Also known as the digital dashboard, the instrument cluster gives the driver important information that is necessary to operate the vehicle safely. The dashboard is what you see in front of you while driving, and the instrument cluster is part of that dashboard that contains the gauges like the fuel gauge, odometer, speedometer, engine temperature, etc.

A multitude of problems can occur when a car has been in operation for a long time, and sometimes, instrument cluster problems cause the digital gauges to stop working. When this happens, it becomes a major safety concern for both the vehicle operator and other drivers on the road. Even if only one of the gauges fails, the entire instrument cluster must be replaced to ensure that your vehicle operates safely and efficiently while on the road.

Common Problems that Require Instrument Cluster Repair

Computer failure
If your instrument cluster is not displaying any information at all, this may mean it has completely failed due to faulty wiring or power supply. Some vehicles can have a single wire with two signals which can cause weird behavior. The computer may stop functioning properly as a result of hardware problems or corrupted software.

Blown fuse
One of two guaranteed causes of an improperly working instrument cluster is a blown fuse. This only happens when none of the gauges are working. If your warning lights are not working, it is most likely due to a blown instrument cluster fuse.

Loose connectors
Connectors that have either come unplugged or are loose are simple to fix. If this turns out to be the cause of your instrument cluster problem, unplug the battery, reconnect the connectors, fix any loose ones, and then reconnect the battery. This should bring your dashboard panel back to life shortly.

Bad sensors
Typically, only one or two of the gauges in your instrument cluster stop working when a sensor goes bad. The sensor that this most commonly happens to is the speedometer.

Defective instrument cluster
If you cannot identify anything wrong with the sensors or wiring, you may unfortunately have a defective instrument cluster. If your instrument cluster does not have gauges that are separate and receive independent inputs from individual senders, it will most likely have to be replaced.

Other causes of instrument cluster problems include:

• Stripped gear
• Overloaded circuit
• Wiring problems
• Grounding issues

Unless you are a mechanic or a hard core vehicle repair hobbyist, it is best to get the problem fixed by professional instrument cluster repair services.

The Benefits of Professional Instrument Cluster Repair Services

If you don’t know what you are doing, you may end up causing more problems than you started with. It is both smart and beneficial to use professional dashboard repair services because:

• It saves you money.
  If your instrument cluster has not completely failed, professional instrument cluster repair services can save you quite a bit of money as opposed to having to buy a brand new one. The cost to replace the instrument cluster can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the make and model of the vehicle. The cost to repair a malfunctioning instrument cluster is likely to be much cheaper.
• It saves you time.
  If you are not an experienced instrument cluster repairman, you will likely waste a lot of time trying to figure out how to repair or replace it. A professional will quickly and efficiently diagnose the problem and fix the issue much faster than you could do it on your own.
• A professional has the expertise to get the job done correctly.
  Professional instrument cluster repair services have experienced technicians who are thoroughly trained to diagnose and repair instrument clusters. Their knowledge and expertise allow them to repair any issues your vehicle is having with the instrument cluster to ensure it is functioning properly.
• Professional instrument cluster repairs come with a warranty.
  The old saying, “if you break it, you buy it” is applicable to repairing or replacing your vehicle’s instrument cluster yourself. Most professional instrument cluster repair services provide a warranty on their repairs. Why risk throwing away thousands of dollars when trained technicians can fix the problem correctly at a lower cost?

How to Choose the Right Automotive Service Repair Shop for Your Needs

If your vehicle is experiencing issues with dashboard panel gauges, it is important to find a repair shop that has not only the experience and knowledge to fix the issue, but one that has the proper training, diagnostic equipment, and certifications in instrument cluster repair.

Regardless of the issue you are having with your vehicle, it is always important to know how to choose the right service repair shop to meet your needs. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best automotive service repair shop.

• Ask family, friends, and coworkers for recommendations. Online reviews are also a very helpful tool in finding out what others are saying about their experiences with the automotive repair shop.
• Check for certifications. Certifications indicate that the service technicians have passed rigorous testing and have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform quality repairs.
• Find an automobile repair shop that has been in business for an extended time. A shop that has been open for a long time has managed to do so because they have the necessary expertise and equipment to diagnose and fix your vehicle’s problem.
• Ask about the warranties the repair shop offers for their repairs.
• A reputable automotive service repair shop will give you an estimate of the cost of repairs prior to performing any work on your vehicle. If they refuse, it’s probably a good idea to look elsewhere.
• Choose an automotive service repair shop that has a reputation of excellent customer service. A repair shop that values its customers will communicate clearly and honestly about the repair process and ensure that you are satisfied with any repairs they do to your vehicle.

At Autotronics, we know everything there is to know about vehicle electronics. With our vast experience, technical knowledge and high-end equipment, we are able to provide professional advice and top-quality solutions for every possible issue. Autotronics has been leading the in-circuit repair market in the UK and overseas for years. Contact us today!