blackfrontier

iTrader: (1)

Hello, I picked up an 87 GTA and I'm trying to figure out what should light up and what shouldn't . First off on the digital dash everything works but the odometer only lights up with the miles showing when you start the car and goes blank once it's running. Is it supposed to do that? It seems to happen to other people too. Also is the button you press to turn on the headlights supposed to light up on the dash? Lastly what in the console lights? Cigarette lighter? Power window, door lock or power mirror switch in the console?

88 trans am GTA

did u ever find out why ur miles go blank cuz i am try ti find out for mine it started

blackfrontier

iTrader: (1)

I know the digital odometer is NOT keeping track of my miles when the screen goes blank. That is only helpful for keeping my "miles" low! Lol. I need to fix that and soon.

blackfrontier

iTrader: (1)

Another user sent me a circuit board that he pulled from another car that did the same thing and had some broken soldier joints. He thought that was the problem so he had fixed the board and sent it to me to try but I haven't installed it yet. I'm paranoid about pulling the digital dash apart to replace it fearing I'll break something. I have been looking for step by step directions for removal. I know how to pull the whole dash but not just the digital gauge assembly

88 trans am GTA

i here u i just re did the out side black and gold and i went to pull the car out it was black.. but if when u do put it in let me no if it works plez

blackfrontier

iTrader: (1)

You bet. That odometer it the one thing that wont stay on and the four buttons to the left of it won't light up either

hydrolic144

iTrader: (2)

I'm quite familiar with the digital dash as I have one in my 87 GTA and have had to take it out a million times! Lol. First off, don't hold back from taking it apart, it's not as brittle as it may seem but just be careful with it. No need to man handle it.

Your mileage screen should not be going blank at any given time. It's very common for the connections to build up some crud on them and they go wacky. I saved a entire dash by cleaning up contacts.

The entire dash should be lit. All gauges should show something and they all have bulbs in the back. When the car first turns on, you should have a steady Service Engine Soon light, all gauges should peg out and then return to their readings. The digital dash is always illuminated, which means the dimmer switch switch above the headlight switch, controls the brightness at any given time. When you turn the parking lights or headlights on, the dash should go slightly dim.

Here is a video I recently took. Don't mind the double readings on the volt side. Let me know if you need anymore help!

blackfrontier

iTrader: (1)

Everything on my dash illuminates except odometer goes out after about five minutes from start up and the four buttons on the left of it don't light up. I tried to pull that cluster of buttons out to replace the bulb but could find no way to access the bulb(s) inside. Anyone have any ideas? Also once the digital dash is unbolted from the front how do you pull it? It seems to be staying snug in place from behind . My second gen has wires and speedo cable plugged in from behind to hold it in. This is my big concern in removing it as I don't want to just pull hard on it and break something from behind.

blackfrontier

iTrader: (1)

Can you give me some tips on how this disconnect from the back so I don't break it when I remove it. I want to clean it up and maybe put new bulbs in. The only part not lit is the 4 buttons that control the odometer area. Not sure how to replace the bulb that controls that either. Any tips would be appreciated! :-)

hydrolic144

iTrader: (2)

Hey sorry about the delay. The dash is actually only held in by the two main connectors on each side after screws are out of the front. Here is a pic I took of mine. I broke the mounting area of the first one but in the end it became easier cause I was able to have the dash so far out and connect it. But just give it a slight tug on the ends and you'll be home free. Replacing the bulbs are a breeze and they call for 194 bulbs. I don't recall how those 4 buttons are illuminated but once you get it apart you should see it.

Make sure the steering wheel is all the way down and also make sure that black bezel is off, it'll make things a lot easier.

If you need a complete rundown on how it all comes out just let me know.

Bezel off:


Dash out:


Rear of the dash:

hydrolic144

iTrader: (2)

Here's another pic that may help. The areas circled not only hold the bezel on, but also keep the dash cluster held to the dash. Once these are out then like I said it's just a matter of slightly tugging on the ends.

Firechicken86

iTrader: (1)

Sorry to hijack the thread but I'm having this annoying issue with my dash and debating whether I need to pull my dash to fix it, I'm thinking it could be the bulb on its way out. Here's the video. What do you guys think it is?

fatalicshock

^ low on gas
im haveing a problem also with mine

kallark

iTrader: (1)

blackfrontier did you ever fix your odometer? what was the fix?

blackfrontier

iTrader: (1)

I solved the issue by selling the cat and buying an 89 GTA with regular gauges. Lol