ROCKNBLUES
Newbie
Posts: 7
Reg: 09-05-17
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09-15-23 02:45 PM - Post#2862582
1991, Chevy Astro van, bare bones, 2wd, cargo van with AC.
I'm stumped and info is a little difficult to come by.
Before digging much further, the speedometer and gauges just stopped working, all at the same time. The Temp, Fuel and Oil Pressure gauges all read in the middle of their travel, except for the voltage/battery/amp gauge that has never worked or moved from all the way to the left, in the 15K miles I've driven it. I already have the instrument cluster out (not as tough as expected) and have been surprised to find that the speedometer is electric, as well as the gauges? I found a fuse labeled "GAGES" and it tests good. FWIW, all the gauges read the same, key on and key off, and even with the cluster fully disconnected and removed from the dash. Is there a common voltage regulator for the whole cluster and is this a fairly common issue?
Thanks Folks,
Gene?
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 WagonCrazy
"17th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 3370
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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09-18-23 07:49 AM - Post#2862637
In response to ROCKNBLUES
Go for the simpleist things first...
Check the wiring harness to the instrument cluster. Any chaffed wires, broken wires, failing connectors, etc.
Check the fuses for burnt fuses. That would indicate another problem, but it's a clue none the less.
Just a wild suggestion here...
I have a 1999 Lexus LS400. There are times when the speedometer doesn't work (from the time I fire up the car and drive it). After a while of driving, the needle will all of a sudden move to speed, and then it works fine until the next time I drive it.
After a whole bunch of google searches, I finally stumbled upon a Lexus forum for enthusiasts, and buried deep in one of those subforums was a complete writeup on this issue.
It is caused by "old capacitors" on the dash array that are "leaking", causing them not to work until they warm up. Eventually, they fail and the speedo will not work at all.
I suggest if you have the instrument cluster out of the van, that you carefully inspect the circuit board for any of the components that appear to look like they are burnt or leaking out. You'll need a magnifying glass to do that.
You might just find that one or two components need replacing. After that, I can't advise on where to get the components or how to carefully remove the old ones and solder in the new ones, but I'm sure there are youtube videos of guys demonstrating it.
Longshot here.
57 Nomad -LS1 with C4 suspension
59 Apache Fleetside Shortbed BigWindow
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