QuestionThe speedometer, gas gauge, RPM gauge, and the hold/cold gauge (all are dial gauges with a needle) are NOT working. Also NOT working is the digital mileage and trip odometer and normal odometer. The lights for illuminating the gauge dials ARE working, but there part where the odometer should read is NOT illuminated.
I'm not sure what is wrong with the vehicle. Can you help? Hopefully this was not too confusing for you. Please let me know if you need any further information.
Thank you so much!
AnswerHi Stephanie,
The cluster gauges require some voltage source as well as the information for producing the readings, which is in digital format and is supplied by the body computer nearby to the cluster on a pair of twisted wires. It also of course has to be functioning correctly internally. My most recent manuals are for the '98 model year so I can't be certain about the fuse assignment but check fuse number 2 in the fuse box under the dash on the driver's side of the vehicle.
After that, the most efficient way to determine which of the several possibilities is the problem is by means of a diagnostic readout device that is certainly available at a dealer and possibly at an independent shop. The device would have to be capbable of performing analysis of the body communication systems (that network of devices connected by a pair of digital information carrying wires). With such a device a tech can pinpoint where the problem is. Finding a competent and honest shop is thus your most important task.
The only other simple possibility that sometimes come into play is water intruding into the cabin from a leak around the windshiel and which if it drips on the body computer can temporarily knock out the system or part of it. So if you see any history of heavy rains/car wash when this began, that would be a possibility. It may recover when it dries out.
Those are my best suggestions for this problem.
Roland
