Dash lights and gauges going off and on

SOURCE: 99 grand am, nothing in cluster works but engine runs

ground wire in cluster loose .

frankzen

• 19 Answers
• Posted on May 06, 2009

SOURCE: My bmw 318is instrument cluster doesnt work

Common problem on BMW's apparently...there are on-line repair services but they are NOT cheap...100-300 bucks. Tough to fix yourself...unles you are a highly skilled techie!

SOURCE: dash gauges not working

Check the large multi-pin connector in the electronics bay in the engine compartment. The bay is a fairly large black plastic box on the driver's side. Open it and disconnect the largest connector inside (one screw). Spray electrical contact cleaner on the pins and re-mate the connector. This worked on my '99 with the exact same problem. You can find other examples of this with a Google search. It may not solve your problem (could also be a wiring harness problem), but it is incredibly simple and worth a shot.

SOURCE: Instrument cluster not showing odometer and

It could be the voltage regulator for your instrument cluster is the problem.

SOURCE: 95 saab 900 turb0 gauge cluster works intermetanly

I have this problem too and my new Saab mechanic told me that I would probably need a new instrument cluster. He said a brand new one costs $2500 but that he would order me a used one from a car that had fewer miles than mine as you can set them back but not forward. He both diagnosed and temporarily "fixed" the problem by slamming his hand really hard on the dash over the panel and all the lights and gauges immediately started working fine....for now. I haven't had the work done yet (I have a 1998 Saab 900S with 130K) so if anyone has any other ideas about this I would love to know what they are. This issue with the gauges and dash lights has been happening on and off for over a YEAR and this is the first time someone has had any idea what it is. I already had my ignition switched replaced so we know that's not what it was. THANKS