Hope it helps a member....
#3
10-03-2010, 01:54 PM
For your information.
Welcome to Advanced Auto Electronics Official Website
Below is another site that repairs
Intrument Clusters & Speedometer repair.
Intrument Clusters & Speedometer repair.
Welcome to Advanced Auto Electronics Official Website
Advanced Auto Electronics offers original equipment for GM, Ford, Chrysler & Imports for all instrument clusters and speedometer repairs from 1955 And Up! 17 Years of Experience in Automotive Electronics. AAE is proud to offer service to all major auto service centers. What's New...
- DEALERS - 2003-2005 GM & Chevrolet 1500/2500 Pickup Truck clusters in stock for immediate exchange. Yes, this is the one that there is a 6 week waiting list for. Call for information, units can be shipped daily!
- 1986 through 1989 Buick Riviera-Reatta CRT screens in stock for exchange
- Ford Lighting Pickup Truck indiglo gages can now be repaired, call for more information
- New Denali upgrades with trans temp gauge, and white pointers for your 2003 or 2004 GMC/Chevy C/K pickup, Yukon, Tahoe, Avalanche set to your mileage exchange, phone for more information
- Upgrade your new Trailblazer cluster to an Envoy cluster, call for more information
- New speedometers added daily, for your speedometer repair and speedometer exchanges
- Factory Speedometer Repair, Speedometer Replacement, Speedometer Reprogramming, Instrument Cluster Repair, Instrument Cluster Replacement
- Free Estimates!
- One Year Warranty On Entire Unit!
- 95% of our business comes directly from automotive service centers!
- 2500 clusters in stock for exchange!
- Odometer re-programming or re-setting, with proof of mileage.*
- Global repairs and shipments of instrument clusters and speedometers.
- Free Shipping within continental USA!
- With over 2500 speedometer clusters in stock... AAE will send you a remanufactured instrument cluster or remanufactured speedometer with the correct mileage set and you just return us your core. We will enclose a prepaid return label with your replacement instrument cluster or speedometer. Your replacement speedometer or instrument cluster is only a phone call away!
- Speak to a real person, not an automated computer, to get real answers and resolutions to your problems related to your instrument cluster or speedometer repair.
- AAE offers hard to find parts, such as Corvette Digital and Analog Instrument Clusters. Yes, we have 1984 Corvette LCD Displays, as well as other Corvette models.
- AAE offers the quickest turn around time in the business. 1500 clusters in stock for immediate shipment. Over night shipping available at additional cost.
- AAE accepts repairs from individuals, car dealers and independent service shops. If you are in need, AAE can help you with your speedometer repair or instrument cluster repair today!
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