I have a 98 Dodge Caravan and the gauges will not work. They were working on and off and now they won't come on at all. Not sure where I need to look first or what I need to do. Wasn't sure if anyone on here could help or at least lead me in the right direction.

 

Several options:

1. go the the junk yard and get another cluster assembly
2. Go on ebay and buy another cluster assembly
3. Go to a dealer and buy a new cluster assembly
4. Remove your cluster assembly and repair broken terminals.
5. Take it to a repair shop and have them remove and repair the terminals
6. Get a new van


These are 6 paths you could choose. Which one is best for your application you'd need to choose the right direction.

 

If you would like to take option #4 in 22Dodge22s list here is a slideshow of how you remove the instrument cluster and how you make the repair on the cluster. Could be you can fix this for $.25 worth of solder. Just click "slideshow" at upper right. http://www.flickr.com/photos/landar/...7617315319764/

This solder isssue on 3rd generation Chrysler Corp minivans is fairly common. A dealership will either say they've never heard of it or just change the instrument cluster for $3-$500. The solder joints that connect the connector to the circuit board crack, opening the circuit and killing the instruments. It is often an intermittent problem because vibrations and temperatures can open and close the cracks in the solder. This is far from a fool proof test but sometimes if you smack the top of the dash above the instruments the instruments will come back to life. It's a sure fire indication of this condition.

 

Thanks for your help. We'll see what happens.

 

What a great slide show that is.

 

I used this as well when i put the T@C gauges in my sport!

 

..and it fixed a couple of problems; especially an unreliable fuel gauge.

 

I've been having this problem too, especially irritating when all instruments quit on the highway. I've just been whomping the dash until it comes back to life. Thanks for the fix slideshow!