Gauge cluster problem

Tiny
MIGUEL VARGAS2
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 184,457 MILES
So I have been having problems with my gauge cluster and first thing I have noticed is that the gauge needle was stuck on 20 mph and been acting up since two months ago. Everything works fine but that so I've changed the computer chip of the speedometer and it worked. Still went faulty sometimes when I drive so I bought a used gauge cluster from the junkyard and used the computer chip of the cluster from there and replaced it from my old one. When you put it back on everything worked but the speedometer acts just a tiny bit, but goes normal but the dashboard lights is not working. But my turn signal work check engine light etc. But except my whole dashboard no lights. Like I cannot even drive it at night and now I'm worried that I might have messed the wire up by unplugging and plugging back in. I just hope it's only the cluster itself because I banged it a little to show my light that shows. I'm not wearing my seat belt so could it be fault or loose wire or just get a whole entire used gauge cluster? But different mileage because I need to put the exact mileage on if it works if not. Please help!
Sunday, January 6th, 2019 AT 6:47 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
It sounds like you have a couple problems. The original cluster sounds like it has a faulty stepper motor for the speedometer needle. The second cluster sounds like the voltage driver circuit for the back lighting is bad.
As it sounds like you know how to solder as you replaced the other chip. You could rull the needle from the speedometer on the original cluster and replace the stepper motor with one that works from the other cluster. Swap the control chips back and the original cluster should work.
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Tuesday, January 8th, 2019 AT 8:04 AM
Tiny
MIGUEL VARGAS2
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
Eh, found out the mother board has small corrosion especially where the connector connects and right when I look at the cold joints. It's like brown honey is smudged or building up even for some other joints. So new cluster sounds like it. :/ But how do I correct my mileage so that way I can see when I can change the oil next time and to make sure its not incorrect mileage when I get the new used cluster?
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Tuesday, January 8th, 2019 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
Yeah, that doesn't sound good. For the mileage, I would just make a note of the starting mileage you have on the replacement cluster. The other option is to have a shop use a factory scan tool reset the mileage to whatever your current mileage is. If they can. But a piece of tape with it written on is probably a lot cheaper.
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Tuesday, January 8th, 2019 AT 7:16 PM
Tiny
MIGUEL VARGAS2
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
Eh shop maybe can do it for me because I do not know what mileage I'm at now ugh my goodness at least I got maybe someone can do it for me with their tool if not then the shop which is no biggie all and all thank you so much sir
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 12:20 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
What area of the world are you in? There are multiple places where you could send them your original cluster and they could repair it. Search for Honda cluster repair and you might find someone nearby.
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 2:23 PM

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