Dim or dark speedometer display repair -- 1994-1996 Chevy Caprice, 9C1, 1994-1995 Impala SS

Join us in the garage today as we diagnose and repair a dim speedometer
and odometer VFD display on a 1994 Chevy Caprice 9C1.

(VFD: vacuum fluorescent display)

This is a common problem for 1994-1996 Caprice as well as 1994-1995 Impala SS models. 1996 Impala SS models are excluded from this repair due to a different odometer design (yet they come with their own problems).

There are multiple stages of repair that are often needed. But in this video,
we go through "stage 1" by determining that it's a simple problem and solve it.

Stage 1: verify 9C1 switch function and clean the display contacts (this video)
Stage 2: rework the cluster (future video?)
Stage 3: rework the display board (future video?)

In actuality, a few years ago, I performed a full stage 3 rework. This
amounts to a total of an 8 hour rework job, including reflowing solder on
every joint. That type of work fixes most of these speedometer and odometer problems such as ghosting, dimming, flashing, "Error" being shown, and so on.

The root cause of these issues are micro-cracks, corrosion, and tin whiskers. Most of which can be solved by careful solder reflow.

I do not offer repair services. This video is for documentation and entertainment.

In a previous video, we showed how to disassemble the dash cluster, so we
will not repeat those full steps here. Please check it out:

   • 1994-1996 Chevy Caprice/9C1, 1994-1995 Imp...  


This video is part of a longer series/playlist of repairs involving the
dash cluster. More videos like this to come!


IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES:
1) DANGER: High voltage is present (180V+) on any VFD board when powered on.
2) It is illegal to tamper with the speedometer or odometer on a vehicle.
3) Certain changes to the odometer reading must be disclosed to your government.
4) These videos show the repair of an existing speedometer, no tampering.
5) No mileage changes or reprogramming shown. That's for licensed professionals only.
6) Mileage often continues to accrue even if the display board is dim or dark.
7) Seek assistance from a licensed shop if this type of repair is beyond your skills.
8) Follow all safety protocols when working on a vehicle or electronics.
9) I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES, INJURY OR DEATH.



For more diagnostic questions, troubleshooting help, or to simply become part of the B-Body community, please join the Impala SS Forum:
https://www.impalassforum.com/forums/

(A few people can be jerks on the forum, I can't help that, so come with
thick skin. This is the nature of the internet and social media.)



Disclaimer: THIS VIDEO IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT and documentation. Simply put, I am an idiot, not a mechanic. If you blow up your car, or damage your car, or damage property, or kill yourself, or kill someone else, or kill a Golden Retriever, that ain't my fault. If you aren't knowledgeable and/or comfortable with DIY car repairs, please consult an ASE Certified Mechanic.


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