QuestionRoland,
Every now and then my ABS light goes on and all of the gauges quit working. I took it to a dealership but when they put it on a computer, it started working again. However, recently, they just quit once again. Any answers?
AnswerHi Mick,
You didn't say what year or model you have, so I will guess. Is it a minivan from the last half of the 90's?
The gauges depend upon getting digital data transmitted to it from the network that shares information between the engine, transmission, and body computer. So it can be a problem with the network in general (though the car wouldn't function too well then), the wires that connect the gauges to the network, or the circuits in the gauge cluster itself. That means some sleuthing has to be used to find out which. Try to do a diagnostic test on the cluster:
With the ignition off, simultaneously press the trip and reset buttons on the cluster.
While holding the buttons turn the key to the run position
Continue holding the buttons until the word "code" appears in the odometer window (about 5 seconds) then release the buttons and watch for code numbers to appear in the window. "999" means there are no recognized faults.
Let me know if you find a specific code number other than 999.
You might also remove the cluster and check the solder joints that connect the plug socket to the circuit board, because I have heard from other owners that they have solved problems similar to yours that were caused by cold solder joints that had opened the connections.
You may need to go back to the dealer to have the system rechecked via the DRB III computer. But give these a try.
Roland
