Rep Power: 0

Hello guys,

After so much searching I decided to seek help. My 2002 honda civic had an issue in which the speedometer didn't work and the odometer wasn't recording any change in mileage. Also, at random times, when I turned the key on, all the gauges would die and the odometer would turn blank. At the same time, the SRS light would stay on, and the maintenance light would turn into a "door ajar" light, coming on when the door was open and turning off when closed. (oddest part in my opinion)

I replaced the instrument cluster with a brand new one from the dealer. That solved the speedometer and odometer issue (it started registering mileage again). However, the instrument cluster still dies randomly. I troubleshooted the MCU even though it didn't have the usual symptoms. I performed the Mode 1 and Mode 2 tests and got no errors. Also, when the cluster is dead, I perform the self-diagnosis sequence, but the it stays dead.

I then replaced the MCU with a known working unit, but the problem remains.

Extra steps I've taken:
-Checked fuses and power wires going to the cluster (constant and switched.)
-Checked wire continuity between cluster and MCU.
-Performed a relearn of the Gauge Control Module. (several times)

Any help is welcomed.
Thank you.

 
Rep Power: 518

Kinda sounds as though the cluster lost a power or ground... Could be a loose connection anywhere.


Check fuse # 9 (10 A) in the engine compartment fusebox
and # 10 (7.5 A) fuse in the dash fusebox.
Grounds look like they should be bolted (two of them) to the steering column support (above, on the beam).

something somewhat easy:
Get someone to watch the gauges for you. Start the engine, make sure gauges are dead.
Wiggle all the fuses in both fuseboxes while someone else watches for signs of life in the cluster.
Wiggle wiring attached to the fusebox, wiggle wiring in the dash.

You might need to pull the cluster and check voltages at the plugs to actually see what's missing, and manually trace circuits once you figure out for sure if something is missing.

 
Rep Power: 183

Mine has a similar problem.

All the needles (Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temp gauge), odometer and some warning indicator lights would stop functioning for a while and then turn back on.

Oh and while it doesn't work, the gauge test wouldn't work at all, no reaction, no beep, no power.

I've done a cluster swap 04 DX to 03 LX, redone the wiring, added another LX connectors the existing wiring by T splicing.


Similar issue, needles and odometer wouldn't turn on when starting the car, then it would come back on later, or when driving, it would stop randomly for a few seconds and turn back on again.

Only this time, all the warning indicator lights seem to be working and when the problem occurs and during the gauge self diagnostic test , everything would work except for what doesn't work which are speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temp gauge and odometer. It would sometime start working correctly during the self diagnostic test and stop again.
Oh and with the LX cluster, it seems to be more frequent. I tried pluging the old cluster back while the LX was having a problem and the old one worked while the new one didn't.

Cluster or wiring? I know my wiring was pretty well done since everything works when it's having this problem.

 
Rep Power: 518

If you want some guesses, I'd guess that because everything in the cluster quit and self test does absolutely nothing, it lost a main power or ground to the gauges or to the microprocessor that operates the warning lights and gauges in the cluster.


It would take some testing to figure out if the problem is in the cars wiring, the connections, terminals, or if it's in the cluster itself.
This part sounds like a bad cluster-- because some parts are working and other parts of it are not working during the self test.


How about terminal tension? Female pins inside a connector that don't fit snugly on the male pins could sure cause intermittent connections.


Easiest way I can think to figure if it's a bad cluster or not..... Find someone with a compatible car that works right. Swap clusters with that car, and see where the problem goes.

 
Rep Power: 0

Check the speedometer plugs and ECU plugs to make sure they are fully plugged in and no bent pins.