VS Instrument cluster removed/refitted. Now issues

[VP-Matty]

Hi all,

Re: VSII Berlina - Level 3 dash, Climate Control...

Wondering if anyone could help me out. I have prolly jumped in too deep without researching enough!

I had to check warning light bulbs in my dash as my high beam light wasn't working. After searching the forum I found a thread about instrument cluster lights so I removed my cluster.

After refitting everything, my LCD screens now are not operational. Also, my Climate Control is going weird where the fan is running on 2 all the time - it still seems to work OK, but is on 2 when you turn it off. (Also, my Air Bag light is also on, but that is coz I was dumb and turned the ignition on when the cluster was out.) I have pulled it all apart and refitted again but that didn't help.

If anyone has any suggestions I'd be very appreciative. "Leave it to the experts next time"??? Yep, I gave myself that suggestion already!

Cheers, Matty.

[accentstencil]

Always disconnect the negative battery terminal when working on electrics. Check your fuses and the blower relay. To get rid of the airbag warning light you will need to have it reset by Holden or someone with the right equipment.

[kramer]

could always pull the bulb out from the airbag light...

it's not like they're useful anyway... LOL

[VP-Matty]

Hi all,

accentstencil - thanks for the advice. After replacing the 15A fuse in Slot 1, it seemed to have fixed the LCD display as well as the fan speed issue, which I wasn't expecting. Still need to get Holden or maybe another auto lecco to reset the airbag status...

The High Beam indicator bulb (the whole reason I took the dash cluster out...) didn't look blown, but I replaced it anyway. Still doesn't work though... Does anyone have any idea as to whether it is likely to be the actual bulb holder connection on the underside of the dash cluster, or maybe wiring from the indicator/high beam arm? I swapped the globe holders around too with one I knew worked, so it isn't the original globe holder...

Cheers, Matt.

[Fonzie]

If you're game, rip the gauge cluster out again and have a look at the PCB tracks. One could be broken. Failing that, get the globe holder and globe currently in position and test with a 9v battery or something. If that's all cool, snoop around for the wire that's supposed to have current running through it when you flick to high beam.. If it DOES, then it's somewhere in the cluster. Look at the PCB tracks again. If it doesn't, then you have a job on your hands... Someone gets to go wire tracing!

[VP-Matty]

Hi Fonzie,

Thanks for the suggestion. I did notice that the cluster was very difficult to get out when I removed it. Having removed the cluster from my old VP I assumed the VS to have the same PCB board (or PCB sheet, whatever....) that can easily be damaged. I was very careful with it but I did notice that there were some scratches on the under side. Nothing looked too dramatic, but what would I know...

If it is the PCB sheet, does anyone know if these are available from Holden separately from the cluster?

Cheers, Matt.

[Fonzie]

I'd suggest you test the high beam indicator's track rather than straight away assume it's the problem. Use a battery and a light, test each length of track. When you find one that doesn't work, narrow the tested length down until you find the break, remember that you may not be able to actually see it. If it's a small break, I'd suggest getting some conductive paint, scraping back the green coating, and repairing it. If it's a big break, there are quite a few different versions of that PCB, for a replacement you'll have to get the correct numbers and snoop around the wreckers for a while. I doubt it'd cost you much, but getting one in good condition would be a mongrel...

For a new PCB, you could also try getting onto Shane (88GreenVN). I managed to bugger a few tracks on my PCB a little while back, and he had a spare lying around that I bought off him.

Fonzie

[nugatory]

Hi Fonzie,

Thanks for the suggestion. I did notice that the cluster was very difficult to get out when I removed it. Having removed the cluster from my old VP I assumed the VS to have the same PCB board (or PCB sheet, whatever....) that can easily be damaged. I was very careful with it but I did notice that there were some scratches on the under side. Nothing looked too dramatic, but what would I know...

If it is the PCB sheet, does anyone know if these are available from Holden separately from the cluster?

Cheers, Matt.

When you're removing the cluster, set the adjustable steering to the lowest and also most extended position. This helps the cluster go in and out really easily or you might find another adjustment that works.

It shouldn't be that hard... Mainly because any fidgeting might damage the PCB on the back. You've got to be pretty careful but it shouldn't be difficult.

I upgraded my Executive from Level 2 dash (Just RPM and Speedo) to the full Level 3 dash that you have in your car. It wasn't all that difficult to convert either.

When I rung holden to get a price on these, they were $400 just for the LCD's that go into the cluster... and they AREN'T available either (thank god at those prices).

Best to check e-bay and just get another cluster. Spend 2 - 3 weeks waiting for the right one to come cheaply for you.

Even if you've fixed yours, I recommend getting another as a spare anyway. Never know when you might need a replacement.