1998 Plymouth Voyager TCM

JANOLJANOL

MEMBER
1998 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER

Electrical problem
1998 Plymouth Voyager 6 cyl Automatic 107, miles

Hi Guys, You helped this old lady out before, but now the same thing is happening. The TCM was replaced, ran good since Sept. Now the dials don't light, the gages don't register, and no dash lights. This is the same as before. I was told to "slam" the top of the dash really hard. This worked once when my son did it. I am not that strong, I guess. ( I am 74 ) Do you suggest going to a Plymouth dealer? Or do you have any other things to try? Thanks so much, Jan
I just donated 10.00 to Paypal for you.

5 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

If banging on the dash caused a change in the past, suspect loose connector pins on the back of the instrument cluster. The pins can be soldered to the copper circuits to stop the intermittent connections.

Caradiodoc

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Thursday, April 1st, 2010 AT 1:35 PM

JANOLJANOL

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4 POSTS

Where are the pins located?Can my son do this?
Sounds like it is under the dash--- hard to do?

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Thursday, April 1st, 2010 AT 1:39 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

It's the connector pins on the back of the instrument cluster. They are just pressed into the circuit board with the copper circuits sandwiched in between. When the pins vibrate loose, they don't make good contact with the copper circuits. If this is what is causing the problem, soldering the pins to the copper circuits will help. This requires good soldering skills and rosin-core solder made for electrical work, not the acid-core solder used for plumbing.

Caradiodoc

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Thursday, April 1st, 2010 AT 2:35 PM

JANOLJANOL

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4 POSTS

Thanks, Doc, I will take it to a dealer and tell tham what you said. I appreciate this so much ! Wish I had more $ to give you all !
How about a few prayers, will that do? Jan

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Thursday, April 1st, 2010 AT 5:10 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

Prayers are always appreciated. Your donation is too, but think of it as a tip, not a requirement. Thank you for both, but the prayers won't help when these miserable computers get accidentally tied to the trailer hitch of my minivan!

Caradiodoc