Weird Instrument Cluster Issues D3

[BusinessConnected]

Hello:
Having some weird issues with my 2007 D3 TDV6.
This was has been relatively trouble free... recently however the following occurs:


1) Often when first starting the Cluster "Blanks" and the LED's go off or show Dashes instead of information like the Outside Temperature etc...
2) When this happens... The Hazard Lights outside the Car Stay Fixed on... Indicators are unresponsive etc...


After around 30 seconds to a minute... everything comes back and works again.


This may repeat itself a couple of times... Generally it gets better after 10-15 minutes of driving and may not be an issue again for the rest of the day.


Battery is relatively New... (12 months maximum) is at 13.0V with the Car Off... and goes down to 12.6V with a 50A Load Tester Battery Device... which it tells me is acceptable.


I've got it on the 7 Stage Charger overnight to see if that helps... just looking to see if anyone else has had similar experiences.

[BusinessConnected]

No one has seen similar things at all?
Dash Failing and Car Locking/Unlocking as you are driving along?

[jonesfam]

Sorry, no.

[ADMIRAL]

There is a similar issue on another post on the forum. The starting point would seem to be checking for a loose electrical connection, particularly an earth point.

[BusinessConnected]

Admiral:
Did a search but couldn't find anything... Do you have a link?

[Mungus]

Here you go! Couple of ideas in these two threads.


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/218591-centre-console-dash-off-not-starting.html




http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/202141-no-brake-lts-hazards-etc-auto-h-lts-long-hard-reset.html

[BusinessConnected]

I've had further issues after updating the Software in the Instrument Cluster. Some Internet threads point towards a Faulty Brake Switch being the cause of some issues (somewhat bizarrely). I have had some issues with my Rear Brake Lights... so I've purchase a Brake Switch and will fit tomorrow and see how I go.

[Graeme]

The cause could be due to a bad earth, to which the hazards could be electrically related rather than a programmed response to a more sinister fault as the hazard switch connects a signal wire to earth.

[BusinessConnected]

I checked all the Earth Points around the car with no change.
I purchased a New Brake Switch which didn't change anything.


Swapped the Rear Brake Lights, and all of the Engine Bay Relays with my wife's TDV6 (It's useful having 2 x of the Same Car)... No Change.


Pulled the Instrument Cluster, Cleaned the Connector... Had the Car Running and "wiggled" the connector and was able to reproduce the error.


I have now Pushed the Connector in firmly.. Placed Cut Off Cable Ties in the Gaps where the Connector Plugs in to make a firmer "contact" and Taped everything in with Gaffa Tape.


I've driven around 100km today and the issue hasn't recurred.


I'd say the issue would be something to do with the Solder Joins on the Instrument Cluster PCB, which is why replacing the Cluster has solved a number of peoples issues.


But at $845ex + $160ex Fitment... I'll try my solution instead for a while :)

[Graeme]

Can you dismantle the IC to resolder the connector pins?

[BusinessConnected]

In theory yes you could...
That's my next step if/when the current cable tie method stops working.