Hello, I have noticed a weird problem with my instrument cluster. On startup the PRND3L will all have a box around them, as if I am in all gears at one time. It would stay this way until i turned the car off. It doesnt do it everytime. When it started, I also noticed that it was harder to start the car. So, I replaced the starter and it fixed the problem, until now. The boxes around PRND3L have returned on startup but the car cranks up fine and the boxes go away as soon as I change out of park, then it works as normal. Any thoughts or ideas?

 

I have noticed mine does the same thing when I pull the fuse on the ecu and turn the key on. I'm guessing there is a bad connection somehwere in the line.

 

You don't mention what year your car is. It could be relevant as the 1995-1996 cars had problems with the solder joints on the instrument cluster. I'd say that the first thing you should try is the 'self-test'. Simply hold in the trip reset button while turning the key to the on position. The Odometer has to be on mileage (not on trip mileage) in order for it to work. You'll see the display read out what is going on as the cluster does its diagnostics. You do not have to keep on holding in the button once the self test starts. Simply turn off the key once the test has finished. Please report back and let us know what it showed.

-Ken

 

Thanks for the help, but it still does it occasionally. I'm sorry for not posting the year, it is a 2002 Dodge Stratus SE, so I doubt that it has the solder problem. I posted a picture that will hopefully diagnose the problem. Also, I realize that this is not the original Dodge Stratus instrument cluster, this is one out of a Chrysler Sebring Limited. But the problem still occurred with the original Instrument Cluster.

 

Finally found the solution!!!!! Due to another unrelated issue I was advised to check the ETAX Relay which is in the Power Distribution Center under the hood. I replaced the relay and the problem vanished, and also fixed my other problem. I was told that it could be caused by the speed sensor on the Transmission, but turns out it was just a simple relay.