1st gen instrument cluster fix!

Blaanjunk · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2012, 12:43 AM

Hey guys! So i have done alot of research of trying to find a fix for the instrument cluster. Are your gauges reading false? (Temp: pegged hot, fuel: pegged full, odometer: 999,999, tach: bounce: between 0 and 1,000, speedometer: wont read past 15 or 20 mph.) well here is the fix. First of all you need to remove the instrument cluster! Then undo the speedometer from the circuit board and on the back you'll see two(2) transistors. Just unsolder them and solder in new ones. The part number for the transistors at radioshack is: NTE152. They can be picked up for a couple dollars for the both of them. After soldering put cluster back together plug in and install back into dash and then have an awesome, accomplished feeling day! I know there has been talk about the fix on here but never seen a thread with how to do it. Ive seen threads with links all over the internet which are mostly broken. So i wanted to help anyone else who is having this problem. Will try and do a diy this weekend! Have a good one! Good luck! Hope this helps!

Escapehatch · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2012, 01:02 AM

I had heard about this fix before, but my father's '98 hasn't had the dash go out yet so I haven't gotten the chance to put it to the test. If people with dash issues do this repair with good results, we'll definitely need to get a sticky on this thread.

LamestDudeOut · #3 (**permalink**) 12-10-2012, 08:25 AM

speedo/ temp gauge on my 99 seem fine it's my fuel light saying its low when there is over a quarter tank, not sure if this is something I should look into doing, I started another thread about it but this seems similar

mrwhizard1 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2012, 05:54 PM

The transistor fix does not work. Save your time. I know because I repair them everyday and I've never changed these transistors. Usually due to corrupt EEprom data needs reprogramming. If you want your cluster fixed visit Instrument Cluster Repair, Speedometer Repair, Odometer Repair for more info.

Escapehatch · #5 (**permalink**) 12-14-2012, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrwhizard1

The transistor fix does not work. Save your time. I know because I repair them everyday and I've never changed these transistors. Usually due to corrupt EEprom data needs reprogramming. If you want your cluster fixed visit Instrument Cluster Repair, Speedometer Repair, Odometer Repair for more info.

Going to be honest and say I don't believe you since you turn a profit on repairing the clusters. If a member with cluster problems tries this "fix" and it fails to work, then I'll believe you

mrwhizard1 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-14-2012, 08:07 AM

Ok we'll see how blaanjunk makes out this weekend. I predict after he tries this it will work for maybe upwards to a month or so and then fail again.

nicetier · #7 (**permalink**) 12-16-2012, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrwhizard1

Ok we'll see how blaanjunk makes out this weekend. I predict after he tries this it will work for maybe upwards to a month or so and then fail again.

Is this Tom? If it is I spoke to you a great while back about my 2004 with intermittent hesitations at around 40mph or so. I found the problem was
cracked solder around the connector pins (excuse my terminology). I removed the cluster and carefully looked for hairline cracks with a magnifying glass and
found several. after I repaired the faults I have had no issues whatsoever.
Anyway if this is not Tom, Make sure to thank him for me for all the great advice
he gave me.

axeld · #8 (**permalink**) 12-17-2012, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blaanjunk

Hey guys! So i have done alot of research of trying to find a fix for the instrument cluster. Are your gauges reading false? (Temp: pegged hot, fuel: pegged full, odometer: 999,999, tach: bounce: between 0 and 1,000, speedometer: wont read past 15 or 20 mph.) well here is the fix. First of all you need to remove the instrument cluster! Then undo the speedometer from the circuit board and on the back you'll see two(2) transistors. Just unsolder them and solder in new ones. The part number for the transistors at radioshack is: NTE152. They can be picked up for a couple dollars for the both of them. After soldering put cluster back together plug in and install back into dash and then have an awesome, accomplished feeling day! I know there has been talk about the fix on here but never seen a thread with how to do it. Ive seen threads with links all over the internet which are mostly broken. So i wanted to help anyone else who is having this problem. Will try and do a diy this weekend! Have a good one! Good luck! Hope this helps!

I had the same issue with my 98 and sadly the only way I could fix mine was to replace it. If you are patient a few will show up in LKQ's South Texas store every now and then. Check there. I got mine total cost of $150 shipped to me in Oregon. My ODO is off by 51k after the swap buuuuuut I won't ever sell this truck. Ill drive it until it dies on me! Replacing the cluster isn't difficult either. I did this 2-3 months ago I believe and haven't had a problem since!!

One thing to make sure is they send you the correct one for your transmission. My truck is a manual and they sent me one with AT gear indicators lol. No usage issues it just looks funny having them in a MT vehicle. Might cause problems the other way though. I'm not sure.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.