Replace Instrument Cluster

[Loderunner]

It looks like the instrument cluster in my RRS has packed in and needs to be replaced. Ripping the cluster out and putting a new one in looks easy enough. I understand that the Odo info is stored in the Lighting Control Module and the Instrument Cluster is tied to that module, consequently a new cluster would need to be paired with the LCM. Apparently this can be done with a GAP ID tool (which I have). Can anyone confirm this for me? Also, does anyone know what the approximate cost of a new Instrument Cluster would be? Can one from a wreckers or a reconditioned one be paired/re-programmed?

Has anyone had a similar problem? Apparently, from what I can gather it's quite a common, and known problem.

Any info would be appreciated.

[Graeme]

Have you considered having yours repaired? My vague recollection is that a diode can fail which may then be replaceable.

[Loderunner]

Have you considered having yours repaired? My vague recollection is that a diode can fail which may then be replaceable.

That's certainly an option and would be the preferable and probably most cost effective option. I just need to find someone that can repair instrument clusters. I've found a number of places in th UK that specialise in repairing Range Rover instrument clusters but so far none in Australia. I'm sure if I took it to a dealer they wouldn't repair it, they would just swap it with a new one and programme the cluster.

[Graeme]

What are the symptoms and what do you know about possible causes or fixes?

[Loderunner]

What are the symptoms and what do you know about possible causes or fixes?

The symptoms are:

- Radio/CD Head Unit doesn't work: On the unit display is states "Vehicle Fault Shutting Down"
- Central locking - randomly locks and unlocks
- Indicators - randomly indicating without manual activation
- Hazard lights - randomly switching on/off without activation
- Triggers the vehicle immobiliser

- All of the above happening at the same time. This is what happened the other day requiring me to get the vehicle towed home.

From what I have read on the international Land Rover forums, these are all classic symptoms of a faulty instrument cluster. Most of the 'fixes' seem to be replacing the instrument cluster and re-flashing. It could be something as simple as a loose connection on the rear of the panel, to dry solder joints/faulty components.

The best part is I tried starting it this morning. It started, no problems, and seems to be running fine. There's definitely a ghost in the machine somewhere, it's only a matter of time before it strikes again.

[Graeme]

Its time to clear all faults then wait to see what gets logged the next time it happens. Make sure that your IIDtool is set to show all faults - IIRC the pending faults box isn't checked as supplied but has to be checked otherwise a lot of faults aren't displayed.

The cause could be a loose earth connection somewhere.

[Loderunner]

Its time to clear all faults then wait to see what gets logged the next time it happens. Make sure that your IIDtool is set to show all faults - IIRC the pending faults box isn't checked as supplied but has to be checked otherwise a lot of faults aren't displayed.

The cause could be a loose earth connection somewhere.

Already done that - it's not logging any faults at the moment but lets wait and see what happens.

[Loderunner]

The current faults the GAP IID tool is reading:

- INSTRUMENT PACK
- U0102-87(20) - Lost communications with Transfer Case Control Module. Bus Signal/Message Failure - Missing a message

- U0132-87(2C) - Lost communications with Ride Level Control Module. Bus Signal/Message Failure - Missing a message

- U0184-87(2F) - Lost communications with Audio Unit. Bus Signal/Message Failure - Missing a message

[Graeme]

Whilst I don't recall seeing the fault codes, my recollection of an instrument cluster fault was between the HS and MS canbuses where the instrument cluster provides the bridge. Those faults for control units on both buses could well indicate the same type of fault, which IIRC is caused by a failed diode and therefore a good candidate for repair.

Often lost coms from either side of the transfer case module indicate a fault with the transfer case module as it provides the link bewteen 2 halves of the HS canbus, either due to corroded contacts or a failed module from water ingress as that module isn't sealed. However your issue doesn't really suggest a transfer case module fault.

On the expectation that a new instrument cluster would be rather expensive, I'd be wanting good evidence that the cluster is indeed the cause.

[Loderunner]

I initiallly thought that water ingress could have made things worse as it had recently driven through some flood waters (not deep). It's been quite stable over the last few days but it's only a matter of time. The problems with the central locking, indicators/hazards and audio system have been intermittent for well over 12 months now.

I'm going to pick up a used instrument cluster and fit it. By all accounts on the UK RRS/Discovery forums, as long as i get one with lower kms on the odometer it should work. All I have to do is clone the eeprom or copy over the CCF files with the GAP IID. For a couple of hundred dollars it's worth the chance rather than spending a fortune on a new one.