Cluster dead

[Sjepps]

I assume this is a common problem but I couldn't find anything when I searched. My cluster is dead, nothing works. It's receiving power from the fuse, so I was going to remove it and see what I could figure out. I'm assuming it's possibly the board? Is there a rebuild procedure?

[Michael Boyte]

I would start with replacing the printed circuit board, it's located on the back of the instrument cluster.  You might also want to replace the instrument cluster lamps while you are there.  These are easily found at Ausleys Chevelle in Graham NC  336-228-6701 . Also many other distributers carry the printed circuit board. 

[Chevy Dave]

The printed circuit board has several separate circuits with common grounds. If every circuit is dead, I would check the grounds and the connector on the wire harness to the circuit board. It is doubtful that the entire circuit board would fail at the same time. If you replace your bulbs, I would recommend using LEDs because of the difficulty in replacing them once everything is back together. LEDs last much longer. If you remove the cluster  bench check all the bulbs before installing the cluster because the bulb sockets are somewhat sensitive to a good connection.

[stangeba]

What, if anything, has changed?  Ground wire (hanging down on the right)is critical. I think there is another ground but I can't remember where for sure but there is one that attaches to the parking brake assembly.

Here is a picture of my instrument cluster, from my 71 that has the gauge package.

 

 

Also, here is a hot link to many more pictures with text that I took when I replaced the heater core in my NON A/C 71 Monte.

https://1971montecarlo.wordpress.com/1971-monte-carlo-no-a-c-heater-core-replacement-pics/

 

[stangeba]

One more picture showing the ground wire attachment point on the parking brake assembly.

[Sjepps]

Thanks guys. I have a short, so I'm hoping this is what it is

[Sjepps]

5 hours ago, Michael Boyte said:

I would start with replacing the printed circuit board, it's located on the back of the instrument cluster.  You might also want to replace the instrument cluster lamps while you are there.  These are easily found at Ausleys Chevelle in Graham NC  336-228-6701 . Also many other distributers carry the printed circuit board. 

Would PC1101 be the appropriate one for the SS?

[Sjepps]

58 minutes ago, stangeba said:

What, if anything, has changed?  Ground wire (hanging down on the right)is critical. I think there is another ground but I can't remember where for sure but there is one that attaches to the parking brake assembly.

Here is a picture of my instrument cluster, from my 71 that has the gauge package.

 

 

Also, here is a hot link to many more pictures with text that I took when I replaced the heater core in my NON A/C 71 Monte.

https://1971montecarlo.wordpress.com/1971-monte-carlo-no-a-c-heater-core-replacement-pics/

 

I'm unsure what has changed. The car sat for about two years before I inherited it, so part of it was lack of use. Part of it was also whoever worked on the car before was a complete idiot and cross threaded every bolt I've touched so far

[cny first gen 71]

Yup the first several months or so that's what you do fix and repair someone else's screw ups. Then a year or two down the road you fine more, been there done that.

[Grant MacPherson]

Just a thought,  wouldn't it be worth checking the reostat on the switch? 

[420ponies]

If we're talking dash bulbs, could be the headlamp switch. That switch is trouble with it's reostat failing. Hope this helps.😊

[Chevy Dave]

The rheostat in the headlight is a likely suspect if your only issue is the light circuit. I thought you indicated that the entire cluster was not working, not just the lights.

[Michael Boyte]

17 hours ago, Sjepps said:

Would PC1101 be the appropriate one for the SS?

If I'm not mistaken, they are the same.

Also, Modern Performance in Winston Salem NC, Should have the replacements. 336-360-9794

[Sjepps]

15 hours ago, Chevy Dave said:

The rheostat in the headlight is a likely suspect if your only issue is the light circuit. I thought you indicated that the entire cluster was not working, not just the lights.

The cluster isn't working, I have no idea about the lights, I'm never out in the dark

[Scott S.]

Hey Steven,

It sounds to me like the "ribbon" circuit is having issues.

Assuming that the tach, temp, oil pressure and fuel gauge are all not responding... As well as the clock (if you have one), it seems that power isn't reaching the instruments.

The gas, temp, and pressure gauges all run to a ground (at separate points), so all 3 going at the same time is quite the coincidence. 

Add to that the fact that the clock runs on the battery circuit, not ignition, and the tach is supplied power from the distributor, to me it sounds like a break/crack in the board.

But that's just my opinion.... Best of luck figuring it out.

Scott.

[420ponies]

I have a good printed circuit , but it's for idiot lights only. I've upgraded to gauge package.