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Instrument cluster goes out - intermittent


crxfisher
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I have a 97 XE with a very frustrating problem. It happens mostly right after startup, but sometimes just in the middle of driving. The guage cluster will just shut off. Odometer, speedo, temp, etc. When this happens, the car drives like dookie. If it happens while stopped, and I try to go, it barely goes and seems like it never shifts. I guess it's limp mode. Then all of a sudden it will come right back on and work like normal.

 

I have found that it happens most of the time when turning on the blinker. Also, it seems to reset when I turn off the ignition and turn it back on. Everything is fine then. Sometimes it will go a few days without doing it, but it has been getting more frequent. The only CEL code is something about a bad circuit from the A/T control unit to the ECU. To me, that sounds more like a symptom than a cause. Any ideas?

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Thanks. I did take the cluster out a couple weeks ago but didn't SEE anything obvious. I'll take apart some more. Also, it happened again today, and right when it happens (again turning on the blinker) there is a buzzing sound that comes from behind the dash (behind the cluster I think) for about one second.

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I found the problem! I had a hitch installed at U-haul about a year and a half ago. I checked the wiring in the back yesterday and whoever did it was a moron! pssd First, one of the wires wasn't long enough from the right turn signal light so they used a a little snap connector that exposed both ends of two wires as an extension. The wire was stretched tight and the exposed wire ends were touching ground. On top of that there is a little control module that was tucked (stuffed/shoved/squeezed/crammed) in a very tight spot under the back with wires coming out both ends. One of those wires was loose and touching ground. I will end up re-wiring it all the right way. Idiots. The only reason I got it done at u-haul was because I needed it ASAP to tow a car that weekend. And I waited forever that day while they installed it. Geez.

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