God lord! First, this is the first time I ever (in 30 years) heard an inst cluster is a maintenance item. That is SO wrong. The cluster isn't a maintenance item. Things like tires, brake pads, belts, lights. Are considered maintenance items.
Now to the problem. After reading the problems you are having, I considered calling a priest. However, I have a few thoughts before that. The fact that the plugs won't come out lead me to believe either you have an inst panel from a different year. That can be a problem. Also, are you sure the plugs were put together correctly? They may have been forced and that may be part of the problem. If they went together, they will come apart with force. Make sure there are no clip retainers or release buttons on the plug itself.
Next, based on what you experience, to me that many problems at one time is usually caused by a weak or bad ground. Double check body grounds both under the dash as well as under the hood. Make sure the ground to the engine block is good, clean and tight. Also, check the body ground from the neg side of the battery to the body itself. Additionally, check the ground straps under the vehicle (in fenders and under car). They attach with a J-clip and often come loose and lose their connection. Finally, and if possible, I would like to read the warranty you purchased. I would like to review the electrical portion of the warranty to see if there is a way around the dealer's response. If possible, upload that for me to see.
At this point, a bad ground issue is my first guess. Either that or you could have a bad body control module (BCM).
One last thing, the mileage thing has me confused. That it stored in computer memory. Again, check grounds, and argue the point that an inst cluster isn't a maintenance item.
Friday, January 14th, 2011 AT 10:22 PM
