My Gauges don't work wny?

Tiny
SPKY5476
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
I have a 2002 Dodge Caravan with instrument cluster issues (gauges don't work) there is no communication with the instrument cluster, I have tried replacing the cluster, the BCM, removing Fuse box and cleaning all connections and terminals and used dielectric grease on all connections.I tried the speedometer Reset procedure and no codes, flashing lights or anything at all. Do you have any ideas as to why there is no communication with the instrument cluster? I have also disconnected the battery to try to reset the computer, checked fuses still nothing.
Thursday, November 25th, 2010 AT 12:07 AM

40 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
You may have a problem in the power control module and check that the fuse voltage is ok, unfortunately there is very little info on fault finding this particular problem, I see there is a BUS line is there any set fault codes?

Mark (mhpautos)
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, November 26th, 2010 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
SIMONS1953
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 DODGE CARAVAN
I have a 2000 Dodge Caravan. Runs great. But My speedometer, gas gauge, odometer does not work. My Dash lights works.I took it to a auto part store, they got 2 codes.1 is P 1698= TCM The other was egr. What Does the Transmission Control Module do and where is it located?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check fuses for d gauges first as it may be the cluster is bad and needs rebuilding. The tcm controls the transmission also check for rubbed through wires on transmission might have a broken trans mount. Unplug trans mount and pucheck for corrosion, put dielectric compound and reassemble. If stuck in 2nd gear get back to us because you may have to fix one of the connections. Finally check battery for condition including load test. See pic for location
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CONKEV1993
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2000 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
BCM is good we had it tested. They said the BOS was not registering anything. Checked all fuses. Changed out insturment panel still does not work. Fuel gauge out, speedometer not working, temp gauge out, rpms are fine, mileage not changing. Rear wipers out, ac/heat blows does not get hot or cold. Please help mechanics are baffled.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Let me ask you this, does the ilumination work on the dash? At night? And you already replaced that entire module(gauges)?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CONKEV1993
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No will not illuminate. Interior lights stay on unless turned off completely. Changed out dash module
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
The body control module is what controls the dash illumination and gauges, I dont know what these people are talking about, the bcm checks out ok.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CONKEV1993
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
We had it hooked up to sensor and it all checked ok. The only thing that wouldnt even come up was the gauges on dash
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Doesnt that prove there is something wrong with it, it either that or the cluster and you said you've replaced that, or the connection from the cluster to the harnass.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TONONOS AUTO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,876 MILES
Cluster gauges are inop I install new bcm & new cluster need help!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CH112063
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,320 POSTS
Three fuses, must be ok, check them using a test light or voltmeter to make sure you have voltage on boyh sides of the fuse, with the cluster lights turned on.
Under the hood in the power distribution center, the lid has information, fuse 28 is a 10 amp. Inside on the left side under the dash are two, a 10 amp number 2 and a 20 amp number 6. I believe. Thanks and good luck, do the part numbers match? The pink wire at the cluster should have power with the BCM plugged in and the fuse being ok. It may need a scanner to reset it also, check both those fuse locations, all 3 fuses. Good luck
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TOOLBOX22
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.3L
  • 3 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
Passenger and driver windows don't work sometime vent windows don't open and instrument panel goes out on occasion
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
After looking over the wiring diagram for you car I would say the body control module is bad. See the body control module controls the power to those and a few other things.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNNY121
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 260,785 MILES
Hi, we have a 1999 Dodge Caravan and sometimes the speedometer and gages will not work. We would like to know if their is a way we could reset this so it could work again.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Do you have a check engine light on?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
XXRAWRXX
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Possible options would be to check the fuse inside the car underneath the steering wheel area, there is one for the gauges, and if that isn't the problem, it's very likely the speed sensor that is malfunctioning.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Nice xxrawrxx, one more thing to add to my firends comment, the body control module if all else fails will be the culprit. There are several possibilities here
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GUCCIBASS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • 155 MILES
I started my van and none of my gauges work
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Start by checking under the dash. Make sure the wiring harness to the cluster is tight and connected. If that is good, you may have a bad cluster. Power will need to be checked to the cluster, ground as well.

Read the guide below on using a meter for testing

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

The wiring diagrams for the instrument cluster are attached below
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LEE BABCOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 113,300 MILES
All dash gauges, speedo and PRNDL are inop. Electrical connectors, fuses and relays under dash and under hood have been checked. Dash Cluster has been replaced. Body computer under dash electrical connectors have been checked. On occasion the cluster will come on at start up and operate for a short time or possibly all day, with 3-4 restarts. Most of the time cluster is in-op 90 % of the time. Could this be a corroded ground connection?

Any help you provide would be greatly appreciated. I was a certified auto technician years ago and I am currently on disability.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Instrument Cluster Not Working Content

VIEW MORE