Engine light comes on when instrument panel does not work

MSMITTYJES

MEMBER
1996 DODGE INTREPID
179,000 MILES

I have 1996 Dodge Intrepid. The instrument panel gauges sometimes sticks and doesn't work properly. I was told by a Midas mechanic who fixed the problem previous to just hit the dash board and it will unstick. I was driving down the road, hit a bump and the check engine light comes on. I was also told by the same mechanic to hit the dashboard and the check enginel light would go out. That fix works intermittently. The light will sometimes go out but not all the time. The mechanic indicated that I may have a loose connection behind the instrument panel and eventually I may need to replace the instrument panel. Is the problem that extreme? The car actually runs great, I have no problems outside of the check engine light and the gauges sticking. If the instrument panel needs to be replaced, what would that typically cost?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Normally the connector terminals are soldered to the circuits to repair intermittent connections. You can do an internet search to find places that repair them too. I had a digital cluster that I couldn't fix myself, and used a shop called Advanced Auto Electronics. Had it back in a week. Cost $250.00; less than I was quoted.

There is no connection specific to the Check Engine light. That is turned on in response to the Engine Computer talking to the Body Computer which talks to the instrument cluster. There will be a diagnostic fault code in the Engine Computer indicating the circuit or system with a problem. That code should be read and recorded.