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Topic: Digital Cluster Issues (Read 1560 times) previous topic - next topic

Digital Cluster Issues

Hi. My cluster speedo/odo lights went out last week and I just got around to checking it this weekend. Bulbs definitely bad. But, also have a really messed up "backlight lens" now - pretty much unusable, in my opinion. This damage seems a bit atypical for just a basic bulb burn-out, but I don't know. There was not any warning of lights getting extremely bright or something...I've not done any mods to the electricl system (everything is stock). And, other than the lights, nothing else is not working that I'm aware. In just the right ambient light, I can see the speedo and odo continuing to work, so I think that is all fine.
 
Doens anyone have an old standard electronic cluster that I could part out? It doesn't even have to work...I just need a new (good) backlight. I guess I could swap the cluster entirely, if need be. I've gone well past the mile limits (251,000+), so although I'd like to keep the original mileage count (just the 100K place is off), I don't have to if push comes to shove.
 
I've had very little luck finding these cars at junk yards around here in the past.
 
Thanks!
 
X
'87 Cougar LS V6 (stock) Daily Driver
'06 Lincoln LS V8
'12 F-150 SCrew FX4 5.0L
'80 Thunderbird V8 (mild 304) [sold to friend]

Digital Cluster Issues

Reply #1 –
Ive got a spare full digital cluster, but I need it for my car.  Sorry.

Is it just the center speedo section that is the problem?

I see them pretty often at the yard, If you cant find one, I could consider selling you the speedo section of mine??

Where are you in Olathe, cool to see someone local on here.
Mike

Digital Cluster Issues

Reply #2 –
I will see what I can find too. I think I saw one in the yard not long ago.

Digital Cluster Issues

Reply #3 –
What yards do you guys go to?  I only know of one car a few years ago in KCKS.  It's not a pick-and-pull.
 
Yeah, this is just for the center speedo section.
 
I'm not far from Garmin in Olathe.
 
Thanks!
'87 Cougar LS V6 (stock) Daily Driver
'06 Lincoln LS V8
'12 F-150 SCrew FX4 5.0L
'80 Thunderbird V8 (mild 304) [sold to friend]

Digital Cluster Issues

Reply #4 –
Quote from: bike70ride;390441

I'm not far from Garmin in Olathe.
 
Thanks!

 
Me either.  Im basically 147th and Mer-len.

Yards... I go to the pick and pull off 435 and Truman rd.  $2 to get in.
Mike

Digital Cluster Issues

Reply #5 –
I have several that may be usable. The original bulbs are listed as halogen. Those get really hot. Several years ago I went thru a phase and got just about every digital dash I could get off of ebay. One guy sent me 3 boxes of parts. I think he was just glad to get rid of the stuff. My Cat at the tyme was a 88 LS with the stock electronic speedo but buttstuffog gauges. At one tyme I had a complete working full digital dash on my workbench.
Eventually I went to the XR7/Turbo Coupe package until I had a "small" electrical fire at 3am on the freeway. The voltage regulator decided that was the perfect tyme and place to go up in smoke. My current Cat has all the bells and whistles. Except the lunch/dinner cooking option.
BTW, I am south of you guys. Ft Smith, AR.  My in-laws used to live in Overland Park. PM me and we'll see what I can do to help.
 

Digital Cluster Issues

Reply #6 –
There is a hot spot on the dead center top of most everyones steering column when illumination / headlamps are selected, never really became aware of what is causing it.  Its my belief that its steering column heat transfer from the driverside exhaust header.

this is only my belief but if true, radiant heat could couple with the btu produced by the bulbs and over time, this may be a problem we all will have.

kinda like everyones stearing column is not centered with the dash board "arch" which it exits out to you.,,they all seem to be to the left of center,,,,bugs the  out of me.