Instrument panel resets every 3 seconds

[bosa]

Hi all,

I have a 2009 1.4 iVTec which has suddenly developed an issue with the instrument panel.

Every 3 seconds the gauges go to zero, mileage/temp disappears then immediately some of the warning lights come on, and the gauges come back to life - for 3 seconds then it keeps cycling like this.

The car drives normally.

Do you think this is a panel on its way out or an issue with a connection?

Any help or suggestions welcome.

[Jocko]

I would suggest a bad connection. Does it do it when sitting stationary?

[bosa]

Hi Jocko,

Yes it does it when stationary and engine not running. 

I saw a procedure for doing a self test involving the Sel/Reset button and turning lights on and off but this did nothing.

Initial thought might be a component failure?  I guess if there is a fault code generated I could see if this shows on diagnostics.  The Jazz is due an MOT in 4 weeks so I need to get it sorted.

[ianhj]

Found this. hope it may help.

I suspect its either a loose connection somewhere or as you fear a new panel is needed. If so get one from a breakers and pay to get it re programmed.

Sods law it so close to your MOT - hope you get it sorted.

[123Drive!]

Have you checked the battery connections?

[bosa]

No but will do this morning.

[bosa]

Battery connections are fine.  Also no other problems such as flickering lights etc.

[ColinS]

Every 3 seconds the gauges go to zero, mileage/temp disappears then immediately some of the warning lights come on, and the gauges come back to life - for 3 seconds then it keeps cycling like this.

My gut feeling is that this is a circuit board or component issue.  It's too consistent to be an intermittent fault like a loose connection.

[bosa]

I think I agree.  Sounds like a component failure may be resulting in voltage fluctuations.  I will speak with my local independent garage next week to see if they can replace with reconditioned / salvage unit.

[Jocko]

There is a voltage regulator that provides voltage for car instruments (they don't run on 12 v). It could be that which has failed. Some cars have it on the instrument PCB, some have it remotely fitted. Don't know where it is installed on the various Jazz models.

[123Drive!]

Have you checked the alternator?

[bosa]

With everything else working fine would the alternator cause a problem like this?

[springswood]

With the car running well I can't see it being anything to do with the battery, charging or earthing. My feeling is it will be in the dashboard. If you're lucky a loose connection. I think a good independent garage is the way to go.

Have you checked the fuses? Not a likely cause but good (and easy) to eliminate.

[bosa]

I thought I would resurrect this thread as I thought I had it fixed but it has reoccurred.

The instrument panel was replaced with a used one in April and was working fine until a couple of weeks ago when the same thing happened (the odo steps on one mile at each reset which is also annoying).  Again car working fine otherwise.  Reset happens between 3 and 10 seconds.

It is currently in the same garage as before but loath to just try another replacement as surely two don’t go with same problem.

Any thoughts?

[sparky Paul]

It is currently in the same garage as before but loath to just try another replacement as surely two don’t go with same problem.

Highly unlikely, I would have thought. It's not as though it's a common issue, I've never heard of it before on here, or elsewhere.

I've repaired a few instrument clusters in the past, I think I would be carefully examining all of the loom cluster connectors to make sure there is no evidence of water ingress, and checking that all the receptacles inside the connectors are undamaged and tight. It would also be worth have a look around inside the dash for any evidence of staining.

The fact that the problem went away for 7 months would tend to make me think that the original problem may have been disturbed when the cluster was replaced. Do you still have the original cluster? There are companies out there that will check them for a fee, and repair if necessary.

What do the garage suggest? Another replacement cluster?