dumb dash board lights

[lucas]

So my wifes SS is having some dumb issues with dash board lights. The speedometer side of her cluster won't light up even after new bulbs were put in. I checked all the fuses and such but am stumped to far.

Anyone have any similar problems?

[Legacy777]

I would suspect that if one side of the gauge cluster lights work and the other side does not that there is a break in the flexible printed circuit on the back of the gauge cluster.

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... G_5844.JPG

Here are some more pics

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... /combmeter


Here is the gauge cluster pin outs:

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... n_Out.xlsx

You should be able to use the info & diagram in the spreadsheet to identify i13 pin 3 & 5 (Illumination 12v & control unit (ground)). Follow that circuit and look for any breaks or cracks in the circuit.

[lucas]

so it if is broke somewhere its pretty much toast correct?

[cj91legss]

You may be able to just solder some of the breaks if there are any.

[Legacy777]

Yeah, like CJ said you should be able to use solder or some other kind of conductable material to fill the cracks. I honestly don't know how well solder would work on the plastic. You may be likely to cause more damage than you solve.

Another option might be to tap into the wire that goes to the electrical connector and then run it over to one of the dash bulbs and try to wedge it between bulb and the appropriate metal conductor part to provide an alternate conductive path.

[robertpaige]

Clusters are so common and cheap, you would save time to just go et another one. And while it's out, throw some LED lights in there. Good write ups on here regarding that.

[lucas]

these LED'S you speak of.... are they just plug n play?