for the thousandth time!

[ucben105]

Another gauge cluster problem. My lights don't work on my gauge cluster. Sometimes they would go out and a slap on the dash would get them working, but now they wont come on at all. I have no dash lights working at all and was wondering if it would be the dimmer switch? i took the cluster out and checked the bulbs they're not blown and were replaced last summer. I also checked the fuses not them either. also my speedo only works when it wants to and when it isn't working the clock doesn't work either sometimes a slap on the dash gets it working but not always. also the SI board was replaced with a new one last year. any help would be greatly appreciated!

[McGyver]

i would like to know what causes this too. i've heard bad grounding and "cold solder joints" so you should re-solder everything. but i havent tried that yet.

[ucben105]

i did that also this weekend i didn't add any solder but I did remelt everything i could reach! as for a bad ground i could be that because i haven't checked that yet.

[Tony323i]

i think there's a rechargable battery at the back of the cluster that needs to be replaced but i stand for correction

[ucben105]

Those are located on the SI board which was replaced last year with a new board, but thanks for the input.

[george graves]

Re-flowing joints with out flux is a no-no. But I doubt that's your problem anyways.

[dirtysix]

Tips for re-flowing joints please Mr graves??

[george graves]

- Ebay "kester no clean flux pen" and pick up a stick.
- IIRC some of the joints are large, you'll want a higher wattage iron - may need more then 15 watts.
- Apply flux (push in the pen tip onto a piece of paper 5 times before starting to get it going)
- keep a damp(not wet) sponge handy.
- touch tip to solder for no more than 3 seconds (2 would be better)
- wipe solder tip with sponge and keep it clean with only a smudge of solder on it.
- you may need to actually add some solder to the tip each time - a tiny tiny coating of solder helps in heat transfer.
- the solder should have a cone shape to it, and be very shinny when done. If you are not getting shinny joints - you're doing more harm then good.
-Lead is a poison. It will hurt you and make your baby retarded.
- Throw away the sponge when you are done, and wash your hands afterwards.
- The smoke the iron makes is just smoke, there is no lead in it. It won't hurt you - just waft it away with a breath.

See the red and blue arrow. If you find any that look like that, fix them. Those are broken from vibration.


Here is an example of a "dry joint" - cause in production - fix these too.

[dirtysix]

Good on ya mate. Much appreciated.

[ucben105]

wow i did not know that but i do now and will try as soon as i get a chance thanks for the help! i think i it is the dimmer switch though