Instrument Cluster

[NeverTwoOld]

So my little red vibe recently failed an inspection because the Check Engine Light would NOT come on. That's right folks...I'm one of the lucky ones who can't get the darn thing to come. Thinking it may be a bulb and not wanting to take the dash and cluster apart I brought it to our mechanic. Turns out you have to replace the entire instrument cluster $550 just for the part) if it can't be repaired. Mechanic said they couldn't repair it but gave us info on a shop that could check it out and hopefully save us a few bucks. My question to you all is.... does this sound legit? Has anyone had a similar issue? Is there a workaround? Someone tell me that all I really have to do is replace a light bulb

Thanks for the help.
*I hope this is the correct place for this thread...apologies if not.

[SeattleJeremy]

There is no need to replace the entire instrument cluster. There are people who specialize in "gauge cluster repair".

Edit: First thing I should say is: Do Not Remove The Needles. Once removed they cannot be reinserted, and you'll need a new/used cluster. This is why gauge cluster repair can be expensive.
Now back to my original post.

First thing to do is inspect it: Find out if it's a bulb or an LED.
If bulb try to remove it and see if you can get a replacement.
If LED contact someone to have the cluster repaired.

Replacing the cluster is also an option. They can be had on ebay for less than $100. However, the odometer is build in to the cluster, so your mileage would not be accurate.

It's really easy to take the cluster out of the car. Two clips, one Philips head screw, and 1 or 2 electrical connectors.
Here is a short description on how to remove the cluster from my "Stop ALL Toyota Beeping" thread.
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Remove the gauge cluster from the dash. Lower the Steering wheel to the lowest setting, and lock it in place. On a Matrix/Vibe pull on the round chrome shroud that surrounds the gauge cluster (it will come off easily). There is one Philips head screw, that needs to be removed at the top center. There are two clips that hold the gauge cluster in place, on the far left and right bottom. With a flash light you should be able to see them. With your screwdriver push the top of the clip, and it should come loose. The arrow below shows where to push on the clip.

When the cluster is free, move the bottom forward and the top back. Then disconnect the wiring harness’ (03-04 has one harness, 05-08 has two). Then remove it from the dash, and take it to a well lit place.

BTW: Have you had the car scanned to see if it's throwing any codes? It will fail inspection if there are active codes too.

[NeverTwoOld]

Thanks for the quick reply and the info. They checked for codes during the inspection and it showed clean so we're ok there. Interestingly when the mechanic was putting the cluster and dash back together after double checking the inspection guy's "work" the CEL started working again so since they don't do inspections at his shop they rushed up to another to see if it would go through. It almost seems like a loose wire/connection somewhere. At this point my fingers are crossed that it will pas.

I will most definitely test out what you outlined in your response if it fails again or even if it passes and happens later on. Thanks again for the info and your help.

**edited for fat finger spelling mistakes**

[SeattleJeremy]

Oh good glad it started working!