Instrument cluster went completely dark. 2014 Grande Cherokee Limited

[hal2kilo]

This is so bizarre. I went searching on the internet about this issue and I end up back in the AnandTech Forum. I can find used OEMs for under $200 but, what a nightmare. Legal stuff, programming stuff. The dealer wants $1700 to replace it. The part alone is $1240 for the new instrument cluster. Precious little info for the 2014 on youtube, they all almost universally stop at 2013 which tells me you can't just replace it without the ability Program it to see data that's stored in another computer(s) which has the total miles. I guess I'll have to hunt around for an non-dealer shop that know how to do this. I don't think the shop I talked to which has no problem with installing a cluster I bring to them but, he mentioned the programming issue. At worst case, what I need to know is, can you swap one in, and expect the car to at least be able to limp along, so I could at least get it to the stealer and get it properly programmed.

This is part of reply of the company I was working with on getting one, some of issue may or may not apply specifically, but these are some of the issues with modern day cars and their "simple things" like instrument clusters.

However, any vehicles have data (immobilizer data, anti-theft data, VIN#, mileage, etc.) stored in the cluster itself. If you install a used cluster in MOST vehicles (that is not your original cluster coded to that car) your car will not start or you will have warning lights, your fuel gauge won't work, it will write incorrect mileage to another part in your vehicle that will cost you $2500 to get fixed at the dealer, any number of problems.



That being said, if you decide to buy the cluster, you can take it to an independent mechanic with the proper tools to program it to your vehicle. Just make sure they have the necessary tools.

 

[RLGL]

You should be able to send it out and get it repaired.

 

[hal2kilo]

You should be able to send it out and get it repaired.

There's all kinds of outfits out there, but precious little information out there on the internet as to how to "legitimize" your instrument cluster, which appears to be way more involved than just displaying data. I see outfits that can even program them, but how do I get the accurate mileage to them when I can't see the mileage. It's just crazy. I'm a retired engineer and I haven't found a youtube or site that walks through the process. It's like everything changed about how they are integrated/interfaced the instrument cluster with the computer system because I can find precious little detail. Hell I don't know if a basic code scanner could get the miles off of it. I know they require your VIN. I guess I will be burning up the phone lines to these guys. There is just no way, I'm going to spend $1700. What's weird is that cruise control still works so I get a match to one of those "Your Speed Is" warning signs that are all over the county. Also most of the roads are speed mapped and my navigation lady tells me if I go 5 miles over the speed limit. Ah, modern times. I think I'm going retro next and buying a restored mid 70 to mid 80s Chevy 2 wheel drive truck with a 350 and a manual transmission. Too much complicated electronics are in all of the cars now.

 

[Hans Gruber]

Before you do any of that. Pop the hood and check to see if there is a bunch of white crud around your 12V battery terminal in the front left or right of your Jeep. That can cause instruments to fail. The other problem could be an alternator issue but it sounds like corroded battery terminals. Otherwise you have a failed instrument cluster like you have already assumed in the OP.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

How many on-board computers does a 2014 Grand Cherokee have?

I would've thought all that info would be stored in the "ECM" or engine-control-module -- whatever. My vehicle is 19 years older than yours, and these considerations have deterred me from attempting to restore my "Anti-Theft" system.

Your description and troubles make me reticent of buying a newer model of vehicle. On the other hand, my old '95 SUV is "orphaned". I can only hope I don't run into difficulties such as yours . . . .

 

[hal2kilo]

There's all kinds of outfits out there, but precious little information out there on the internet as to how to "legitimize" your instrument cluster, which appears to be way more involved than just displaying data. I see outfits that can even program them, but how do I get the accurate mileage to them when I can't see the mileage. It's just crazy. I'm a retired engineer and I haven't found a youtube or site that walks through the process. It's like everything changed about how they are integrated/interfaced the instrument cluster with the computer system because I can find precious little detail. Hell I don't know if a basic code scanner could get the miles off of it. I know they require your VIN. I guess I will be burning up the phone lines to these guys. There is just no way, I'm going to spend $1700. What's weird is that cruise control still works so I get a match to one of those "Your Speed Is" warning signs that are all over the county. Also most of the roads are speed mapped and my navigation lady tells me if I go 5 miles over the speed limit. Ah, modern times. I think I'm going retro next and buying a restored mid 70 to mid 80s Chevy 2 wheel drive truck with a 350 and a manual transmission. Too much complicated electronics are in all of the cars now.

I see that I had broached this subject before. Well, I finally could not stand not having an intermittent (mostly off) instrument cluster. So, I finally, decided to bite the bullet and have the Fn POS replaced. The FCA conglomerate said we need 4 days to get the part, and I have also had an endless issue with getting EGR cooler recall work done. Long lead time, getting appointment the whole shebang. So at an oil change about a month and a half ago I supposedly had this all set up for today. So I show up at my appointment today, and they say we have to order the part, and keep your car for FOUR Fn days. Why, didn't you order the part? We can't order the part until we get the milage off your car and then order it and your car cannot move in that period. Blah, blah, blah Fed law blah, blah, blah. So, I didn't get any work done today, have to come back on Monday, and rent a car for FOUR Fn days. I hate this dealership so much. And I hate modern vehicles. This is insanity!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Torn Mind]

Sounds like a Jeep. Electrical issues.

This video shows how a Hyundai also needed to be reprogrammed.

FCA merged so the name is now Stellantis.

 

[hal2kilo]

Sounds like a Jeep. Electrical issues.

This video shows how a Hyundai also needed to be reprogrammed.

FCA merged so the name is now Stellantis.

That's why I said FCA conglomerate, I forgot their new name.
I said, you know there's this thing called the internet, you can't download the info, whatever. And once again in this world, we continuously pay a crime tax of waisted time. The guy said they can't trust the local dealers because they've been caught cheating before.