Instrument cluster

Tiny
MIKE FERGUSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 DODGE CHARGER
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 97,845 MILES
Dash warning lights (fuel level, abs, esp, bas, e case) started coming on with fuel gauge stopped working first. So I replaced fuel sending unit. No change and after taking it to Dodge they diagnosed as instrument cluster failure. I replaced cluster and still have the same problem all lights on and fuel gauge not working. Engine temperature gauge works, tachometer and speedometer work as well. No odometer reading just e case light in that location. I am lost as to what is up. Someone please help.
Tuesday, October 30th, 2018 AT 12:38 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JONNYB1963
  • MECHANIC
  • 263 POSTS
I would start looking at the wire harness(es) under the dash. A common problem with these is a loose ground connection. Look for ring terminals on the wire harnesses under the dash that are bolted to big metal things. Wiggle all the ones you find and if they are loose, get out a wrench and tighten them up. Broken wires or connectors can do this as well but check the most common things first!
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Thursday, November 1st, 2018 AT 8:10 AM
Tiny
MIKE FERGUSON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks johnnyb, I will double check all grounds.
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Thursday, November 1st, 2018 AT 8:46 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,237 POSTS
Yes, very common for loose/corroded grounds on these cars. (Actually many Chrysler products made after around 2000) They crimped multiple grounds in the same terminals and they fail. Do not ignore the actual bolts and stud/nuts that hold the dash in as well, those are ground points as well.
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Thursday, November 1st, 2018 AT 1:01 PM
Tiny
JONNYB1963
  • MECHANIC
  • 263 POSTS
Excellent point Steve! By all means check all the bolts!
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Thursday, November 1st, 2018 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
MIKE FERGUSON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks Steve W. And Johnyb. I found loose dash ground. Do not know how or why cause nobody has taken dash apart in six years. Now gas gauge functions properly but still need to get ABS bas traction control lights out. Took to advanced and had the hook it up and all faults come back to right rear ABS and wheel sensors. Could just be rust on the ring. Going to take it apart tomorrow and will let you guys know.
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Thursday, November 1st, 2018 AT 2:29 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,237 POSTS
I had a Jeep in a few years ago that the entire dash was out, a couple other places had thrown parts at it. Noticed the dash would go in/out over bumps. Real problem ended up being the right hand bolt that secured the dash to the A-pillar. It was backed out about three threads! They seem to like to loosen all by themselves.

Good that you found that.
Those ABS sensors are a known failure item. The wires like to break about three inches from the connector. The common result is no or erratic speed sent to the system.
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Thursday, November 1st, 2018 AT 4:06 PM

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