Dash cluster acting very strange

dcoff12 · 02-21-2011, 07:50 PM

I have a 34', 2005 Georgie Boy Landau on a W20 Workhorse chassis with the 8.1 Vortec engine and Allison transmission. I have had the digital dash display gauge replaced under warrenty 3 or 4 years ago and all was well until a few weeks ago.
Recently my entire dash cluster of gauges stopped working properly (not just the small digital display). When I start the MH the only gauge that functions at all is the small digital display and all it will do is display total milage ONLY. None of the other gauges (speedometer, fuel and etc.) will operate at all. After some tinkering I have learned that most of the time the following steps will determine how and what gauges will or will not function.
START engine with everything turned off = only digital display of total milage works - nothing else works.
START engine with all head and running lights turned on = full digital display ability works but no other dash gauges (speedometer, fuel & etc) work.
START engine with parking lights on = ALL dash gauges work with all ability.
Now when I drive the MH with all gauges working and I use the turn signals I get numerous false emergency read-out warnings and a very loud warning signal (I can turn off the loud warning signal by holding in the top button of the digital display for several seconds).
Can anyone tell me what I may be dealing with? Is this going to be a short or a bad light switch or wiring harness issue? Or am I looking at having to replace the dash cluster at my expense this time (out of warranty)? The 2 Workhorse service centers within 45 minutes drive have both lost or given-up their certification with Workhorse. I live in South-Central Indiana and the closest Workhorse Select Service Center is in Ohio. This will be a few hour trip just to get the brake recall done much less a dash cluster problem diagnosed and possibly repaired.

DriVer · 02-21-2011, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcoff12

I live in South-Central Indiana and the closest Workhorse Select Service Center is in Ohio. This will be a few hour trip just to get the brake recall done much less a dash cluster problem diagnosed and possibly repaired.

Have you checked all the fuses? It sounds to me like the cluster fuse contacts might be intermittent. I expect that the service center should be able to fix this issue for you fairly quickly if they are a good center. I'd wait until I got my brakes done. The IP fuse is located inside on the coach panel.

dcoff12 · 02-22-2011, 06:44 AM

Thanks for you response Driver and I do hope it is something other than the entire dash cluster. Actually I do have to pull a couple 5 amp fuses (from inside under dash) when I turn the MH off because the digital readout will not shut off at that point. So I have been inserting the fuses prior to starting the engine and removing them when not in use. I did have all of the fuses checked at a local RV dealer also and they were ok although the dealer does not work on motorhomes. I also took it to the local GMC dealer with a large service center and they attempted to read any trouble codes but said their scan equipment would not work on the MH? Again thanks for the suggestions Driver.

DriVer · 02-22-2011, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcoff12

So I have been inserting the fuses prior to starting the engine and removing them when not in use..

Make sure that all the fuses are inserted in the center of the contacts. I have seen where it is possible to push the spade on the fuse on the outside of the connector. If the fuses are not socketed properly this could issue intermittent operation.

If you are having any issues at all with any system not turning off, disconnect the automotive battery or better yet, get a knife switch or a rotary battery disconnect switch.

JonBrazel · 02-22-2011, 09:45 AM

You could try running cluster diagnostics on it by holding down the menu button for about 10 seconds and then running gauge diagnostics.

dcoff12 · 02-23-2011, 08:49 AM

Thanks Jon and Driver for the suggestions. I will try to get a guage diagnosis to function from the digital cluster when I have the next opportunity. If it will work the results may be a bit crazy with the way it is functioning in NORMAL mode currently. We will try it.