Instrument gauges

gkonczal · 10-05-2012, 12:36 PM

I have an 06' 300c with 221,000mi.....still rides great! Lately I've noticed the instrument gauges going out while I'll drive. In fact, the entire cluster (all gauges and lights) start doing the irish jig, jumping around for about 20 seconds before the entire cluster goes out.....not a peep.

This started a year ago and maybe happened twice within 6-8 monthes. Now, the last couple of weeks, it almost happens every time I start up and drive. After I stop, pull key, open the door to reset the main power MCR, everything will work when I put the key in and start up...usually it starts to flake out after a minute into the drive......

I did the actuation test on the cluster and everytime it works perfect. So I don't suspect the gauge consol is going out but some other sinister short or something else causing it.

Everything runs great...engine/lights/music/no error codes/....everything seems in order except for the instrument cluster. Maybe I'm reading to much into it and it's just the cluster that is the issue....

Thanks for any advice or suggestions in advance!

therealfleen · 10-05-2012, 06:55 PM

Um did you say 221,000??

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**MADDOG** · 10-05-2012, 07:02 PM

Check your harness connection at the firewall and at the back of the instrument cluster. It may be dirty, corroded or loose.

**DESIREE** · 10-05-2012, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkonczal

I have an 06' 300c with 221,000mi.....still rides great! Lately I've noticed the instrument gauges going out while I'll drive. In fact, the entire cluster (all gauges and lights) start doing the irish jig, jumping around for about 20 seconds before the entire cluster goes out.....not a peep.

This started a year ago and maybe happened twice within 6-8 monthes. Now, the last couple of weeks, it almost happens every time I start up and drive. After I stop, pull key, open the door to reset the main power MCR, everything will work when I put the key in and start up...usually it starts to flake out after a minute into the drive......

I did the actuation test on the cluster and everytime it works perfect. So I don't suspect the gauge consol is going out but some other sinister short or something else causing it.

Everything runs great...engine/lights/music/no error codes/....everything seems in order except for the instrument cluster. Maybe I'm reading to much into it and it's just the cluster that is the issue....

Thanks for any advice or suggestions in advance!

1. Check for diagnostic trouble codes in the EVIC and report back.

Then, based on the reported intermittent nature of the cluster outages:
2. Check fuses 5, 14, 29, 38 and 41 for proper installation/clean/tight fit into clips.
3. Check the following ground connections (may be easier said than done!):
G100 Left Front of Engine Compartment
G101 Right Front of Engine Compartment
G200 Left Instrument Panel Near T/O for Ignition Switch
G202 Left Instrument Panel Near T/O for Cluster C3
G300 Below Left B-Pillar
G301 Below Right B-Pillar

Good hunting!

**DESIREE** · 10-05-2012, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by therealfleen

Um did you say 221,000??

Um yup, that's what he said, ahha. And miles no less!
My but hurts just thinking about that many miles in one seat.

gkonczal · 01-29-2013, 08:34 PM

OK...I'm back and so is my previous problem with a vegence. So since I last posted back in October, me and my car problem decided to take a holiday. Well the last two days my flashing cluster and instrument issues have come back. The only thing new is that the headlights are actually blinking also (never done that before)....then come back 'on' and will blink now and then.

Unfortunately I can't dig into my car and pull panels and covers apart....I lack the tools and know how if I get into a pinch.

So since this issue stopped when I last posted back in October....I have driven another 10k miles and the weather has been cold. Yesterday and today (TOLEDO,OHIO) the weather warmed up and BAM....problem back. Now I know when the weather goes cold in a day or two this will go away....but I know better that when spring gets here this will come back.

Couple of questions for anyone:

I've read on many different postings/bullentine boards there seems to be a history of 300's having this issue....are these true and reliable issues? (has anyone else heard this)
does anyone have known solutions rather than 'try this' and 'try that'?...sorry, my impatience

I will take this to the dealer tomorrow and I feel that these ASE certified chrysler mechanics should know 'exactly' the solution to this issue .....because when you make $40/hr you would think they've worked on a 300. But alas I'm sure to be disappointed as I get the canned reply...'I've never seen this before.....'[scratch head now]

Anyways, I'm frustrated and desperate at the same time and with no lights, this hampers my 3,000 miles per month of driving habit(work), which is why I have no time to work on it myself....

I will use previous replies to help guide my over qualified mechanic.....

Thanks for the suggestions so far!!!!

**MADDOG** · 01-29-2013, 08:37 PM

I'll stand by my response posted back in October and would add a question for you. Did you take any action as noted above in response to your post?

gkonczal · 01-29-2013, 10:05 PM

Thanks again MADDOG for the quick reply. NO I have not but I will pull and check fuses you listed...I will check engine compartment grnds....other grnds I will not even dig for. I will check the EVIC codes again, but last time they showed nothing.

I will do this early tomorrow morning and if there isn't any immediate results I will take it to the dealer for the walk of shame......

Thanks again. I will let you know what I find.....

onesickhotrod · 01-29-2013, 10:13 PM

Just had to replace my girls civic cluster because it was roached. All corroded had similar problems at 170K . I'm sure the cluster is different but am interested in knowing what the problem is.

gkonczal · 01-30-2013, 08:28 AM

MADDOG...just checked EVIC and 2 codes come up....P0513 and U110A...I tried to look them up but they made no sense to me. This morning however, everything started up fine with no issues or blinking. I'm at work now and can't get to the fuses until lunch when I pull it into a garage and start checking the engine compartment grounds and fuses you suggested.

Thanks,