Instrument 'Cluster' illumination

[pbm]

The odometer lighting on my 2002 Buick Century has become dimmer. Once or twice it came back to it's original brightness when I hit the odometer reset. After some research I removed the 'cluster'. None of the bulbs appear to be burned out so I'm thinking it's a bad connection. Does anybody have any info on repairing this?

PS: These 'clusters' aren't cheap to replace.

 

[tomcat27]

have you checked the dimmer? maybe its dirty and moving it a little will clean it up

 

[pbm]

Originally Posted By: tomcat27
have you checked the dimmer? maybe its dirty and moving it a little will clean it up


Where is the dimmer located?

 

[GMBoy]

Should be right near your headlamp switch.

 

[moklock]

For the dimmer, it is in the headlamp switch itself, using a modern looking version of the old push-pull headlamp switch. Turning the knob adjusts the dimmer.

The actual odometer's brightness is controled by the light sensor on the dash IIRC. For example turning the headlamps on during the day does not dim the odometer/gear indicator, it only dims at dusk (or if you cover the sensor) if I remember correctly.

However if pushing the trip reset is changing the brightness it may be a marginal solder joint on the circuit board that is being flexed as the reset is pushed.

 

[labman]

I think my 02 Cavilier is much more complicated than that. I was very lucky to get a new one cheap on Ebay. At clubcav they say used ones don't work right.

 

[pbm]

Thanks guys. I'm leaning toward a 'marginal solder joint on the circuit board'. Is there any way to diagnose this? I'm guessing it's beyond the DIY realm.

 

[GMBoy]

You may be able to see visual cracks in the solder as well as see the joint flex when you touch or move it.

 

[moklock]

If you are comfortable pulling the PCB off of your cluster and doing some soldering work, this may be of interest:

Instrument Cluster Fix "Write-Up"

The Century cluster should be almost the same board, minus having the Driver Information display in the left gauge section.

 

[pbm]

Thanks GMB and Moklok. I haven't been able to log-in to the Regal forum to look at that article but I'll keep trying.