I'm looking for some guidance with fixing a gauge cluster problem with my 2001 Accord V6.


My current problem is that my gauge cluster only works some of the time. The problem started about 6 months ago with the gauges briefly dying, and turning back on about 30 seconds later. As time has gone by, the time that the gauges stay dead has increased. And now, the only way to get the gauges to "wake up" is to smack the top of the gauge cluster with my hand.


All of the lights in the cluster (check engine, brake, seatbelt, etc.), as well as all the lights that backlight the gauges, are working properly.


As a note, I know that the gauge cluster has been replaced in this car once before. The work was done by an auto mechanic.


To me, it feels like it is something to do with a bad connection. But that's only a feeling with no real evidence to back it up.


Does anyone has some thoughts as to what the issue might be?

 

Really sounds like something isn't connecting right. Since banging on it seems to make it work right for a big perhaps take out the cluser and had a look at there it plugs in. Maybe some corrosion back there, or some wires are getting chewed on by a rodent or something. If you have a ground wire on your vehicle that is near the thermostat under the hood, make sure it is in good shape, and securely connected. Don't take the actual gauges out of the cluster unless you know what you are doing. They are factory-tensioned in a way that is hard to return to spec if you loosen or remove them. Not uncommon for people to take the cluster apart and never get it working right again.

 

This is all great advice, most anything you can do is going to be checking connections. If nothing appears to be wrong physically, pulling the gauge cluster from another Accord to test (maybe from a scrap yard or on eBay) and plugging it in to test is your next option.

 

Thanks for the advice! When I wrote this, I didn't yet realize how simple it is to pull the gauge cluster. Next week, I'll pull the cluster out, clean the connections with some electrical contact cleaner, check the wiring, and see what happens. I'll make sure not to mess with the gauges, and I'll report back with the results.

Do you guys think it's necessary to disconnect the battery when I do this?

 

I would disconnect the negative battery cable, and make sure it cannot touch any metal part of the car. I also short my airbag when working in that area, but that's my overkill. If you happen to have a factory radio with security feature, make sure you know the activation code before taking off the negative cable.