Chrysler Repair: Mini-van instrument panel goes blank, soldering pencil, postal mail

Question
My wifes caravan, the dashboard gauges,odometer,everything to the check engine light goes out, then  would come back on days later. Then it didn't for several days so i hit the top of the dash with my hand and it came back on, gauges fuel, odometer,everything worked.. then about week later the gauges went out while driving and I did the same thing, hit the top of dash with my hand and they poped back on 20mph was what the speed odometer said and the idle was the same when up on the gauge, they was insync! Now 3 days ago the gages went back out and not back on now. also want to mention that out of the blue the windshield wipers start up for about 2 wipes then stop. is this a computer problem? How do i fix?

Answer
Hi Mark,
This is an often-asked question. From what I have learned, the problem is a "cold" solder joint (intermittent open connection) of oneor more of the solder joints that connects that plug socket at the rear of the cluster to the circuit board. So if you will remove it and touch each solder connection between the pin and board with the tip of a soldering pencil you should be able to solve the problem. The procedure to remove the cluster is different depending upon whether you have an electronic trans range indicator or a mechanical connector, so let me know which. The Windshield wipers are also controlled by the digital data bus connection that is involved with the cluster. Once you fix the cluster it may solve that wiper issue.
Roland
PS Use the "thank/rate" tab below to get back to me if you have a further question. You won't have to wait for me to be 'available'.
I have the '95 and '98 manuals so I can't be sure which style of cluster is in your vehicle. Does it have a fuel and temp gauge on either side of the speedo/odo, or are there 4 gauges to the right of the speedo/odo? The best thing would be for me to xerox copy and postal mail the pages that show how to remove the cluster, so let me know a postal mail address and I'll send them to you.

OK Mark, that appears to be the same dash as in the '98 so I will send the instructions on that one. What you describe is consistent with the a bad solder connection at the cluster board/plug socket interface. The gauges are magnetic so wherever they are when the signal fails is where they will sit until given a new signal or jarred by striking the dash.
The 'board' is essentially the entire cluster which is one piece, and the socket is the place where the wire harness that is attached to the cluster board is plugged in.