Update: No need to worry about the LED backlight transistors not turning on. It's just Chrysler doing what Chrysler does. The backlight needs to be triggered by the vehicles LIN bus.
Wow, that's expensive fix just to replace the cluster!! 1300 bucks!! You did it to make it right, if it was in my situation, i would be happy to lose the back light dimming to save thousand bucks! You made right call
I don't know how I missed this video back in November. Really nice repair. If I were the owner I would definitely accept it as repaired. Thanks for another great learning experience!
The automotive industry loves pwm on as much as possible, so i would assume some form of that is used. Nice job making the customer happy. Time to source some backlight leds as we will see more of these.,
What pins did you wire to so that you could perform this test? I'm testing a used cluster out of a pick n pull yard and could use the pinouts to test it with. 2014 ram 1500 gas 7" evic, want to verify screen fuction
Just to be clear for everyone, LEDs are current devices so once they turn on the voltage varies very little but the current can vary a lot so current is what you need to be concerned about. Thanks for the video!
Yes very true. I'm assuming the maximum voltage of these back lighting LED's are 3.3v. So at 3v it's not possible for the LED to over current. Just assuming so I could be wrong. But I did let the cluster run for a hour. And if I end up being wrong, I warranty my work so the customer won't be out anymore $$.
@@jeffescortlx - My comment wasn't meant for you Jeff. I'm sure you already understood that. I was just trying to help people that might not fully understand the importance of limiting current to LEDs.
@@chucksaunders7574 - The important thing to remember about LEDs is that they are current devices not voltage devices so discussing voltage and not current totally misses the point.
Great video.... I bought a new replacement LCD module to change out. I'm just having a hard time getting into the case to replace it. Are there any instructions or video on how to open up the case so I can replace the LCD board? Thanks!
Do you happen to know where I could get a new motor for the needles? Replaced the screen in my gauge cluster on my 2016 Ram and now the gas and oil pressure gauges aren’t working.
Interesting. In my 2020 Jeep Wrangler I made a dimming adjustment on the way home from work. The next morning the screen was gone. The "black" screen will change to dark gray and back to black with the dimmer control, but that's all I've got. Wondering if I have the same issue. If it is CAN bus related, are you saying there's a driver or other component in the cluster board somewhere causing it? But it doesn't sound like you know exactly what or where it is? I already had a mechanic try updating software, $400 for nothing. I have a used one from a wrecked vehicle on the way, but it sure would be cool to fix mine.
If it uses the same 7" LCD as the Ram/Durango then it's probably just LCD screen failure. I've seen both image and backlight failure in these Chrysler screens. It's not the cluster PCB LED driver circuit, it's fine. Chrysler just uses its special can bus to turn on backlighting.
@@jeffescortlxI guess I could pull mine apart when it comes out and see if there's a part number or something on the screen to ID it and maybe find a replacement? Thanks!
@@portmod797at this time part numbers aren't really cross-referenced, when I see these screens for sale they're always just sold by a description and not a part number. If you're going to disassemble the cluster yourself I recommend to not remove the needles and don't allow your fingers to touch the face. If you can send me a photo of the back side of the LCD I can ID it.
Where are you located? Would I be able to send you my cluster for you to diagnose what the problem is? I have the same exact cluster when the same problem…all analog gauges work properly but my LED screen is out….very rarely, maybe once every few months I’ll see it flicker really quick.
This is an older video but there is not much information out there. I had an issue with the back light.. Mine would start to flash with heat and eventually black out. Sometimes turning on the headlights would allow it to work dimly. I bought a used cluster on Ebay. I was worried it was the dimmer control line going to pass transistors and I would be out the price of the cluster but that was not the case with mine. I used Alfaobd to write the engine hours and odometer information to the used cluster without an issue. Thank you for identifying the two switching transistors as I suspect they are the culprits. There was a firmware upgrade for this issue on 2013s so it is a known issue on early DS Rams with the 7 inch EVIC.
There has been an update, check out the top pinned comment just above your comment. It is not back light transistors, they are not at fault. It is just a failing LEDs in the LCD assembly. It is not necessary to buy a used cluster and program it. The LCD screen in a used cluster might have limited time left. Brand new LCD screens are available on eBay for a reasonable cost now.
excuse my ignorance, But from what I gathered is that as long as my back light is still working, and only flashes/flickers when at full brightness I have a bad led. And I can just replace the screen (found some online between 70 and 130 bucks) If doing so would I loose my dimmer function as well?
No just replacing the LCD screen will not make you lose the dimmer function. You'll only lose the dimmer function if you bypass the transistors like what I did in this video.
Next time you work on a diesel ram cluster, could you see if it's possible to isolate one of the mechanical gauges so that it could be hard-wired to a different component? I.E. using the oil temp gauge as a level gauge for an aux fuel tank, or as a pressure gauge for an air tank.
Good evening Thanks Jeff for another great video. I fixed one of those a few weeks ago, different issue, (faulty stepper) not sure if this will help but I noticed that the lcd back light doesn't turned on while testing on the bench but it did in the truck.
Perhaps it needs data from the truck's canbus or other line to know how bright it should be. I'd think the brightness would be driven by the headlights on/off and dash dimmer settings - all stuff external to the gauge cluster.
@@russellhltn1396 yes we kinda worked that out in the comment section. Although in my opinion it should defult to at least minimum or medium brightness, not off.
@@jeffescortlx Yeah, I run across that all the time. But the engineers didn't consult either of us. The manufacturers have no obligation to consider people doing benchtop repairs. They're own people would have a test rig that takes care of it.
Jeff, can you tell me how you got the screen to illuminate on the bench? I have connected power/Gnd to connector and cluster turns on but no display. I have tried all wires in connector to ground / 12v but nothing. Yes, the screen works. Can you please share connection points to see screen powered on? -Fellow Speedo repair guy
If only the cluster is not backlit, than I'd assume a defective led. But if the entire dash board is not lit, I'd assume a dimmer switch issue or fuse or other circuit issues.
@@jeffescortlx The connector pins in the board also have soldier joint issues. Pull the cluster out and rock the connector slightly while plugged in and see if the backlights turn on. If so, be sure to include a resolder on the connector pins with whatever else you may be replacing at that time. Found this out by accident while removing a cluster for this issue once. I have repaired three since and all three had over 700k miles on them (fleet vehicles).
I'm pretty sure they are 1/4 watt. Maybe less. Not sure, going off memory. They went across the emitter and collector on those transistors that run the back lighting.
I have the exact same cluster in my 2013 ram 1500 sport. The center lcd flickers almost like a strobe light on highest default brightness. If I turn headlights or park lights on and use the dimmer switch to dim the guage cluster lights the flashing/flickering of that center evic guage screen stops. Dealer wants $1200 Canadian pulse another $300 to sell me new cluster and program mileage into it. Uhg stealership! So I found a company that sells replacement lcd screens for these trucks. I’m mechanically crafty can you confirm that to remove the screen from the circuit board the 2 power leads just simply unplug? And and new screen would just be plugged in is my understanding? Your video doesn’t show your full cluster disassembly and the plugging in of the lcd to circuit board? Any help would be appreciated for me and the 1000s of other ram owners with this dash flicker.
This style is for 2013-19. I'm not familiar enough with dodge clusters to know all the changes both physical and communication wise to say for sure how compatible the 2 generations are. I'm pretty sure the older style has about double the wires coming out of it. So you might lose keyless entry for example.
Do you know what each of those 2 transistors control? My truck has this cluster. The cluster backlight operates in one of two modes. When the headlights are off, the backlight is fully on and it's brightness is not-adjustable. When the headlights are turned on, the backlight automatically dims down, and becomes adjustable via a knob under the headlight switch. I was wondering if perhaps one transistor controls several LEDs, with variable voltage depending on the brightness rheostat? And perhaps the other transistor is simply on/off, powering the additional backlighting when the headlights are off? If so, I could possibly cut the circuit that controls the flickering (headlights off) LEDs. Since that additional backlight isn't necessary, the lower intensity backlight that's active with the headlights on is plenty bright enough for daytime driving.
@@jeffescortlx That's interesting. I plugged the disassembled cluster into my truck, and all of the LEDs were flickering simulteneously. So, that means both circuits are driving flickering LEDs. The probability of both transistors failing simulteneously is nearly zero. I installed a used, replacement cluster, which resolved the issue completely. No flickering at all on the new cluster. That all of the LEDs are flickering would seem to eliminate the t transistors as the problem. That the replacement cluster resolved the flickering problem eliminates programming, or power supplied to the cluster as the problem. So, I guess I'll look for the part that provides input voltage to the transistors. Some kind of transformer or other device, that reduces the trucks 12v to the 3v feeding the transistors?
@@kensmith174 I'm 99.99% sure the flickering is because of a failing LED in the LCD assembly. I would not expect the problem to be from a transistor or the signal/power feeding it.
@@jeffescortlx Ok. So, the LEDs are in series? As one starts to fail, it effects the current supplied to the others? When I had the disassembled cluster plugged into the harness, and the truck idling, I could clearly see all of the LEDs flickering together, in sync with each other.
I imagine the transistors would be driven with a pulse width modulated waveform, much like a switchmode psu. On/off ratio. Was there no base/gate drive on the transistors then?
The back lighting on my 2013 ram starts flickering all the time until I turn the headlights to on when the dash lights are on dim. Think maybe those transistors coud be bad?
@jeffescortix great video! I’ve been searching all over to try and find what may be wrong with the instrument cluster in my 2014 Ram 2500. When it’s cold the screen won’t come on, but after I’ve driven a little while and the truck warms up it starts working. Any idea what could cause this?
@@jeffescortlx wow. That’s a lot more expensive than I expected! do you happen to know the part number for the lcd screen? I’ve been looking online and can’t find anything.
@@jeffescortlx I removed the cluster and the all the plastics to see if there was a problem internally and that required me to remove the gauge needles. When I put them back on only rpm and speedo and oil pressure worked all other gauge needles don’t work now and have free play
I have a flickering lcd issue on a 2016. The lights in the gages etc are fine, just the lcd parts flickers like strobe light ( annoying). I plan on replacing the lcd from an ebay unit. Any pointers on taking the cluster apart? It would be awesome if you can make a video of cluster disassembly.
Were you able to locate an LCD screen on eBay? Just curious if you were able to make the repair. My LCD backlight is either strobing or off completely mostly off now over the last couple of days. I'm certainly looking for a cheaper option to fix it than the dealer.
@@chev572bb unfortunately I gave up on fixing it. Just going to live with it as this issue seems to getting better or it's just me getting used to it. Truck has 226k on it now I will just drive her untill the wheels are ready to fall off.
@@robgill4378 I think I may have found a solution. There are places that sell just the LCD screen for a couple hundred or under. I have only found one place so far but they were sold out if you scoured the internet a little bit for a 7-in LCD screen for around 1500 and 2013 to 2018 you will probably find something changing the actual LCD out is super easy as well. I have already had mine out inspecting it to see if I could find a defect with it. Only takes about an hour to an hour and a half with removal disassembly change the screen out reassembly and putting it back in.
@@robgill4378 so i ended up finding a used one for a good price, 215 cad shipped to my door and have a tool called Alfa obd almond with their MX+ dongle and was able to reprogram the kms. That part was tricky for some reason I was not able to just write kilometers that were on my truck and write over to update the new cluster. Took me several tries but I ended up about 2,000 km higher than what was on originally it was fine by me though I can live with that. This is compared to 1500 from the dealer plus programming so likely 1700 ish.
Just a thought on no control on the transistors. I would suspect the cluster needs know headlamp status / sunload sensor(DTRL)/ dimmer position(s) on what ever protocol it communicates on to output the correct pwm. If that was the case, I would suspect faults codes and maybe default to full brightness??
@@jeffescortlx Auto Manufacturers release products with out 100% validation to keep up with trends and emissions(I work for an oem). Although Bazaar not to default to full brightness. Curiosity got the best of me and found there was recall for 2014 M.Y for loss of backlight. www.google.com/amp/s/www.torquenews.com/106/chrysler-recalls-142800-2014-ram-and-jeep-models-over-instrument-panel-failures/amp. With out the rest of the truck info its all a mystery.
@@hoaxs1939 interesting find, says "This problem will be repaired by an upgrade to the software for the instrument cluster". Maybe this model suffers from both hardware (LED failure) and software (backlighting not getting turn on signal).
Hello. My name is Stephane, I live in Brazil. I Have a 2019 dodge ram 2500. Recently my dodge ram flood. Wter did note enter the cabin. My fuse box was cleaned. My cluster does not turn on. Can you help me with information how to solving this. Thank You very much.
Hey I’m trying to figure out how to make a bench power plug for the speedometer to test them. Do you have a wiring diagram for one or would you be willing to make me one? I’ll pay
You're looking at the wave of the future, here, people, and this isn't even an all screen cluster from a current generation truck. Thirteen hundred dollars is a bargain compared to what it's going to cost to replace all-LCD clusters in the newer trucks. Manufacturers are going to all screen clusters faster than you can say "cha-ching." I actually prefer the old style analog clusters, and those are going away. Can't wait for someone to send you a screen from a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Wait 'til they get the bill for that monster.
Could you are anyone tell me what pins are needed to bench test this cluster? I tried the pins showed in your video but only got the analog gauges and icon lights. No LCD or backlight. Thanks!
I have a 2014 Ram with this exact cluster. The backlight on the LCD keeps fluctuating between light and dark. At first I thought maybe the light sensor was faulty, but if that was the case my headlights would be turning on and off. I guess I am just not sure where to look from here for a diagnosis?
My issue seems to be different than the issue that you corrected. I can still physically see the information on my screen it doesn't go completely blank. It just gets lighter and then brightens up again. It's almost like it is auto dimming.
@@thirdgearboogie2210 There are two channels of LED lighting. It sounds like you have one channel that is still fine, but the second channel is becoming intermittent. So when the intermittent channel goes out, you're down to just 50% of the backlighting. And then when the intermittent channel comes back on you're at 100% back lighting. If you give it enough time the good channel will also become intermittent and it will go completely black.
1. Jumping those mosfets to light up the cluster should only be used for testing. There is a huge amount if current going to though the resistor and it will soon burn out. I have yet to see one that actually has a bad mosfet. You just need lighting data circuit to get the cluster going. 2. The issue is burnt LEDs. At least 2 of them. You can tell which ones by discoloration on the ribbon. The blown LEDs ran hotter.
@@sargonmikhail6579 this is the only video I have on this make/model/year. It's not hard for me, but might be for someone who has never done this kind of work.
Very interesting . I have a 2013 ram and having backlight issues ie it flickers hi and lo . there is a sensor that tells the backlight whether it is day or night and sets the backlight at the right level , bright during the day, dimmer at night this same sensor also controls the auto headlight feature.Having issues with that to sometimes does not turn on at night . still trying to track down the exact issue either the sensor on the dash or the module or getting poorer ground connection as the problem seems to be getting progressively worse .Your work was a great help as it somewhat eliminates the cluster . thanks
@@jeffescortlx just the lcd display in the cluster the rest stays constant but now that you mention it the 8.4 in the center stack is unaffected but also controlled same as dash lcd .Dam
@@jeffescortlx Like I said DAM I really didn't want to pull the cluster but what you say makes good sense .I guess I have two issues the other being the auto headlight . Thanks for your help .
I wish I could send mine to you to repair mine keeps flashing on and off when the brightness is all the way up I’ve checked fuses and that wasn’t it ...it’s a 13 ram cluster same as this
It's impedance of 7k ohm would be too high for a ferrite bead, plus the resistance to tempture swing seems way too sensitive for one. If it was just a ferrite bead for cleaning up the LED pwm power I'd expect to have two, one on each independent channel of LED's.
I would install an 555 timer dimmer circuit and hide potentiometer somewhere near/under steering column. It's a hack, but still better than 1300 bucks for a new cluster
As Louis pointed out, it might be looking for a can bus signal to even turn on the LCD backlighting. So there could be nothing wrong with the backlighting circuit.
@@luisagonzales1442 I have the wiring diagram now thank you. But it doesn't appear to show the LCD backlighting circuit, just a generic lamp circuit. I still don't know why the LCD would be completely turned off, even if the back lighting is set to minimum the screen still needs to be seen.
You could have saved a bunch of money and effort by just buying a "FOR SALE" sign for that Dodge, and upgrading to ANY other truck. Even the Asian trucks are better than the Ram. Sorry, sometimes the truth hurts, but it's for your own good!
Update: No need to worry about the LED backlight transistors not turning on. It's just Chrysler doing what Chrysler does. The backlight needs to be triggered by the vehicles LIN bus.
Well done...there are not many techs even willing to give that kind of a repair a try much less do it successfully.
Wow, that's expensive fix just to replace the cluster!! 1300 bucks!! You did it to make it right, if it was in my situation, i would be happy to lose the back light dimming to save thousand bucks! You made right call
I don't know how I missed this video back in November. Really nice repair. If I were the owner I would definitely accept it as repaired.
Thanks for another great learning experience!
The automotive industry loves pwm on as much as possible, so i would assume some form of that is used. Nice job making the customer happy. Time to source some backlight leds as we will see more of these.,
What pins did you wire to so that you could perform this test? I'm testing a used cluster out of a pick n pull yard and could use the pinouts to test it with. 2014 ram 1500 gas 7" evic, want to verify screen fuction
Just to be clear for everyone, LEDs are current devices so once they turn on the voltage varies very little but the current can vary a lot so current is what you need to be concerned about. Thanks for the video!
Yes very true. I'm assuming the maximum voltage of these back lighting LED's are 3.3v. So at 3v it's not possible for the LED to over current. Just assuming so I could be wrong. But I did let the cluster run for a hour. And if I end up being wrong, I warranty my work so the customer won't be out anymore $$.
@@jeffescortlx - My comment wasn't meant for you Jeff. I'm sure you already understood that. I was just trying to help people that might not fully understand the importance of limiting current to LEDs.
@@rpsmith your right, I didn't really explain the relation to the current passing through the LED's.
So as long as the leds are ran in series they should be fine . 15÷5=3
@@chucksaunders7574 - The important thing to remember about LEDs is that they are current devices not voltage devices so discussing voltage and not current totally misses the point.
Awesome stuff. I love seeing what'll be next for people who repair automotive electronics.
I currently have this issue with my back light in my 2013 ram. Been waiting to find a video like this, thanks for posting!
How do you remove the white pieces with the actual gauges from the board?
Great video.... I bought a new replacement LCD module to change out. I'm just having a hard time getting into the case to replace it. Are there any instructions or video on how to open up the case so I can replace the LCD board? Thanks!
I haven't come across a full tutorial on this one that I know of.
Do you happen to know where I could get a new motor for the needles? Replaced the screen in my gauge cluster on my 2016 Ram and now the gas and oil pressure gauges aren’t working.
It would Probly be cheaper to put an android tablet in than a oem cluster😵😵😵😮😮
Great repair sir💓
And not just any tablet, one of those flagship units...
But good job writing software and interfacing it to the vehicle's CAN-bus.
Always impressed with the solder jobs on the tiny parts/traces!
Great video. Are there any more cluster videos coming?
Yes eventually.
Good afternoon
Thank You for sharing this video
It amazed me your knowledge bin this subject
Interesting. In my 2020 Jeep Wrangler I made a dimming adjustment on the way home from work. The next morning the screen was gone. The "black" screen will change to dark gray and back to black with the dimmer control, but that's all I've got.
Wondering if I have the same issue. If it is CAN bus related, are you saying there's a driver or other component in the cluster board somewhere causing it? But it doesn't sound like you know exactly what or where it is? I already had a mechanic try updating software, $400 for nothing.
I have a used one from a wrecked vehicle on the way, but it sure would be cool to fix mine.
If it uses the same 7" LCD as the Ram/Durango then it's probably just LCD screen failure. I've seen both image and backlight failure in these Chrysler screens. It's not the cluster PCB LED driver circuit, it's fine. Chrysler just uses its special can bus to turn on backlighting.
@@jeffescortlxI guess I could pull mine apart when it comes out and see if there's a part number or something on the screen to ID it and maybe find a replacement?
Thanks!
@@portmod797at this time part numbers aren't really cross-referenced, when I see these screens for sale they're always just sold by a description and not a part number. If you're going to disassemble the cluster yourself I recommend to not remove the needles and don't allow your fingers to touch the face. If you can send me a photo of the back side of the LCD I can ID it.
@@jeffescortlx I sent you an email with a picture of the back of the display. Thank you!
Where are you located? Would I be able to send you my cluster for you to diagnose what the problem is? I have the same exact cluster when the same problem…all analog gauges work properly but my LED screen is out….very rarely, maybe once every few months I’ll see it flicker really quick.
You need to replacement LCD. They're for sale on places like eBay and Amazon.
This is an older video but there is not much information out there. I had an issue with the back light.. Mine would start to flash with heat and eventually black out. Sometimes turning on the headlights would allow it to work dimly. I bought a used cluster on Ebay. I was worried it was the dimmer control line going to pass transistors and I would be out the price of the cluster but that was not the case with mine. I used Alfaobd to write the engine hours and odometer information to the used cluster without an issue.
Thank you for identifying the two switching transistors as I suspect they are the culprits.
There was a firmware upgrade for this issue on 2013s so it is a known issue on early DS Rams with the 7 inch EVIC.
There has been an update, check out the top pinned comment just above your comment. It is not back light transistors, they are not at fault. It is just a failing LEDs in the LCD assembly. It is not necessary to buy a used cluster and program it. The LCD screen in a used cluster might have limited time left. Brand new LCD screens are available on eBay for a reasonable cost now.
excuse my ignorance, But from what I gathered is that as long as my back light is still working, and only flashes/flickers when at full brightness I have a bad led. And I can just replace the screen (found some online between 70 and 130 bucks)
If doing so would I loose my dimmer function as well?
No just replacing the LCD screen will not make you lose the dimmer function. You'll only lose the dimmer function if you bypass the transistors like what I did in this video.
Next time you work on a diesel ram cluster, could you see if it's possible to isolate one of the mechanical gauges so that it could be hard-wired to a different component? I.E. using the oil temp gauge as a level gauge for an aux fuel tank, or as a pressure gauge for an air tank.
Good evening
Thanks Jeff for another great video. I fixed one of those a few weeks ago, different issue, (faulty stepper) not sure if this will help but I noticed that the lcd back light doesn't turned on while testing on the bench but it did in the truck.
Now that's strange.
Perhaps it needs data from the truck's canbus or other line to know how bright it should be. I'd think the brightness would be driven by the headlights on/off and dash dimmer settings - all stuff external to the gauge cluster.
@@russellhltn1396 yes we kinda worked that out in the comment section. Although in my opinion it should defult to at least minimum or medium brightness, not off.
@@jeffescortlx Yeah, I run across that all the time. But the engineers didn't consult either of us. The manufacturers have no obligation to consider people doing benchtop repairs. They're own people would have a test rig that takes care of it.
Jeff, can you tell me how you got the screen to illuminate on the bench? I have connected power/Gnd to connector and cluster turns on but no display. I have tried all wires in connector to ground / 12v but nothing. Yes, the screen works. Can you please share connection points to see screen powered on?
-Fellow Speedo repair guy
You'll need to power up the cluster and jumper the transistors like I did in the video and the LED's have to be good.
Thanks for the reply. I have a few of these on my work bench that need led. Do you happen to have any part #s of led replacements?
Hello Jeff, thanks for the videos. Do you happen to know what would cause no backlights only on cluster , in a 08 suburban? Thanks in advance
If only the cluster is not backlit, than I'd assume a defective led. But if the entire dash board is not lit, I'd assume a dimmer switch issue or fuse or other circuit issues.
@@jeffescortlx The connector pins in the board also have soldier joint issues. Pull the cluster out and rock the connector slightly while plugged in and see if the backlights turn on. If so, be sure to include a resolder on the connector pins with whatever else you may be replacing at that time. Found this out by accident while removing a cluster for this issue once. I have repaired three since and all three had over 700k miles on them (fleet vehicles).
Jeff My 2013 Ram 7" lcd sreen flickers, stays on, doesnt come on, randomly. Any ideas before I buy a new lcd screen?
Sounds like you need a new LCD screen/LCD LED's.
What wattage size was the 100 ohm resistors? and where did you end up inserting them into the circuit board? Did you use SMR?
I'm pretty sure they are 1/4 watt. Maybe less. Not sure, going off memory. They went across the emitter and collector on those transistors that run the back lighting.
I have the exact same cluster in my 2013 ram 1500 sport. The center lcd flickers almost like a strobe light on highest default brightness. If I turn headlights or park lights on and use the dimmer switch to dim the guage cluster lights the flashing/flickering of that center evic guage screen stops. Dealer wants $1200 Canadian pulse another $300 to sell me new cluster and program mileage into it. Uhg stealership! So I found a company that sells replacement lcd screens for these trucks. I’m mechanically crafty can you confirm that to remove the screen from the circuit board the 2 power leads just simply unplug? And and new screen would just be plugged in is my understanding? Your video doesn’t show your full cluster disassembly and the plugging in of the lcd to circuit board? Any help would be appreciated for me and the 1000s of other ram owners with this dash flicker.
Hi Shadowfire81, I have exactly the same issue. Did you have any luck finding what's going on with your lcd?
Hello, I would like to know if this cluster can be adapted to a 2012 Ram 1500
This style is for 2013-19. I'm not familiar enough with dodge clusters to know all the changes both physical and communication wise to say for sure how compatible the 2 generations are. I'm pretty sure the older style has about double the wires coming out of it. So you might lose keyless entry for example.
Do you know what each of those 2 transistors control?
My truck has this cluster. The cluster backlight operates in one of two modes. When the headlights are off, the backlight is fully on and it's brightness is not-adjustable.
When the headlights are turned on, the backlight automatically dims down, and becomes adjustable via a knob under the headlight switch.
I was wondering if perhaps one transistor controls several LEDs, with variable voltage depending on the brightness rheostat?
And perhaps the other transistor is simply on/off, powering the additional backlighting when the headlights are off?
If so, I could possibly cut the circuit that controls the flickering (headlights off) LEDs. Since that additional backlight isn't necessary, the lower intensity backlight that's active with the headlights on is plenty bright enough for daytime driving.
One transistor controls the top half and other bottom half.
@@jeffescortlx
That's interesting. I plugged the disassembled cluster into my truck, and all of the LEDs were flickering simulteneously.
So, that means both circuits are driving flickering LEDs. The probability of both transistors failing simulteneously is nearly zero.
I installed a used, replacement cluster, which resolved the issue completely. No flickering at all on the new cluster.
That all of the LEDs are flickering would seem to eliminate the t transistors as the problem. That the replacement cluster resolved the flickering problem eliminates programming, or power supplied to the cluster as the problem.
So, I guess I'll look for the part that provides input voltage to the transistors.
Some kind of transformer or other device, that reduces the trucks 12v to the 3v feeding the transistors?
@@kensmith174 I'm 99.99% sure the flickering is because of a failing LED in the LCD assembly. I would not expect the problem to be from a transistor or the signal/power feeding it.
@@jeffescortlx
Ok. So, the LEDs are in series? As one starts to fail, it effects the current supplied to the others?
When I had the disassembled cluster plugged into the harness, and the truck idling, I could clearly see all of the LEDs flickering together, in sync with each other.
@@kensmith174 yes each section of LED's are in series. When one opens up it brings down the entire section.
I imagine the transistors would be driven with a pulse width modulated waveform, much like a switchmode psu.
On/off ratio.
Was there no base/gate drive on the transistors then?
Yes correct the backlight will be PWM. And yes whatever drives those transistor decided to stop cooperating.
The back lighting on my 2013 ram starts flickering all the time until I turn the headlights to on when the dash lights are on dim. Think maybe those transistors coud be bad?
Flashing is more typical of failing LED's.
@jeffescortix great video! I’ve been searching all over to try and find what may be wrong with the instrument cluster in my 2014 Ram 2500. When it’s cold the screen won’t come on, but after I’ve driven a little while and the truck warms up it starts working. Any idea what could cause this?
Probably LED failure in the LCD screen.
@@jeffescortlx is that an easy replacement? Cheaper than replacing the whole instrument panel I assume.
@@troyd.521 Well the last time I heard a dealership replacement cluster quote it was like $800 so yes a replacement LCD is definitely cheaper.
@@jeffescortlx wow. That’s a lot more expensive than I expected! do you happen to know the part number for the lcd screen? I’ve been looking online and can’t find anything.
@@troyd.521 No I don't have that with me. But I just did a search for 7" ram LCD.
I have a question about a 2011 dodge cluster. My issue is the needles on gauges don’t work anymore. I can explain more if you have time.
Sure go ahead and explain and I'll do my best to help.
@@jeffescortlx I removed the cluster and the all the plastics to see if there was a problem internally and that required me to remove the gauge needles. When I put them back on only rpm and speedo and oil pressure worked all other gauge needles don’t work now and have free play
@@tommysatch6207 what was the original reason to take the cluster apart?
@@jeffescortlx p0381. Diagnosis said to remove cluster and check bulb. Bad mistake on my part. I was unaware of the repercussions
@@tommysatch6207 it looks like that code is for the glow plug.
I have a flickering lcd issue on a 2016. The lights in the gages etc are fine, just the lcd parts flickers like strobe light ( annoying). I plan on replacing the lcd from an ebay unit. Any pointers on taking the cluster apart? It would be awesome if you can make a video of cluster disassembly.
Were you able to locate an LCD screen on eBay? Just curious if you were able to make the repair. My LCD backlight is either strobing or off completely mostly off now over the last couple of days. I'm certainly looking for a cheaper option to fix it than the dealer.
@@chev572bb unfortunately I gave up on fixing it. Just going to live with it as this issue seems to getting better or it's just me getting used to it. Truck has 226k on it now I will just drive her untill the wheels are ready to fall off.
@@robgill4378 I think I may have found a solution. There are places that sell just the LCD screen for a couple hundred or under. I have only found one place so far but they were sold out if you scoured the internet a little bit for a 7-in LCD screen for around 1500 and 2013 to 2018 you will probably find something changing the actual LCD out is super easy as well. I have already had mine out inspecting it to see if I could find a defect with it. Only takes about an hour to an hour and a half with removal disassembly change the screen out reassembly and putting it back in.
@@chev572bb that's great, let us know how it goes for ya?!
@@robgill4378 so i ended up finding a used one for a good price, 215 cad shipped to my door and have a tool called Alfa obd almond with their MX+ dongle and was able to reprogram the kms. That part was tricky for some reason I was not able to just write kilometers that were on my truck and write over to update the new cluster. Took me several tries but I ended up about 2,000 km higher than what was on originally it was fine by me though I can live with that. This is compared to 1500 from the dealer plus programming so likely 1700 ish.
I have the same luster in my truck but my issue is when that back light is at its brightest it strobes randomly . What do you think would cause that?
Bad LED's.
Just a thought on no control on the transistors. I would suspect the cluster needs know headlamp status / sunload sensor(DTRL)/ dimmer position(s) on what ever protocol it communicates on to output the correct pwm. If that was the case, I would suspect faults codes and maybe default to full brightness??
Bummer it was an expedited reapir. A+ on the repair and troubleshooting.
I can understand it needing to comunicate to the bus to get backlighting percentage data, but for it to default to off just seems bazaar to me.
@@jeffescortlx Auto Manufacturers release products with out 100% validation to keep up with trends and emissions(I work for an oem). Although Bazaar not to default to full brightness. Curiosity got the best of me and found there was recall for 2014 M.Y for loss of backlight. www.google.com/amp/s/www.torquenews.com/106/chrysler-recalls-142800-2014-ram-and-jeep-models-over-instrument-panel-failures/amp. With out the rest of the truck info its all a mystery.
@@hoaxs1939 interesting find, says "This problem will be repaired by an upgrade to the software for the instrument cluster". Maybe this model suffers from both hardware (LED failure) and software (backlighting not getting turn on signal).
Hello. My name is Stephane, I live in Brazil. I Have a 2019 dodge ram 2500. Recently my dodge ram flood. Wter did note enter the cabin. My fuse box was cleaned. My cluster does not turn on. Can you help me with information how to solving this. Thank You very much.
Replied to email.
Absolutely awesome work as always!
Hey I’m trying to figure out how to make a bench power plug for the speedometer to test them. Do you have a wiring diagram for one or would you be willing to make me one? I’ll pay
For this one I just re-pinned a newer GM plug and traced the board for the pin out.
How do I send my dash to you for repair?? It’s from a 2003 silverado HD.
ruclips.net/video/T_2WnJMsZaU/видео.html
You're looking at the wave of the future, here, people, and this isn't even an all screen cluster from a current generation truck. Thirteen hundred dollars is a bargain compared to what it's going to cost to replace all-LCD clusters in the newer trucks. Manufacturers are going to all screen clusters faster than you can say "cha-ching." I actually prefer the old style analog clusters, and those are going away.
Can't wait for someone to send you a screen from a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Wait 'til they get the bill for that monster.
Have you heard anything from the customer verifying that the dimming function was disabled?
The options were explained to the customer. They went with loosing the back light dimming option to avoid going to the dealer.
Could you are anyone tell me what pins are needed to bench test this cluster? I tried the pins showed in your video but only got the analog gauges and icon lights. No LCD or backlight. Thanks!
The LCD backlight is controlled by the vehicles bus. Chrysler's LIN bus it needs to see to be triggered to turn on.
Ok thanks very much! @@jeffescortlx
I am having the same problem with my 2013 dodge ram sport Question ?how much would you charge to repair mine cluster
I'm currently at maximum capacity for repairs in December of 2021.
Ok what about next month? And what your email
@@kelvinsutherland8373 my contact information and other available technicians information is available here:
ruclips.net/video/T_2WnJMsZaU/видео.html
I have a 2014 Ram with this exact cluster. The backlight on the LCD keeps fluctuating between light and dark. At first I thought maybe the light sensor was faulty, but if that was the case my headlights would be turning on and off. I guess I am just not sure where to look from here for a diagnosis?
Your instrument cluster has the same issue as the one in this video.
My issue seems to be different than the issue that you corrected. I can still physically see the information on my screen it doesn't go completely blank. It just gets lighter and then brightens up again. It's almost like it is auto dimming.
@@thirdgearboogie2210 There are two channels of LED lighting. It sounds like you have one channel that is still fine, but the second channel is becoming intermittent. So when the intermittent channel goes out, you're down to just 50% of the backlighting. And then when the intermittent channel comes back on you're at 100% back lighting. If you give it enough time the good channel will also become intermittent and it will go completely black.
Would you be interested in fixing it
@@thirdgearboogie2210 sure
Can you elaborate on have you supplied power to the unit once it is out of the car, like do you have some type of special power supply or something?
I just use a lab bench style power supply.
@@jeffescortlx do you have a recommendation, as an EE student I want to buy one that I can use to help with my hobbies
@@joshwallenberg337 any of the generic 0-30v 5 amp will do.
@@jeffescortlx thanks!
@@jeffescortlx I have this issue can I send my cluster to you for repair if so where?
Would you happen to know what causes the rpm and tach gauge needles twitch back and forth
I'm not sure what would cause that in a 2014.
Hello, where are you find led backlight ?
I found the backlights in a old laptop. But I have complete LCD screens now.
Good work!
@7:47 . Next to the NTC, is that a light sensor/foto-transistor?
Nope, LED I accidentally broke the top off of.
1. Jumping those mosfets to light up the cluster should only be used for testing. There is a huge amount if current going to though the resistor and it will soon burn out. I have yet to see one that actually has a bad mosfet. You just need lighting data circuit to get the cluster going.
2. The issue is burnt LEDs. At least 2 of them. You can tell which ones by discoloration on the ribbon. The blown LEDs ran hotter.
Please see the top sticky comment.
Jeff,
What do you charge to correct the center lcd flicker for the dodge Rams?
Replacement LCD screens are available. You can just buy a new screen and swap it in.
Are they hard to do? Do you have a video of it?
@@sargonmikhail6579 this is the only video I have on this make/model/year. It's not hard for me, but might be for someone who has never done this kind of work.
Very interesting . I have a 2013 ram and having backlight issues ie it flickers hi and lo . there is a sensor that tells the backlight whether it is day or night and sets the backlight at the right level , bright during the day, dimmer at night this same sensor also controls the auto headlight feature.Having issues with that to sometimes does not turn on at night . still trying to track down the exact issue either the sensor on the dash or the module or getting poorer ground connection as the problem seems to be getting progressively worse .Your work was a great help as it somewhat eliminates the cluster . thanks
Is the entire dashboard backlighting flickering or just certain areas?
@@jeffescortlx just the lcd display in the cluster the rest stays constant but now that you mention it the 8.4 in the center stack is unaffected but also controlled same as dash lcd .Dam
@@alexkay1874 ok, if only the LCD is flickering, than you have dying LED's in the LCD. Seems to be a common issue.
@@jeffescortlx Like I said DAM I really didn't want to pull the cluster but what you say makes good sense .I guess I have two issues the other being the auto headlight . Thanks for your help .
@@alexkay1874 same here, my lcd lights are the only ones flickering. Seems like it’s the backlight leds that are dying.
Can I please send you my LED strip for repair? I followed your video and determined the LED backlighting is bad.
I've seen complete replacement LCD screens on eBay.
After taking it apart how do you know where the needles go?
The stepper motors go to the home position when powered up.
Can you tell me how to jumper the transistors?
Yes. Run a resistor from the mosfet drain to the source.
Nice work!
Can I send you mined for repair, I have the same issue?
Replacement LCD screens are available on eBay now.
You wouldn't happen to be in Colorado would you? Need this done one mine
Sorry I'm not.
I wish I could send mine to you to repair mine keeps flashing on and off when the brightness is all the way up I’ve checked fuses and that wasn’t it ...it’s a 13 ram cluster same as this
if left as is soon will die Josh its the power supply .
Pretty sure thatrs not a temp sensor. It's a ferrite bead.
It's impedance of 7k ohm would be too high for a ferrite bead, plus the resistance to tempture swing seems way too sensitive for one. If it was just a ferrite bead for cleaning up the LED pwm power I'd expect to have two, one on each independent channel of LED's.
Can you fix mine? It drives me crazy.
Sure can.
@@jeffescortlx is there another way to contact you?
@@francop1360 ruclips.net/video/T_2WnJMsZaU/видео.html
So basically a $300 fix? Where can I send mine?
If you want me to fix it I can be reached at 1mr.repairman@gmail.com
And I thought my Audi cluster at 500-600 was expensive...
and how are you ??? OK ??? greetings
Doing good thanks. Hope you all are too.
oops this may be very bright at night
Just put a dimmer switch from home Depot somewhere lol....
I would install an 555 timer dimmer circuit and hide potentiometer somewhere near/under steering column. It's a hack, but still better than 1300 bucks for a new cluster
As Louis pointed out, it might be looking for a can bus signal to even turn on the LCD backlighting. So there could be nothing wrong with the backlighting circuit.
Driver module control from headlights switch ,I have schematic ,
So if it doesn't receive a dashboard backlighting percentage signal it just doesn't turn on the LCD at all?
Thru can buss I believe, how do I send schematic
@@luisagonzales1442
Email
@@luisagonzales1442 I have the wiring diagram now thank you. But it doesn't appear to show the LCD backlighting circuit, just a generic lamp circuit. I still don't know why the LCD would be completely turned off, even if the back lighting is set to minimum the screen still needs to be seen.
@@jeffescortlx there's a common problem with this style pick up ,reboots at no frequency and won't turn off upto overnight
You could have saved a bunch of money and effort by just buying a "FOR SALE" sign for that Dodge, and upgrading to ANY other truck. Even the Asian trucks are better than the Ram. Sorry, sometimes the truth hurts, but it's for your own good!
Please send me ur email. I have a 2012 dodge ram 3500 long horn that needs repair. No light to the menu
ruclips.net/video/T_2WnJMsZaU/видео.html