Chrysler Repair: 1999 Chrysler 300 M: cluster malfunction, chrysler 300 m, chrysler 300m

Question
I have 1999 Chrysler 300M with 65K with the following problem.
The air bag light comes first then the check the engine light comes and then the gauges (temperature, speed and rpm) fails. The dealer initially told me that the cluster need to be replaced and after more testing, the dealer now think may be the air bag module is bad. At this point and after two weeks of testing by the dealer, the dealer is not willing to tell me for sure if the problem is the cluster,the air bag module or something else. I hope that you can help


Answer
Hi Mike,
What are the 4-digit fault codes? Usually they are specific enough that the dealer should not be so equivocal. If you have been charged for diagnosis then the work order form should state what fault codes were presented from the readout they did via the diagnositc plug that is under the dash to the left of the steering column.
If you don't have the numbers then if you have an Autozone parts store nearby they will often do the readout for free. Or a private garage should do it for $40 or less. Once you have the fault code numbers let me know.
Try doing two things:
Turn the ignition switch "on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch to see if anything changes in the odometer window of the cluster.
Then turn the ignition key to the lock position. Then press the odometer reset button and hold it while you turn the key to the unlock position. Then release the button and watch the cluster to do some self-testing and again observe for any readout change in the odometer window.
Let me know and we'll go from there.
Roland