Questions and Answers

Buick Regal Bad Instrument Cluster Q. The odometer does not display the milage, the trip reset miles does not display, and the indicator showing which gear the car is in does not display. The output and input speed sensors were checked and were fine. There are no bulbs bad in the instrument cluster. None of the connectors are loose on the instrument cluster. All of the other stuff works and lights up on the instrument cluster.

Is it possible that the headlight switch is bad or is it the instrument cluster itself that has went bad? The dealership says it can no longer get this instrument cluster new. Is there an after aftermarket for this cluster or does it have to be repaired? If this is the probable cause can you recommend a repair specialist? If you have any other electrical trouble shooting with a volt meter, that would be great. If not what do you recommend as the next step?

• 1998 Buick Regal
• 3.8 liter
• Automatic transmission
• 155,000 miles
• Fuel injection
• ABS brakes
• P/S, A/C, Cruise control
• Rack and pinion steering

Thank you,
Jeff

A. You will need to leave it at the dealer to remove the cluster then send it out for repairs to their repair center. Some repair centers have "exchange" clusters. If so, they can order it, but most repair centers want the old mileage. If you can't read it they may be able to get it out of the old one. Your problem is most likely in the cluster.