Instrument cluster - LCD issue

[Wakko]

odometer issue - can't change the LCD trip meter

So just got a 4runner and it has a few issues. One is the instrument cluster LCD is only half or 3/4 viewable. Also I can't change the trip meter by pressing the button, it's stuck on the total mileage. Anyone know if this a simple fix as just opening the back and reconnecting some wires? Or do I just need to replace this somehow?

 

[nc-grayson]

First I've seen this happen. I wish I could help out, but unfortunately I'm clueless. Curious to know as well thou your fix if you find one.

 

[jeremyc74]

I hate to say this, but that may very well be due to OD fraud.

How many miles are on it, and did you run a CarFax?

If it's all clear I'd say you probably have a broken solder joint on the circuit board. You might find one in a junkyard, but if you sell it you're going to have to disclose that it's not accurate and that will freak people out sometimes.

 

[afg10000]

I've got the dash cluster from my '96 I could send ya but I doubt it's compatible with yours. I assume you've got an '01-02? Pretty sure that flimsy printed circuit board isn't repairable. I've tried to no avail.

 

[Wakko]

The carfax was clear and the mileage seems to increase periodically with the owners averages. Previous owner said it was like that when he bought it. Mileage is almost at 217k.

I'm fine soldering and stuff just didn't want to take apart the dash yet without knowing what i'm in for. I'm fine with the visibility as it looks like you can see 3/4 of the numbers after the car warms up, but would like to switch between the trips/actual mileage.

 

[jeremyc74]

The carfax was clear and the mileage seems to increase periodically with the owners averages. Previous owner said it was like that when he bought it. Mileage is almost at 217k.

I'm fine soldering and stuff just didn't want to take apart the dash yet without knowing what i'm in for. I'm fine with the visibility as it looks like you can see 3/4 of the numbers after the car warms up, but would like to switch between the trips/actual mileage.

I'd say you're in the clear with the mileage. If someone were going to tamper with it they would have left it above 200k. :frisky:

I'm guessing when you get in there you may find some corrosion, or a bad solder joint.

 

[TheDurk]

I'm thinking the issue is not electrical but rather the physical assembly of the parts of the cluster which has the LCD out of position and is binding or having the reset post miss its switch contact. If it were mine I'd pull it and attempt surgery, although it may be a broken piece of plastic is the culprit. Still, a good MacGuyver might get 'er done.

 

[afg10000]

It's not difficult at all to pull the cluster and give it a look see. Search LED dash lights and you should find a write up with pics. Just a few 10mm bolts and start pulling pieces off.

 

[jeremyc74]

I'm thinking the issue is not electrical but rather the physical assembly of the parts of the cluster which has the LCD out of position and is binding or having the reset post miss its switch contact. If it were mine I'd pull it and attempt surgery, although it may be a broken piece of plastic is the culprit. Still, a good MacGuyver might get 'er done.

That's entirely possible. Pressing on an LCD in the wrong spots will screw up the display too. Generally you'll see segments that shouldn't be there, but sometimes it can cause them to disappear.

 

[Wakko]

just to give an update on this, issue is fixed. Broke one of the clips that holds the plastic in but glad i didn't need to spend $ on a new cluster!

Apparently one of the previous owners took apart the dash and didn't put it back on right. There's a small ledge the odometer plastic number thing sits on so it touches some wire contacts. Sorry didn't take pictures. Now that it sits flush you can see the bottom numbers and i can change the trip/odometer readings!

I should have order the led lights since I had the cluster out.... 'till next time.