QuestionQUESTION: I cant find a tec to do work, so how do I remove cluster myself.
300M 1999.
Thanks
ANSWER: Hi Hiram,
You may want to disconnect the battery at the negative remote battery post
Remove the left end cap from the dash
Lower the steering column down to the lowest position
You may need to remove the column shroud cover
Look for screw(s) around the bezel for removal.
Also look for any facia that might be hiding screws around the bezel, if any (varies by model so I can't be specific)
Then pry around the bezel with a trim stick to release cluster
The plugs on the rear are held on very tightly, requiring up to 30 lb of force to release.
The bus wire is yellow/violet from pin 5 of the green plug that goes to pin 13 of the gray plug at the body computer (located on the back side of the fuse box in the dash). The problem may be with a 'cold' solder joint between the pin 5 connector and the cluster circuit board which you can reheat with a soldering pencil.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about 'volunteer of the month' nomination consider a 'yes' answer if this response proves to be helpful. Thanks
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QUESTION: Hi
whell I did get cluster out, check all pins, did not find any loose ones but resoldering was done. PROBLEM IS STILL THERE.If the car is off for more than 8 hr, it has no situation after 5 miles+/- or short drive I get the situation againg (1687)_, Im looking for a old cluster(working) see if problem continues, any sugestions do help .
Thanks Hiram
PD all conections look clean and thight
ANSWER: Hi Hiram,
Did you check the wire between the cluster and the body computer? That is the only digital connection to the cluster and so if it isn't the wiring I would suspect the cluster. Does the cluster stop working at the point of the 1687?
You would do well to check the power supply wires to the cluster when you think the code is being set: pin 1, 2, 3, of the green plug and pin 2 of the blue plug should all show 12v when the key is in the run position, and pin 6 of both plugs should be grounded. Let me know if any of those are not present as that might explain why there is no communication from the cluster.
Roland
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QUESTION: Ill check Monday, Will any cluster (1999) do Im locking at ebay
AnswerThere are three different looking clusters in '99: Intrepid/Concorde/and LHS-300M but they are all wired identically. I am not certain about interchangeabilty as far as fitting into the dash so it would probably be best to buy one from an LHS or 300M.
You could inquire at a dealer parts counter to find out which years, if more than one, your specific cluster was used in. I do notice that in appearance the cluster for the 300M as late as '04 has the same external appearance as a '99, and wiring assignmment are identical to the two plugs, but apparently the type/style of plug changed at some point so that you would need to get the cluster plugs too if you wanted to use one from '04 and then transfer the wires from your existng plugs to the replacement's plugs. These are the kind of issues to look out for.
Roland
