Das Flickering

[klyons]

Another dash problem on my 88 1. It looks as though a light is out and only 1 as one part of the dash just right of the speedometer is dim. 2. The whole dash appears to flicker just slightly every now and then. It seems that I remember some one posting a place (besides Mid-America) that repaired these. About 2 weeks left before she goes up until May.
:cry

 

[Magmotor]

Check your dimmer switch first. Does it flicker when you push or pull or bang on it? lol.....If not, pull your cluster and clean the contacts. If your able, pull the cluster apart and resolder the contacts at the J-connectors. Cold solder joints will have that effect. The bulbs might be burned out to. Might save you spending the bucks on a new one...

 

[caninelver]

My 88 developed the same problem last yr after a Chevy dealership attempted to tighten the play in my steering column. When I picked it up at the dealer the lights on the right side were out so it was hard to see the digitals. The dealer claimed it had a short and needed the cluster sent out for a rebuild. Since they were too incompetent to fix the steering problem and even made it worse -APPLE CHEV, YORK,PA.- I took it to a corvette specialist who replaced all of the lights and even put in new sockets that they plug into. He said the plastic sockets get brittle with age and of course the lights burn out or flicker. He said most dealerships like to tell you the digital stuff is going bad so they make more money. There are 2 lights on each side of the steering wheel. This mechanic is not cheap but he is competent and honest. Not like APPLE CHEVROLET. When you find out what is wrong please let us know. This seems to be a very often mentioned problem with the digital dash. Good luck

 

[Ken]

I missed this one when I responded to another earlier today. Here's the response:

There's a lot one can do with the digital display cluster without having to pay a "technician." One thing to have that is to your advantage is a copy of Gordon Killebrew's "1984-89 Digital Cluster Troubleshooting Book":

Diagnose and fix cluster problems yourself! It is a complete Step-By-Step Operational and Troubleshooting Guide. Includes instructions on cluster removable from dash, location of all grounds affecting the cluster, cluster disassemble and repair, and much more information. Why send your cluster out for repair or just light bulbs, when you can fix it yourself cheaper than the $200-$500 wanted by most repair shops!

It's really not that difficult once you get in there and get your hands on it.