Cluster

[Lizzy06483]

I have a 2007 Chrysler Sebring and I believe the cluster is gone because of the lighting is no longer on if I change the cluster is there some kind of legal way I have to do it

 

[deadlyapp]

Yes, if the odometer changes then you need to report it to your local DMV.

However the lighting could be a simpler fix than replacing the whole cluster depending on how it is done. A quick google search shows some tutorials to fixing the lighting.

If you do buy a replacement cluster, you can have someone reprogram it to show the correct mileage, however you'll probably have to jump through some hoops to prove the existing mileage.

 

[Lizzy06483]

Yes, if the odometer changes then you need to report it to your local DMV.

However the lighting could be a simpler fix than replacing the whole cluster depending on how it is done. A quick google search shows some tutorials to fixing the lighting.

If you do buy a replacement cluster, you can have someone reprogram it to show the correct mileage, however you'll probably have to jump through some hoops to prove the existing mileage.

Thank you

 

[mindless1]

Your post could use some more elaboration. Define "cluster is gone"?

Describe what would be the illegal way you presume instead of ???

Get a schematic, aka wiring diagram for your vehicle. Check which fuse(s) are involved, check those fuses. Check whether relays are involved and check those.

Use a multimeter to trace 12V where it should be along the lighting circuit. Although dash lights can burn out, it would tend to be one at a time not all at once.

You do not need to buy a new instrument cluster just to fix it not lighting up.

Are there any other interior lighting issues? On some vehicles there is a dimmer wheel that you spin to adjust brightness and it has rollers on a conductive track. Disassembly of that switch might tell you if it has hardened grease or oxidized copper or whatever... a multimeter can read voltage in and out and resistance of the non-traditional-potentiometer design of such dimmer wheels, or it might have a biased transistor that failed in that module.

Anyway the point is, a failure of the entire cluster to light up, practically never requires the whole cluster to be replaced, at least on something that age, if it were newer and had surface mount LEDs for lighting and some power surge caused them all to fail them "maybe" but in that case your larger problem is what is causing the power surge, probably a failed alternator regulator. That is unlikely and would tend to manifest in other failed circuits before the dash lighting.

 

[deadlyapp]

Your post could use some more elaboration. Define "cluster is gone"?

Describe what would be the illegal way you presume instead of ???

Get a schematic, aka wiring diagram for your vehicle. Check which fuse(s) are involved, check those fuses. Check whether relays are involved and check those.

Use a multimeter to trace 12V where it should be along the lighting circuit. Although dash lights can burn out, it would tend to be one at a time not all at once.

You do not need to buy a new instrument cluster just to fix it not lighting up.

Are there any other interior lighting issues? On some vehicles there is a dimmer wheel that you spin to adjust brightness and it has rollers on a conductive track. Disassembly of that switch might tell you if it has hardened grease or oxidized copper or whatever... a multimeter can read voltage in and out and resistance of the non-traditional-potentiometer design of such dimmer wheels, or it might have a biased transistor that failed in that module.

Anyway the point is, a failure of the entire cluster to light up, practically never requires the whole cluster to be replaced, at least on something that age, if it were newer and had surface mount LEDs for lighting and some power surge caused them all to fail them "maybe" but in that case your larger problem is what is causing the power surge, probably a failed alternator regulator. That is unlikely and would tend to manifest in other failed circuits before the dash lighting.

A quick review of his main cluster shows it is likely lit by EL sheet and likely the entire thing is off a single sheet. Replacing the EL sheet may be more complicated than simply replacing the cluster and EL is notorious for dying. I found tons of references of people having identical issues.

 

[mindless1]

^ By 2007 in a Chrysler? Wow.

 

[EXCellR8]

Just dropped by to state that working on dashboards is the worst and I hate them.

The fuel gauge in my old Honda eventually got wonky so I swapped in a new cluster with one that had a lower-reading odometer. That was actually pretty easy however when I (reluctantly) sold the car I had to file some extra form that stated the actual mileage and display mileage were different. The cluster was basically PnP but I think the ABS light didn't work or something.

 

[FeuerFrei]

Hmm, one time I replaced my 1993 Corolla's instrument cluster with a new used one, and was able to pry apart the mechanical odometer's meshed gears and adjust the replacement to reflect the current mileage. Glad it had some wiggle tolerance.

So ... given a mechanical design (antiquated for sure), it's possible to swap in a new cluster and set it to reflect YOUR mileage. But who knows about a 2007 Sebring.


Footnote: Actually the process of replacing my odometer was complicated by me installing the new (used) cluster and driving with it for a while (to prove it worked) before ever getting around to setting the new odometer's mileage. SO I had to calculate the total miles added to the "new" odometer (I'd written down the reading when installed) and add those miles to the reading of my old odometer (which I hadn't thrown away), to tally the actual mileage to reset the "new" odometer to.

I was in a hurry to put in a replacement cluster because the failed gauge was the speedometer, and I had no way of detecting my car's speed. I doubt I knew how or if I could adjust my odometer at that point.

 

[deadlyapp]

Hmm, one time I replaced my 1993 Corolla's instrument cluster with a new used one, and was able to pry apart the mechanical odometer's meshed gears and adjust the replacement to reflect the current mileage. Glad it had some wiggle tolerance.

So ... given a mechanical design (antiquated for sure), it's possible to swap in a new cluster and set it to reflect YOUR mileage. But who knows about a 2007 Sebring.


Footnote: Actually the process of replacing my odometer was complicated by me installing the new (used) cluster and driving with it for a while (to prove it worked) before ever getting around to setting the new odometer's mileage. SO I had to calculate the total miles added to the "new" odometer (I'd written down the reading when installed) and add those miles to the reading of my old odometer (which I hadn't thrown away), to tally the actual mileage to reset the "new" odometer to.

I was in a hurry to put in a replacement cluster because the failed gauge was the speedometer, and I had no way of detecting my car's speed. I doubt I knew how or if I could adjust my odometer at that point.

Unfortunately most newish cars (including OPs 07 Sebring are digital and have to be programmed by the right tech.