Instrument Cluster Problem

tgm49330 · 03-06-2011, 02:49 PM

I have a 1997 Allegro Bus on a Freightliner chassis. All the guages are in one unit. Recently the speedometer and odometer have quit working. The odometer doesn't advance while driving and the speedometer pegs all the way past 80 mph while driving. I had problems with this just after I purchased the motor home but was finally fixed buy the Freightliner dealer after taking it back three times. Any advice on where to look for the problem would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

Midniteoyl · 03-06-2011, 02:59 PM

What did they say the problem was originally? You could call them and ask..

tgm49330 · 03-06-2011, 05:01 PM

They replaced the whole unit. They told me if it wasn't on waranty it would have been $2100.00, and that was 13 years ago.

BlueLine · 03-06-2011, 05:24 PM

I've had this very same problem in a Winnebago 34V DP. Called Freightliner and they told me it was probably a bad ground, which most times is very difficult to find. My speedometer works when its good and ready, which isn't often. The odometer clicks off miles at an excessive rate and usually a trip indication is 3 times the distance actually traveled. While talking with Freightliner about the problem and adding my concerns that the oil pressure and temp guages were a little eratic, and that I didn't feel comfortable with gauges that just indicated a normal range, they recommended installing a VMSpc by SilverLeaf. The VMSpc is a computer program that gets it's inputs from the onboard data port that the service people plug into to analyze mechanical problems on your coach. I purchased one and customized the screens to provide me with 20 pieces of information. I have made the center of focus a large digital speedometer accompanied by a tach. Configurations are limitless, the only problem is that I sometimes get too engrossed while driving....a habit I'm tempering and just making the information a part of my scan inside and outside the coach. The freightliner guy told me to believe the VMSpc because its accuracy is being information sent directly from the Engines ECM. My on speedometer has gotten jealous, and refuses to work except on the 5th week of any month,....but I don't need it anymore, I've got my VMSpc, The VMSpc is much, much cheaper than any replacement dash panel used by Freightliner.

Midniteoyl · 03-06-2011, 06:28 PM

Would agree to look at the grounds.. The whole connector altogether.

13 years huh? You've had a good run. If it IS broke, you prolly could find a good used one.

Mekanic · 03-06-2011, 06:36 PM

Can you post a pic of the cluster. I'm thinking it just is a cluster out of a common pickupor car.
Maybe me or someone else can tell what to look for.