pieman

iTrader: (1)

If your cigarette lighter fuse is blown, the odometer display goes dark and your speedometer stays at zero while driving. I will be posting pic's and instructions on replacing the button illumination bulbs soon.

pieman

iTrader: (1)

For anyone who's interested, here's how to replace the light bulbs that back light the dash buttons:

1. Carefully remove the button cluster.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/pict...ictureid=47346

2. Carefully pry out the bulb housing from the button cluster.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/pict...ictureid=47347

3. Remove the clear plastic pieces.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/pict...ictureid=47348

4. Use a pick tool to push bulb out from behind.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/pict...ictureid=47349

5. PRESTO! Bulb is out!
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/pict...ictureid=47350

Here is the bulb you need.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/pict...ictureid=47345

The "SYS CHK" button is done as follows:

1. Remove info display.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/pict...ictureid=47351

2. Remove both screws, metal cover and unplug and remove button assembly.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/pict...ictureid=47352

3. VERY CAREFULLY... use pick tool to pry tabs to remove button cover. NOTE: Cover may crack but it won't be an issue because you won't see it when back together. Also note: The button has a small metal part inside that may fall out. Careful not to lose it or button won't work!
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/pict...ictureid=47353

4. Use pic tool to push out bulb from behind.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/pict...ictureid=47354

I used a right angle pick tool for this project as it was handy to use the right angle to push the new bulb into place.

I hope these instructions are helpful! Cheers!

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

Never noticed that, and I blew that fuse quite a bit, or rather I used to.

JJ88GTA

Here are some photos.

They show the speedometer resetting its self. It does this every 45 sec to 1 minute.

Last photo shows system check/ odometer.

I still have not even checked fuses, but I am just wondering if instrument cluster is on the same fuse as the system check/odometer.

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

Press the sys check button and let us know if you hear anything. Actually b4 you do that do two things:
1 key on
2 either remove the washer sensor connector or one of the lightbulbs so if the DIC is working just not illuminating it should make a sound that it's detecting something wrong (low washer fluid or missing/bad bulb)

CTSY fuse is probably blown, depends on how it's wired. Your radio being off indicates that.

JJ88GTA

Found during my first inspection of the electrical system on this car today.

One of the fuses- a 5 amp for illumination( I think I was in a rush) has no power at the fuse panel. I did power both terminals with a jumper from a known good 12V source. Did not notice a difference in any of the displays. This was in very bright light. So maybe it did something. I have no wiring diagrams to show exactly which components this fuse feeds.

The radio is not wired in, I'm not sure if this will affect any of the systems in this discussion, if they do that's great. Easy fix. The previous owner ripped out an aftermarket cd player and did not wire the original back in, nor did the car come with a connector block for the factory radio. I now have a connector and will wire in the radio as soon as I have a wiring diagram.

One positive note- when I was pulling the car in to do an under body inspection on my hoist, I noticed that the system check is indeed working, I could hear 3 beeps after I press the button, and because the shop was dark(raining) I could just barely make out what the screen was showing. It went through lights, doors, coolant and I think washer fluid. In normal day light the screen is not visible. The odometer screen also faintly illuminates but I could not tell if it was displaying the odometer read out.

At this point I know I need to do a complete inspection of the connections and bulbs, I'm hoping that's the problem with the system check anyway. I also NEED accurate wiring diagrams from an original GM manual.

Does anyone know if there is a control module dedicated to the instrument cluster and odometer/system check displays integrated(or remotely located) in the cluster? I'm also trying to figure out the speedometer issue. I took it for a drive with the TECH1 plugged in and the speed output did not differ while resetting, so I know at least that the speed sensor did not seem to be dropping its signal.

That's about as much as I know about this situation at this point. As always any input is appreciated.

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

The brain for the sys check is the comparater, its called, when you remove the driver side hush panel, it should be attached with a metal clips to it or if not, then it is hanging. Also I dont know if you saw them, but I posted some diagrams earlier in this thread.

Also on the funny side, while following this thread, I noticed that I am staring to have problems with my odometer when I turn the parking lights on. Just when I though I was done....... .

JJ88GTA

Yes I did see the wiring diagram. I was wondering where ground G118 & 200 are located. The trouble shooting guides are awesome, I love GM service manuals. I however didn't feel any of them were applicable to my situation. The dealer I work at recently 'recycled' all of our hard copy GM manuals. Its quite impressive really. Ondemand isn't the same.

TRANSAM82-92

iTrader: (1)

Sorry to say but I like the original Illumination better and Im a big fan of Dig dash...

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

I know g200 is body ground, there is a grounding the center support bar for the dash (visible with dash pad removed). It is located a ways down and probably visible through the windshield looking in. Other than that I really don't know.

JJ88GTA

I repaired the wiring going into the fuse panel. All fuses now have power. Same result. Next step will be removing the cluster and replacing/repairs any connections/terminals and replacing bulbs. I might also send out the cluster to a repair facility to see about the speedometer resetting its self if I cannot find a problem with any other modules. Thank you for all the input. This is an awesome site.

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

I sent my cluster to Eastern Electronics, well rather drove it there. The guy made the oil pressure guage and engine temp guage work again. I know that gm outsourced some of there work with some clusters to them. I think I dished out around 325 to have him go over it. Works okay now. Your best Bet to find another digital dash and combine all the good parts to make a functional one. Also btw, all the screens have circuit boards behind them. Could be one of those is malfunctioning.

JJ88GTA

Well I finally got around to ripping out the dash. Pretty sure I found the problem.

The flex cable is burnt through from pin 16 to terminal F going onto the odometer display. I'm sure this is not helping the odometer issue, although the bulb is also blown. I really hope this is also the cause of the speedometer acting up.

I'm not sure if I should try and find a used cluster or send it out for repair. Not to many parts like that floating around here for these cars. My main concern is finding out what caused this failure, or if it was 'no rhyme no reason' kind of deal.

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

You might find something on google, maybe a way to fix it. I remeber a thread on here in which someone had a problem of something shorting out because the previous owner had a blown fuse and decided to bypass it by sticking a piece of wire in with the fuse. Meaning I would check my fuses by pulling each one. My pinout sheet points to ignition power from cluster fuse. Someone also may have jumpered it so you may also have to look for loose wiring orpull down the fuse box. (I believe it is held in by two screws)

JJ88GTA

Thank you for the information, I've been through the fuse panel and can confirm no jumpers or rigged up wiring.

Some local places won't even look at the cluster. One big outfit that does some of our dealer work will look at it but I need to mail them my arm and leg with it. I'll try and find another one for now.

JJ88GTA

I have replaced my dash unit with a used one and now everything seems to working. The back light for the odometer is not working, probably the bulb. Next time I have to remove the cluster I'll replace it. Thanks for all the help.

kallark

iTrader: (1)

I just bought a GTA with a digital dash. The trip odometer section initially lights up when I start the car up but afterwards it disappears, and does not display anything. what do you think is the issue? thanks

jharrison5

I had the same issue and ending up having to replace the dimmer switch. Once that was done i never had any more issues.

kallark

iTrader: (1)

thanks i will try that. where did you get it? is it the same as on analog dash?

jharrison5

Yes it is the same one i believe. I got mine off of a parts car i had on hand, but you should be abe to get one from any parts store or online. I use rockauto for most of my stuff since its way cheaper then any place local.

kallark

iTrader: (1)

great. i will try

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

I got mine from rock-auto. I have not confirmed this yet, but 93-02 cars utilize a similar if not the exact same dimmer switch. The pin outs are the same so maybe the switch is too. But yea our dimmer switches are one of the main reasons why we have trouble with dash illumination. Funny thing is I took my used one apart and it was squeaky clean? (other than a little dust) Two years ago, I tore the entire dash apart to find the dimmer itself (I didn't know where it was exactly). After 3 hours of doing that I tested it and discovered I was chasing the wrong gremlin. It was the confounded switch. My dad bought a used one for me that lasted for 2 months and a body shop trip afterwards, then it conked out. I ordered a new one from rockauto after I was told everyone else discontinued them and have not had trouble since.

kallark

iTrader: (1)

Its interesting because other than odometer screen, everything else is lighting up ok. And also dimmer seems to be working fine in terms of making dashlights brighter\dimmer. But I will try this fix. Thanks

kallark

iTrader: (1)

Got my dimmer switch from rockauto. DO I have to pull out the whole digital dash to swap it? Thanks!

kallark

iTrader: (1)

alex, can you please tell me where is the dimmer switch? and what is the easiest way to get to it? thanks

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

The dimmer switch is two things. An actual switch directly above the headlight switch and a rheostat that is screwed into the steering column mount bracket( pull hush panels and you should see what holds the column-- two nuts that are recessed, if. You follow the mount to the right (towards radio pod) you will see something screwed into it. that something is the rheostat. it is silver in color and has three wires going to it). For me the switch failed, could be either or for you.

kallark

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the explanation. I got the rheostat. Will order the actual switch now.

kallark

iTrader: (1)

Trying to pull the trimming pieces off the dig dash to pull it out. I unscrewed all the fasteners on the bottom, but there seems to be something holding the large trimming piece (around odometer, one with trunk button, etc) in the bottom driver side corner. I do not want to break anything. Is there another screw there that I cannot see? Thanks!

kallark

iTrader: (1)

Got the dimmer switch from rockauto. Its the wrong one. Has 3 pins. Mine has 4 pins. Anyone know a place that still has these? Thanks

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

The one I got was AC DELCO part number D1546A

Is that the one you got, because the one I got was the exact one.

try typing "AC DECLO D1546A" into google

kallark

iTrader: (1)

no they sent me d1509B. Thanks a lot this really helps.

kallark

iTrader: (1)

Replaced the dimmer and rheostat. The odometer lights up, but no digits on it. What is the next possible culprit? Thanks
After reading multiple posts, it looks like the best solution is to get a used digital cluster and swap it in, replacing the odometer chip..

777Shock777

iTrader: (1)

Hey kallark, did you end up using d1509B or D1546A?
It looks like RockAuto only has d1509B in stock now, and I'm planning to replace the switch, dimmer, and rheostat?

kallark

iTrader: (1)

I used D1546A, its the exact replacement. The one rockauto has will not fit.

777Shock777

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the reply, guess I'm on the lookout for that part# since most places don't have it in stock :\

EDIT: Just bought a clean used one off ebay, just need to get the dimmer switch for under the dash.

777Shock777

iTrader: (1)

Also for anyone reading this, you can use the same dimmer from 84-88 Fieros, just in case anyone needs to find one like I did.

kallark

iTrader: (1)

I got it on ebay. Let me know if you dont find it, I also pulled one off the yard car and tested it . It works.

777Shock777

iTrader: (1)

Sure I can buy it from you if ya want! Or if you wanted to hold onto it, do you have the part# and I'll check RockAuto & Ebay.

kallark

iTrader: (1)

The part number for the dash dimmer switch was D1546A. Check if you can not find it I'll sell it to you. I also found a similar one on ebay, which looks identical, but has a different part number ( D1507B ). Not sure if you want to try this one out. Let me know whichever way you want to go.

777Shock777

iTrader: (1)

Sorry kallark, I mean the one that attaches underneath the dash >.<

kallark

iTrader: (1)

that one I have brand new, got it from rock auto. never used it. i got STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS Part # DS79. Its there. Its only $12

shanusaran

Im looking so swap the digital dash in my 87 gta with and original analog, any idea where i can find some help doing so? My problem is that as much as i think its pretty i dont like the headache of the extra wiring and extra headaches! A good tutorial would be nice and maybe someone that wants to trade? (sorry if im not supposed to be talking trade here, if not just ignore that part lol)

Veaceonee

iTrader: (1)

That is a huge undertaking. To do it right, you will need to swap the entire dash/HVAC system and all the harnesses in the car. There is a tutorial someone did a while back that involved the conversion from analog to digital. Guess you could follow it in reverse.

Barondesoto

Sorry guys I know this is kinda of an older thread but around how much does a digital dash by itselft go for? I have one that I'm trying to sell

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

I see the go for around 200-300 depends on how complete it is, if everything works, what year it's from, and how nice it looks (cracked bezel/screen) obviously would bring down the value. Hope this helps

jharrison5

I've seen them go for as little as $50 and as high as $450, just depends on the condition. If you can get pics or video of it in working condition that will up the value tremendously.

Barondesoto

Thank you very much guys. That gives me a very good idea of a price. Mine is complete and works so I would be happy to get anything close to the higher numbers y'all talked about

Underoath1122

I have an 88 firebird gta. My "DIC" is very dim. While everything else is pretty lit up nicely. Is there any way other than taking the whole dash apart to get to behind to replace a bulb?

lb9 GTA

You can just take the trim off and slide the display out of the assembly to get to the bulb. I did mine that way but it's easy to damage it.

JimRockford

On my dash the tach doesn't work. It's always pegged,but sometimes in the morning it will work normally for a minutes or so,then just peg and stay there