The vehicle instrument cluster is the array of gauges and warning lights directly in front of your field of vision when operating an automobile. The cluster can include speedometer, tachometer, warning lights, fuel gauge, exterior lights indicators and odometer. Often there's also an electronic vehicle information center, or EVIC, that can show outside temperature and other conditions. Problems with the instrument cluster can include visibility issues, or problems with parts not working at all. These kinds of problems can be corrected by following some troubleshooting steps.
Look for an illumination control if the instrument cluster can't be seen at night. Sometimes there's a dimmer-type switch adjacent to the cluster. On other vehicles the dimmer function is controlled with the interior lights control, which is often found near the main lights switch on the dash.
Replace the fuse if you are still unable to see the instrument cluster, or the gauges don't work. The fuse panel can usually be located in the engine compartment, under the dashboard, or in the trunk. An index on the fuse box cover will usually tell you which fuse supplies protection for the instrument cluster. It's often a 20 Amp yellow fuse, but replace any fuse with one of the same amperage, and color, as the existing one.
Reset the EVIC display in the instrument cluster if the measurements are the wrong units, like in metric units. For example, the odometer should likely be in miles and the temperature in Fahrenheit. Look for a "Select" or similarly labeled button and hold it for a few seconds. Sometimes you can press arrow buttons to fine tune settings like language.
