Q: Instrument cluster shuts down

asked by on October 02, 2016

I have a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE when I turn the ignition forward the odometer the shift selector don't power up nor do gauges. I put a good used cluster in and the odometer and shift selector work now but no gauges still. When I turn the vehicle on the gauges don't work and the odometer reading and shift selector work but after five seconds the instrument cluster goes dead I've checked the ignition starter switch, fuses.is there anything else to check or am I just looking a a bad BCM unit? Please advise if there is anything to check or replace before buying new module for car?

My car has 21000 miles.

Electric Problems Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi. A check of the wiring going from the instrument cluster to the BCM is needed. A lot times there is a broken wire, shorted circuit, short to ground, or a corroded wiring or connector. These are all usually the problems causing this situation not the BCM itself. It’s still possible that the BCM is at fault but it is the last thing that would be changed.

The Dodge Grand Caravan is known for electrical issues all throughout the car and at times can be hard to fix. If you’d like to get this fixed, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to you and diagnose the source of your electrical problems. Best of luck.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Vehicle overheating.
Hi there. This is a common problem. It is likely that a cooling system thermostat got stuck closed causing low flow through the cooling system and requires that it get replaced. It is also possible that there is a radiator...
How often to change the oil related to mileage
Basically you have three choices for changing the oil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/when-should-i-change-my-oil). My advice is, if you drive in the city all the time like I do, and you don't drive much, then change your oil using regular oil. Change it every...
Car lost power & stalled while driving on interstate - 2016 Hyundai Genesis
Hey there. I would recommend letting them diagnose the problem rather than just simply telling them to replace the fuel pump. The vehicle is under warranty (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-use-your-car-warranty-successfully-by-patrick-haas) since it is a 2016 model. For Hyundai warranty to pay the dealer...
Battery light and air bag light comes on and off
This may be a voltage regulator issue. The voltage regulator is a unit that regulates the charging of the battery by the alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/alternator-replacement). When the voltage regulator is not working properly, this may result in the alternator allowing too...
Hi there, I have a Chevy blazer ZR2 and replaced my Sunroof. Now when it rains, water comes in from the top near the passenger back seat.
Hi there. Check the seal to the sunroof and see if its torn or damaged. Also, check the sunroof and make sure that its mounted properly on the track. The sunroof could be out of alignment causing the water to...
Removed catalytic converter and installed straight pipes
Removal of the complete exhaust and putting on straight pipes may cause valves in the head to overheat from lack of back pressure. You will have also altered the emissions of the engine and render the vehicle for off road...
Transmission slack
This is often a sign of low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car's computer activates a...
I was wondering if a veil side fortune body kit would fit on this car if I ordered on and had it installed.
The full body kit is designed for the RX-7 from 1993 to 2002 models. Your model of the R2 and the kits model of FD3S is the same design only a little different to accommodate for an engine with dual...
What would cause my engine to make a squealing noise in my 2012 Jeep Wrangler
Hi there. From your description of the noise and when it occurs it sounds like it is coming from the belt. It may be as simple as a worn out belt or one of the engine accessories may be failing....

Related articles

What Causes a Car Door to Give You an Electric Shock After Driving?
Have Have you ever found driving to be positively shocking? For example, you have just driven a long distance on a cold, wintry day, in a car with leather-covered seats. Wearing a heavy woolen coat, you get out of your...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Battery Cable
If you experience problems starting and powering the car or find corrosion on the battery terminals, you may need to replace a battery cable.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Electronic Spark Control
Common signs include engine performance issues, engine stalling, the car not starting, and the engine not sparking.