1987 digitial dash problem

[ejf]

I just sold my "87" vette to my neighbor. I explained to him that the digitial dash was starting to act up. Every now and than it would go blank and come back on. It has been doing it more frequently. The new owner would like to get it fixed. I told him I noticed that Mid America and Eckler's offer a replacement for about $350.00. However he will have to pull the dash out and send it to them and put the rebuilt one in place. I'm sure he would not want to attempt to do all the work nor would I. My questions would be. Would pulling the dash be very difficult?
Is there a easy way around this?
Should I suggest he take it to a dealer, or would the cost be to high?
We are located in Richmond, VA. Does anybody know of somone locally that can deal with this?
Suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank You very much
ejf

 

[vader86]

His problem is that the connections inside the digidash are going bad, and they require resoldering. He should also replace the bulbs, 4 sylvania 882s.

Pulling the unit is not terribly hard, but its a tight fit unless you remove the steering wheel and the signal levers. There are 4 bolts holding it in. Two at the upper L and RH corners, and two at the bottom around the column on either side.

If he knows anyone with electrical know-how, they can resolder it for him. All he needs is the directions, theres a website with them but i dont have it.

 

[c4cruiser]

You need

this book from Gordon Killebrew, the guru of C4's: 1984-89 Digital Cluster Troubleshooting Book. Gordon pretty much wrote the service manuals for C4's and has probably forgotten more C4 info than we may ever know.

Check out his website at: http://www.gordonkillebrew.com/pages/800740/index.htm

 

[slashnick]

I have pulled my digital dash twice since i got the car about 6 months ago. Its not too difficult, just take your time and have some patience.

I used these instructions:

http://www.corvettedashclusterservice.com/Ucandoprocess1.html


-matt

 

[tyrel]

Here is an excellent site on the digital dash:


http://www.batee.com/corvette/dcrg/index.shtml

 

[berky2500]

ejf, you're in luck. If your neighbor doesn't want to do the work himself, since you live in Richmond, you have a place that does cluster repair for $255 flat fee, except for the LCD displays, 1 yr warranty.

SOUTHERN ELECTRONICS Inc.
Factory Authorized Car Radio and Speedometer Repair.
10625-A Trade Road
Richmond, VA 23236, USA

Tel: 1-800-446-2880 USA Voice, Toll Free,

If he wants to try the repair, the instructions in the other post will help you out. The small power supply board, has a loose connection or deteriorated solder joint. I fixed about 40 joints and cleared up the exact problem you are describing.

Good Luck.

 

[Codeglia]

I had to remove and replace the cluster on my '86 coupe...and found that it went a heck of a lot easier, once I removed the top dash panel. Doing so gave me a lot of easier access to the connectors, which are tightly held onto their connectors....

Bob