Hello everyone,

While driving yesterday, I noticed the cluster in my S went completely black. The cluster is completely stock and all of the bottom lights on the cluster still work (cel, brake, eps, etc). I checked fuse 9 (instrument panel) but it was fine. It doesnt seem posible for all the bulbs to burn out at once. Does anyone know what fuse protects the top half of the cluster (speedo, tach, fuel, temp)?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

UPDATE: Its not the fuse. Started it this morning and I can see the gauges, though they are extremely dim and almost unreadable. Tried hitting the "+" several times but nothing changed. Any advice?

 

I've noticed that my AP1 cluster has a slight dimming flicker at night. It's acting kind of like my dome light did when there was corrosion building on the switch contacts. I've been meaning to pull the cluster and take a look at the plug contacts. Maybe something for you to look at.

 

Ill attempt to take it out tonight. Just got back from a 30min drive and now the gas gauge is completely out. Do these have bulbs I can replace? If not would I need a new cluster? Wont my mi be reset if a new cluster is installed?

 

Not sure of your car type(AP1 or 2) and MY.That said for an A P 1 the fuses are 25 and 5 located under the dash. If you need to remove a cluster do a search for qube engineering on google. Best instructions out there. Yes there are back light bulbs which can be replaced. If you replace a cluster it does not affect your mileage. If you need a pin ot for power to the gauge cluster(AP1 only) send me a PM and I'll flash you the relevant pages of the shop manual.

Utah

 

sounds like a fuse..

 

Idk about your problem but the dimming flicker the one guy was talking about means the alternator has a problem.

 

Got it out. All the bottom lights work and the actual lcd display shows values but the circuit that backlights it all seems to be blown. Took it all apart and no bulbs are blown. I could put an led strip to illuminate it but would rather it be fixed correctly. Seems like ill have to order another cluster and backlight the lcd. I must say, I havent heard of anyone having this problem.

Some background: I bought the car (2002 AP1 75k mi) around 4 months ago. Driven it 4k mi and so far have had to change the transmission, clutch, fly, pp, bearings, ect was done at this time. Also did the brakes since they were worn, tires, plugs, and fluids since I didnt know how the car was treated before I bought it. I understand wear and tare like brakes and normal meintence but hopefully it wont continue to cost a lot.

 

Just to compare your car and mine, i have been the original owner for about 8 years now. front brakes, 60,000 miles, coolant flush, two valve adjustments, changed all fluids, filters, etc...that's it....yes original clutch and gearbox...it kinda sounds like yours had a harder life. that being said you are on the right track with your normal maintenance, i love this car.

 

It does seem the previous owner beat it. Im trying to undo what he has done. Hopefully when the cluster comes it will be the last repair for some time so I get to enjoy the car.