1997 Dodge Stratus... The tach, odom, & speedo will act as if they have no power when the car has sat off for more than 3 minutes. All other gauges and lights will be fine. After I start the car and let it run for 2-3 minutes, the tach, odom,& speedo will come back to life as if nothing happened. Can anyone assist me with this concern? I would greatly appreciate it.

 

I have also experienced this, although very infrequently and have yet to track down the culprit. 97 stratus as well. The first 4-5 times it happened, same exact symptoms you list. However, the last 2 times as soon as I touch the headlights the dash lights all come on and all the needles jump up. I am thinking cold solder/corroded connection. No idea really though, it has only happened about 6-7 times to me.

 

Thanks for the reply. I noticed that the speedo actually does work and the computer remembers how many miles I've driven, it simply just doesn't light up the odometer or let the tach work. However, unless I get proven wrong today, I really "reached" for a solution and it seems to be working, or a coincidence. Since there is no battery gauge, no one can really tell how good of a charge is in the battery before you start the car. So, I replaced the battery thinking that perhaps the battery wasn't providing quite enough electric for this portion of the electronics, but adequate enough power to start the car. As a result, the dash has been working fine since. (Crossing my fingers, toes, and lots of prayers ). Hope that this actually does the trick and perhaps helps those with similar conflicts.

 

Back to square 1. The problem has returned and so has my check engine light.

 

Turn your key to the accessory on position and then back off 3 times. ON / OFF / ON / OFF / ON and it should flash the engine codes at you. It works in my 97. Had to try it a couple times to get the timing just right.

 

For a '97, you do not need to do the key dance. The car comes with an OBDII PCM. Just go to any AutoZone or Checker/Schucks/Kragen Auto, they can scan the codes for you for free.

Back to your original intermittent gauge cluster problem: Battery is not your issue. The issue is with you BUS wiring harnesses that connect the gauge cluster to the PCM and BCM. You need to take gauge cluster out, unplug both harnesses and plug them back in. Make sure that the plugs are plugged in tight. If the problem continues, it is time for a new cluster and/or new wiring harness. In my case, it was the gauge cluster.

Your check engine light is a different problem. You need to have the code scanned and get back with the code(s).

Zack

 

Thanks for the info. Found that the gas cap was the wrongcap which is triggering the check engine light. As for the dash, I have disconnected and reconnected the wiring harness, even the smaller cable that connects the main dash to the subdash (the odometer board) and no change. If I had a schematic, I think I could repair the board and/or look for the voltages for the harness. Anyway, I'll keep plugging away. I appreciate all the assistance. Just trying to save the $$$, who isn't huh?!

 

Still having problems with the check engine light. I get the infamous 31 code and the scanner states that I have a large EVAP system leak. Not sure what to try. I'm thinking PCV and O2 sensor/s, but I'm reaching. I'm STILL trying to narrow down the dash problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I need Help too and maybe we have the same issues,I have a 1996 Stratus 2.4L that I bought for my daughter, the odometer and tach wasn't working but the Speedo was. I was told it was a bad dash cluster. I put a different one from the same year and the odometer did work on that one but the Speedo and tach didn't, on both dashes the gas and oil gauge did work. I was told to check the circuit board andfor somesoldering breaks.
I did re solder some maybe bad looking ones. Nothing made either dash work completely. I then reinstalled the factory cluster and my daughter headed back home to go to work 200 miles away. She stopped at service center for coffee and when she came out to start the car the engine fired and the headlights and dome lights flashed and then the engine died. Each time she tried to start it the same thing happen, started and shut down. I drove down and un hooked the battery for 30 minutes to reset the computer, no good same thing. I thought the car might of had a factory alarm.I had it to towed($256) to a Dodge dealer in MA who then told me the car didn't have a factory alarm and they needed $1600.00 up front to start replacing parts with no guarantee what the final bill would be. He said a $150.00 for just looking at which I paid. I then said stop and I will tow the car back to Maine.
Does anyone have any idea what happened and how can I repair the car, anyone had the same troubles? I would deeply appreciate any help on this.
Thank You Very Much[/align]

 

I replaced my dash with a junkyard special and it seems to have remedied the problem by 90%. On occasion, it will still act up but it is by far a lot better. I am starting to think that the problem resides in the computer.

That sucks that the dealer would pull that on you. I'd almost look for another dealer or a good, local mechanic...if you are able to afford it.

I am still having the check engine problem. I've replaced the gas cap and the PCV valve and it is still on. Does anyone have a good fix? It still reads out a 31 which is a large EVAP leak. However, it doesn't point out what it could be. I even purchased the official Dodge repair book for my Stratus and it is very vague. By reading the above posts, I can see that it could be a number of things.

Hope this helps Motornut and anyone else