Expert: Roland Finston - 6/9/2011

Question
QUESTION: Had to ask a new question because of too many replies.
I gave my mechanic your replies. With the cluster out, can I apply 12V on pin3 (orange) of the 21 pin connector and see if the cluster lights up?

Also.. since the EVA is not operating, is there somewhere I can do a quick troubleshoot on?

Thanks!

ANSWER: I think that there is no harm in putting 12v on either pin 3 or pin 15 as that is what would routinely be in the range of normal. It would be good to try applying the voltage to both pin simultaneously, and to ground at pin 6. Perhaps the EVA will also work when you get the cluster going, so let us see how that resolves itself. The EVA is tied in electrically to many of the same wires as the cluster so it may be cured too.
Thanks for the rating and kind remarks.

PS: If the direct application of voltage and grounds doesn't produce results you might want to open the cluster and reheat the solder joints between the socket pins and the circuit board as those can go 'cold' and produce an open connection. Also check pin 1 on the other socket as it is also a voltage supply for the unit.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Applying 12V to  the orange and yellow wires on the 21 pin connection lights only one light at the top of the cluster. ( cluster is on a workbench) Does 12V also need to be applied to to red wire pin 10 on the 21 pin connector and pin 1 of the 13 pin connector in order to light the entire cluster?

Tracing the orange wire back to the headlight switch shows it continuous with no breaks, yet no voltage shows on pin 3 . Same goes for the yellow wire traced back to the headlight switch ( it shows continuous, no breaks) but no voltage on pin 15.

With the cluster out of the car,  should there defintely be voltage at pins 3 & 15 only when the headlight switch is on and show no voltage with the headlight switch off?

We are at a loss. DO you think the cluster is damaged based on what I am telling you?

Thanks..

Answer
Hi Ed,
I now see that you also need to have 12v to pin 21 to get the cluster to work, and that comes out of fuse 13 when the key is in the start/run position...so check that now. That may be why it isn't working. We have been focussed on the illumination issue, but that is secondary. You should get the 12v on the orange and yellow wires via the headlamp switch when in park or head positions, and that is dependent upon having fuse 5 and fuse 12 working.
Sorry to have overlooked the pin 21 issue.
Roland