87 C4 Instrument Cluster Problem

[Gatorbait]

I just picked up a 1987 C4 that was salvaged out and I am going to rebuild it.

The Instrument cluster is showing all lit up, but no numbers.
It is like the LCD blanched out.
Anyone experience this or can shed some light?

The part time dealer I got the car from was going to rebuild it for his wife, but has too many irons in the fire, so he let it go for a good price.

 

[Schrade]

First thing probably pull the codes from ALDL...

 

[Hib Halverson]

Uh...the cluster has no diagnostics so you can connect to the ALDL until the cows come home and you won't see any codes related to the cluster.

If the back lights work but there's no data displayed, first thing to do is see if the connection to the cluster is loose? If not, next stop is the service manual for information on cluster troubleshooting.

My gut feeling if this is not a wires/connection issue, you're going to buy a rebuilt cluster.

 

[Schrade]

Sorry OP; I was thinking of '90 and '94 models that have multiple LCD fault codes.

I guess '87 has no LCD fault codes...

 

[vigman]

I'll bet

This " cluster " has been taken apart and someone " tried " to repair it.....
I've done a cluster or 2... the " pink pearl" erasers ( that make connection from the PCB to the LCD ) are mis alligned, warped. dirty or gone...

Have a pro repair this.... this is not really a DYI....

Mike

 

[Schrade]

Looks like he got the solution on another vette board there vig - no follow up yet tho'

So it looks like I wasn't the only one that was 'wrong' :eyerole (although with a new car, I STILL say pull codes FIRST)...

 

[vigman]

Well you learn something new everyday

The polarizing film on the front was sun baked......
87 C4 Instrument Cluster Problem - Corvette Forum : DigitalCorvettes.com Corvette Forums
So I was incorrect... but it still involves taking the whole cluster apart...

 

[Gatorbait]

I think this cluster has more issues.
But for this one it looks like it is the polarizing film.
I tried the sunglasses test and the numbers show up as I rotated the sunglasses around.

Some of the LED's may be out as well. I wasn't able to see all of the number show.
Luckily I have a cluster to replace it with.

 

[Gatorbait]

The replacement cluster was a bust. All it did was flash and flicker.
So I took the lens off of it and put them on the original cluster.
One of these lenses is faded and some of the LED's are out.
But at least I can get the 87 on the road and running. Then I can work on the small stuff.

Now on to replacing the front bumper.

Thanks for the information