My Mitsubishi Lancer dashboard/cluster suddenly stopped working today!
the back-light works fine and the indicators flashes are fine but the gauges for speedometer, fuel level and the tiny clock aren't working/moving.
it happened once before, like few months ago but got back fine itself after couple of mins…
any suggestions ?
thanks
thanks will have a look
could it be a fuse problem if it works and stops working randomly?
nope
correct the fuse was fine
You need to mention the year of your car. The lancer has existed in various generations since the 80s.
I do know that some of the CE series had an issue with thermal expansion damaging the circuit traces leading to funny behaviour when the dash is warm. Easy fix if you can identify the trace.
Hi yes it is CE series 2003 i guess.
should i take apart the cluster? yes it always happens during hot weather ! so i guess you're right ! please provide more info.
Mitsubishi took some shortcuts in that era. The PCB (circuit board) is printed on a flimsy plastic sheet which is wrapped over the back of the cluster. The hot sun gradually expands the plastic which stresses the copper and it cracks, often at the top of the cluster.
Fortunately the traces are all exposed on the outside so there is no disassembly required (other than taking out the cluster). Unfortunately the crack is usually tiny, best viewed with a microscope or magnifying glass.
I let cluster warm up in the sun, tested circuits with a multi-meter, then had close look the the offending circuit with a magnifying glass and bright lights. The crack was on the top of the cluster, one of the traces running horizontally.
To fix the dud trace you can either solder directly onto the trace (dicey), use some conductive ink to bridge the gap or solder on a bypass wire. I did the latter and soldered a bypass wire to two globe holder contacts. All fixed
Alternatively you can purchase a new cluster but prices vary. The tacho ones can be >$100 from a wrecker or ~$400 from mitsubishi.
very detailed thanks!
No worries. Let me know if you need more help.
I would add that the above also applies to the CE Mirage.
As noted below, you might be able to get a cheap cluster from a self-service wrecker if you have one nearby. However from personal experience they tend to get picked really quick. A cluster from a CE Mirage will also work but you lose the tacho.
FIXED!
thanks heaps!
took out the cluster wasnt much challenging as I was expecting, then had a look around as you mentioned on the top of the cluster it also had a tiny crack and had a friend to solder it and it worked!
Have you checked the fuses? Could also be an earthing problem.
no i have not, could it be a fuse problem if it works and stops working randomly?
My girlfriend had one and it turned out the circuit on the flimsy plastic behind the cluster. I had to get a magnifying glass and look for the cracks in the circuit. Found 3 and used solder to join the tracks back up. Solved iut until we sold it.
hope mine is just fuse problem that sounds too much work.
Fellow Melburnian here. I had the exact same problem as you. Ended up having to purchase a new instrument cluster to get it working again. Cost me about $50 bucks from pick a part in campbellfield.
Reference: Mitsubishi Lancer CE 2000 model.
check the fuse box, there is usually printed information on underside of lid or other close location to determine which one to look at. if it's not that …..