how do i fix this problem with my car?

Question

i drive a 2000 chrystler (300m) and the whole panel went out. it wont show my mileage, my speed, how much gas there is in my car etc.... i would like to try to fix it myself, instead of going out and spending my whole pay check (lol) so if any one can maybe shoot me some ideas of what the problem might be, that would be awesome!

Answer 1

First thing to do is check your fuses in the fuse panel to see if a the dashboard fuse has simply blown. Most cars, you can simply pull out the fuse and visually see if the fuse has blown.

Replace with new fuse if it is. Total cost for a whole pack of fuses is $5. Some auto manufacturers even put spare fuses in the fuse panel, and it may be as easy as finding the spare fuse and plugging it in.

Answer 2

Check the fuse panel first. If that's not it then you need a volt / ohm meter, and you just take the dash apart and test to see if there is voltage coming to the instrument panel. You need to make sure you don't accidentally ground anything coming from the car's computer, because that could potentially fry it.

If you find voltage coming through the wires, you need a new instrument cluster. If there is none, you need to work your way back until you find where it stops.

It could be something as simple as a connector coming undone, but unless someone else already had the dash off that is unlikely since most of the electrical connections on the 300c's are double-locking.

Just have patience and you will find the problem.

Answer 3

Very common problem with 2 common solutions-check the fuses in the lower left of the dashboard(sometimes even on the end of the dash by the door) There's a common fuse to the dash and power outlets that can be blown open by cell phone chargers.
Unfortunately, the other common problem is the instrument cluster itself-and there are shops around that repair them cheaper than he dealer-at least here in Tampa

Answer 4

First check the fuse under the dash -
Then check the relay bax, and the fuses inside.

If that is not your problem, you need to get the wiring traced, and there is a short somewhere.

These are not 5 year cars like all foreign makes.

These cars are deserving of regular maintenance and can be road worthy for 200,000 miles plus

Answer 5

The problem is the BCM (body control module) usually on the left hand side of the cowling under the hood.

ADVICE: If your car has thwe 2.7 V6 in it and is approaching 70K miles get rid of it. These engines are notorious for failing at that time and a rebuild runs around $4K.

Answer 6

Look in your owners manual and find which fuse controls it, and see if that fuse is blown. That fuze is the one that is probably causing th eproblem. Either that or you've got a loose wire behind the dash, a much more expensive problem Good luck with it

Answer 7

Yet another reason why the American car manufacturers are losing out to the foreign car engineers. Once the car is off the lot and they have your money, you're on your own, sucker! LOL!!!

You do not have an easy fix but you do need to take it to a shop that only handles electrical repairs. They make their money diagnosing problems as the repairs are usually quick and easy and cheap, just hard to isolate.

Good Luck!

Answer 8

My first guess would be a fuse. If not that then light bulbs, if not that then may need replaced. but start with the simple things first. Check the fuses!

Answer 9

Go back to the Chrysler dealer and have them check where you would find the plug-in's for the dash...it sounds to me like a main plug.

Answer 10

hi sorry to hear about your car, but these type of vehicles are disposable, you are lucky you got more than 5 years, usually they are only good for 5 years...