Cluster issue

Hello, Welcome to 2CarPros. This sounds like the famous Cadillac digital dash. I love them when they work, not so much when they don't. What needs to be done will depend on if it's a simple fuse problem or if it's the dash itself (be prepared for that one, it's common as they age). There are three fuses to test all in the rear fuse panel in the trunk. Grab a test light and connect it to a good ground, with the key on check both sides of the Cluster Fuse, the Ignition 1 fuse and the ignition 0 Body fuses.

However as the other gauges are working I suspect that the problem isn't power to the cluster, but is with the Vacuum Fluorescent Display power supply itself. That is part of the cluster itself. There are capacitors that fail and a couple of regulator chips that tend to break the solder joints.

The options are to replace the entire cluster with a good used one, however you will need a scan too to change the programming as the dash holds the anti-theft system as well and will stop the car from starting without re-programming. Or it is possible to replace just the VFD section and use all of the original board, that bypasses the need for programming, but if the problem isn't in the actual display it could be a waste of time. The last option is to remove the cluster and send it in to be rebuilt. There are a lot of places that rebuild them.

First off, thank you for your reply! It sounds like a really complicated problem. Is it a costly problem too?

It can be. Those early dash units are getting scarce. However, it is very rare that the actual display tubes fail (the VFD unit is basically a vacuum tube) it is usually the power supply or the driver circuit. Those are still repairable. It's been a while since I had one rebuilt but at that time it was around $200.00 for the repair. If you want a better idea for cost you could call United Radio (800.686.0349) or visit their web site for a quote. https://www.unitedradio.com/automotive-electronics/repair-and-remanufacturing/

Thank you, of course, I am praying that it is only minor, this Monday my mechanic, who deals in electrics, is going to take a look, though in my location there aren’t many Cadillac's around ( Juarez mexico ) is there anything else you could recommend to me regarding this issue ? And, anything I should look out for with a 1998 Cadillac Deville ? In my home City ( London ) I don’t think I’ve even ever seen a Cadillac.

Not much else with the cluster. GM had issues with the various digital dashes they used in many models in those years. I think the issue was more that the parts were not really tough enough for all the abuse that a vehicle could put on them. You don't see many Cadillacs outside of the American continent, They make it down into South America and up into Canada but they don't seem to go many other places. You might find a couple in other countries from people importing them personally.

Thanks for your help, all in all, you think the Cadillac Deville is a half decent car? Thanks your advice on the cluster issue.

It's not a bad car, like all of them it has it's quirks. The Northstar engine is a nice design, it just didn't get built as tough as it should have been. They are known to pull the head bolts free because the thread pitch is wrong for the aluminum. There are kits that replace them with better bolts or studs. I've done a few and it is a great upgrade if you plan on keeping the car. The biggest thing is like every car, do the maintenance and don't let a list of "I'll get to that later" build up. Personally I won't own one though, to cushy for me, plus I hate owning a car that I'm worried about getting dirty....