98 manual boxster - speedometer, tachometer, and digital screens not working, but fuel gauge and temperature are?

[chromecarz00]

Hello all, I've looked through just about every thread on the internet about this and haven't been able to find a solution. My car was dead for at least a week comma and when I started it none of the above gauges were working. fuel gauge and temperature gauge work fine, all of the lights work fine, but the digital displays and the tachometer and speedometer are not working. Initially, the radio was not working either, but that was a simple b2 fuse replacement. I've tried putting in different fuses, switching fuses, turning the car off and pulling b1, then turning it on, pulling the negative terminal and hitting the brakes, all to no avail. 

 

I'm confused because it seems like the cluster is getting information from the engine, as evidenced by the Fuel and temperature gauge is working, but for some reason the speedo and tachometer are not. Could this be the loose connection, even though Fuel and temperature work?

[Loren]

Has someone taken the instrument cluster out recently?

If so I would suspect they did not get all the cable locking connectors back in place properly. There are three large cable connectors that must of locked into place securely.

[chromecarz00]

6 hours ago, Loren said:

Has someone taken the instrument cluster out recently?

If so I would suspect they did not get all the cable locking connectors back in place properly. There are three large cable connectors that must of locked into place securely.

Thanks for the reply. I don't believe so, but I'm willing to check. 

 

My wonder is are there dedicated connectors for just the tach, speedometer and screens? 

[aureliusmaxed]

from what i understand most of the fuel and temp guages are analog while the tach and speedo are digital which run on another circuit


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[chromecarz00]

21 hours ago, aureliusmaxed said:

from what i understand most of the fuel and temp guages are analog while the tach and speedo are digital which run on another circuit


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This helps narrow it down to either a faulty fuse or loose connection.

 

Thanks

[chromecarz00]

Update: It's not the fuses and the connections all look good. 

 

I pulled the fuses while the car was on and the lights and temp/fuel gauges died, so those are working properly. I pulled the gauge cluster and all connections on the back looked fine as well. Any ideas? 

[aureliusmaxed]

now is the time to troubleshoot and isolate to the component level. id get a wiring diagram and check the path or signal from the dme to the cluster end connections. if you have a clear current path the next thing you would do is check with a durametric the live data stream of your rpm/speed and then you can see if the issue is just the cluster failure


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[chromecarz00]

On 10/14/2016 at 7:43 PM, aureliusmaxed said:

now is the time to troubleshoot and isolate to the component level. id get a wiring diagram and check the path o señal from the dme to the cluster end connections. if you have a clear current path the next thing you would do is check with a durametric the live data stream of your rpm/speed and then you can see if the issue is just the cluster failure


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Would I be able to check with a OBDII sensor the live data stream of rpm/speed? would that be the easiest way to narrow down to cluster failure?

 

Also, would there be anything other than a cluster failure that would make the displays go out? The lights behind them turn on but nothing on them, no mileage or anything. Some say ignition switch but i haven't had any issues with it

[aureliusmaxed]

if you have no engine codes and your sensors and signal paths test good, consider having your instrument cluster sent in for repairs


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[chromecarz00]

Well, my OBDIi sensor is reading speed and rpm, with no engine codes so it seems like it may be time to find a new cluster. My last question is if the odometer data is stored within the cluster? If i buy another cluster and plug it in, will it show the mileage on the car or the mileage on the cluster?

[aureliusmaxed]

no sir. which is why i suggest to send your cluster for repair as they can repair it and keep the same saved mileage or if you send them a used replacement they will update it


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[aureliusmaxed]

the place is in florida i forget the name but some other threads discuss their services


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[Ahsai]

Try modulemaster.com They are good.

[chromecarz00]

Module master said they can't do anything for mileage or screens. seems like the case with most companies so far unfortunately.

 

I haven't been able to find any legit companies that do this in the states - any recommendations?

Edited October 21, 2016 by chromecarz00

[KevinH90]

Try Palo Alto Speedometer and North Hollywood Speedometer.  I have seen several posts from folks who indicate that they have reset mileage on a replacement cluster.

 

You could also reprogram a cluster yourself by copying files from your cluster to the replacement.  You can find iinformation in these threads:

 

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/43017-carrera-gauge-swap.html

 

http://rennlist.com/forums/boxster-and-boxster-s-986-forum/915925-programming-a-996-cluster-to-work-in-a-986-a.html

 

http://www.boxa.net/forum/index.php?/topic/62435-how-to-upgrade-to-a-996-instrument-cluster/