Dashboard only partially functional

On Mon, 7 Jul 2008 19:38:51 -0400, "maxpower" <gjbeasley DeleteThis @comcast.net>,
in an obviously impaired state, wrote:

>
>"zelskid" <none DeleteThis @000.com> wrote in message
>news:1206251_5a0781855948a6bddb40f7bafefc93c6@autoboardz.com...
>> Computer on 2002 Dodge B2500 Van was replaced under warranty. Lost
>> most of dash functions. Dealer replaced computer 3 more times with
>> same results. I have lost confidence in him.Here is what dash does:
>> Fuel gauge: works 99% of the time.
>> Voltage and coolant temp: work intermittently.
>> Odometer: reads periodically, but stuck at one number
>> Speedometer: reads zero most of the time, but periodically reads
>> anywhere from 20-120 mph.
>> Idiot lights: on all the time.
>>
>> --
>> Posted at author's request, using moderated http://www.AutoBoardz.com
>interface
>> Thread archive:
>http://www.AutoBoardz.com/Dashboard-partially-functional-ftopict248001.html
>
>Take it to someone who can diagnose it. If they are replacing the PCM for
>this they are totally lost. This is not an engine controller problem. More
>then likely a cluster problem.
>
>Glenn Beasley
>Chrysler Tech
>

Sounds like a cluster alright, but somehow I'm thinking OTHER than
instrument cluster, as in cluster f**k... Thing is, something like
this is not a task for any general purpose, run of the mill,
wrench-turner working out of Joe's Garage. It's gonna take factory
trained personell, and that kind of training is almost surely to be
found only at a dealership. I'd recommend the OP take his vehicle to
a DIFFERENT Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth (damn! Old habits die hard!)
dealership and have them go over it with a fine-toothed comb. Keep
any and all documentation related to this odyssey and if presented
with the bill, pay it politely and promptly.

Providing he gets billed, THEN he should make photocopies of all
documentation, all work orders, all job invoices, all bills and
receipts and contact customer service for the Chrysler corporation
citing dealership fault in creating the problem, in not being able to
effectively diagnose and resolve the problem, and asking for
reimbursement for bills paid (and NOTHING extra for "punitive" damages
- as that will surely result in refusal to refund and an invitation to
sue them at your expense). If you don't meet with satisfaction,
repeat the request, but this time cc: the attorney general of your
state, and include a cc: {Name}, Attorny General, {your state} on the
correspondence.
--
Ray Sirois
SysOp: The Lost Chord BBS
http://thelostchord.dns2go.com:6080
telnet://thelostchord.dns2go.com:6023
 >> Stay informed about: Dashboard only partially functional 

Thanks for advice.
The first computer was replaced because the vehicle wouldn't start.
BTW: most of the time the odometer reads "NO BUS" This is also what it read when the computer wouldn't start the vehicle. The fact that the temp and all gauges periodically work,makes me think that the cluster is ok. The dealer says it is ok. The odometer and speedometer periodically read nonsensical values. Could it be a bad jack? The dealer has charged me nothing so far, since the computer falls under the 100k emmissions warranty.
I'm sure who would like to find a nonwarranty defect like the cluster. Also: the Cruise control stopped working.
 >> Stay informed about: Dashboard only partially functional 

"maxpower" <gjbeasley DeleteThis @comcast.net> wrote in message
> Take it to someone who can diagnose it. If they are replacing the PCM for
> this they are totally lost. This is not an engine controller problem. More
> then likely a cluster problem.
>
> Glenn Beasley
> Chrysler Tech

Glenn, sounds like you should know your way around an instrument cluster.
My 2500 (custom van) has lost some of the lighting for the instruments. I
am
a very experienced amateur but have no specific training in this phase of
work.
How hard it is to replace those nonfunctioning lighting elements?
 >> Stay informed about: Dashboard only partially functional 

"HLS" <nospam.RemoveThis@nospam.nix> wrote in message
news:9WStk.11752$vn7.1492@flpi147.ffdc.sbc.com...
>
> "maxpower" <gjbeasley.RemoveThis@comcast.net> wrote in message
> > Take it to someone who can diagnose it. If they are replacing the PCM
for
> > this they are totally lost. This is not an engine controller problem.
More
> > then likely a cluster problem.
> >
> > Glenn Beasley
> > Chrysler Tech
>
> Glenn, sounds like you should know your way around an instrument cluster.
> My 2500 (custom van) has lost some of the lighting for the instruments. I
> am
> a very experienced amateur but have no specific training in this phase of
> work.
> How hard it is to replace those nonfunctioning lighting elements?
>

I have been working for a Chrysler dealer for the past 15 years and we
didn't service trucks. I just changed and went to a Dodge dealer 4 months
ago and not really familiar with all the clusters on these. You don't
specify what year truck so I cant give you much info. The older models were
very easy to replace.

Glenn
 >> Stay informed about: Dashboard only partially functional 

This is a 1997 full sized B2500 van, 318 cid, custom..
It has been an example of reliability.

Driving it home from Houston the other night, I noticed the speedometer
was hard to read. Some of the other gauges were hard, or impossible to
read.

My repair manual shows multiple light elements. I have had the dash
open before but have not had to do deep surgery.

I will probably give it a try, but just wanted to see if you had any
comments.

"maxpower" <gjbeasley.DeleteThis@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:lbydncca5t629SXVnZ2dnUVZ_oLinZ2d@comcast.com...
>
> "HLS" <nospam.DeleteThis@nospam.nix> wrote in message
> news:9WStk.11752$vn7.1492@flpi147.ffdc.sbc.com...
>>
>> "maxpower" <gjbeasley.DeleteThis@comcast.net> wrote in message
>> > Take it to someone who can diagnose it. If they are replacing the PCM
> for
>> > this they are totally lost. This is not an engine controller problem.
> More
>> > then likely a cluster problem.
>> >
>> > Glenn Beasley
>> > Chrysler Tech
>>
>> Glenn, sounds like you should know your way around an instrument cluster.
>> My 2500 (custom van) has lost some of the lighting for the instruments.
>> I
>> am
>> a very experienced amateur but have no specific training in this phase of
>> work.
>> How hard it is to replace those nonfunctioning lighting elements?
>>
>
> I have been working for a Chrysler dealer for the past 15 years and we
> didn't service trucks. I just changed and went to a Dodge dealer 4 months
> ago and not really familiar with all the clusters on these. You don't
> specify what year truck so I cant give you much info. The older models
> were
> very easy to replace.
>
> Glenn
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Dashboard only partially functional 

"HLS" <nospam.RemoveThis@nospam.nix> wrote in message
news:9r%tk.18238$LG4.17888@nlpi065.nbdc.sbc.com...
> This is a 1997 full sized B2500 van, 318 cid, custom..
> It has been an example of reliability.
>
> Driving it home from Houston the other night, I noticed the speedometer
> was hard to read. Some of the other gauges were hard, or impossible to
> read.
>
> My repair manual shows multiple light elements. I have had the dash
> open before but have not had to do deep surgery.
>
> I will probably give it a try, but just wanted to see if you had any
> comments.
>
> "maxpower" <gjbeasley.RemoveThis@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:lbydncca5t629SXVnZ2dnUVZ_oLinZ2d@comcast.com...
> >
> > "HLS" <nospam.RemoveThis@nospam.nix> wrote in message
> > news:9WStk.11752$vn7.1492@flpi147.ffdc.sbc.com...
> >>
> >> "maxpower" <gjbeasley.RemoveThis@comcast.net> wrote in message
> >> > Take it to someone who can diagnose it. If they are replacing the PCM
> > for
> >> > this they are totally lost. This is not an engine controller problem.
> > More
> >> > then likely a cluster problem.
> >> >
> >> > Glenn Beasley
> >> > Chrysler Tech
> >>
> >> Glenn, sounds like you should know your way around an instrument
cluster.
> >> My 2500 (custom van) has lost some of the lighting for the instruments.
> >> I
> >> am
> >> a very experienced amateur but have no specific training in this phase
of
> >> work.
> >> How hard it is to replace those nonfunctioning lighting elements?
> >>
> >
> > I have been working for a Chrysler dealer for the past 15 years and we
> > didn't service trucks. I just changed and went to a Dodge dealer 4
months
> > ago and not really familiar with all the clusters on these. You don't
> > specify what year truck so I cant give you much info. The older models
> > were
> > very easy to replace.
> >
> > Glenn
> >
> >
>

On some models the tilt steering will have to be lowered to allow the
cluster to come out. If some models aren't equipped with tilt then the
column will have to be lowered to allow clearance. I don't think you will
have a problem.
 >> Stay informed about: Dashboard only partially functional 

"maxpower" <gjbeasley.DeleteThis@comcast.net> wrote in message
> I have been working for a Chrysler dealer for the past 15 years and we
> didn't service trucks. I just changed and went to a Dodge dealer 4 months
> ago and not really familiar with all the clusters on these. You don't
> specify what year truck so I cant give you much info. The older models
> were
> very easy to replace.
>
> Glenn

It is a 1997 Custom Van, built on the 2500 chassis.
 >> Stay informed about: Dashboard only partially functional