Cluster lighting problems... Please help

[d0rad0EP3]

I have a 2002 Si and after improper radio installation half of the cluster and climate controls won't light up. All fuse where checked and all cluster bulbs where replaced and still won't light up... Please help

Thanks guys

[xx_civic_si_xx]

same here bro

[d0rad0EP3]

Seems to be a pretty common issue on the ep3z... Well let's have hope on a solution to this matter... I'll mess around with the cluster and wiring this weekend... I'll let you know

[Danielsle]

Seems to be a pretty common issue on the ep3z... Well let's have hope on a solution to this matter... I'll mess around with the cluster and wiring this weekend... I'll let you know

Yeah mines been like that for months now. I'm not sure if you can just replace the bulbs or I read you have to solder something in the back of the cluster. So I just got myself a new cluster. Hopefully when I install it wont blow too.

[xx_civic_si_xx]

yeah my rpm gauges does not light up and only half of the speedometer lights up

[d0rad0EP3]

Yeah mines been like that for months now. I'm not sure if you can just replace the bulbs or I read you have to solder something in the back of the cluster. So I just got myself a new cluster. Hopefully when I install it wont blow too.

oh i see... let us know if the problem gets solved with the new cluster...

[ohdamngetit]

My buddy installed an eBay foglight kit and ran into this. Swapping out the cluster did fix his problem.

I recall something about a burnt trace on the back of the cluster but I can't find it through search. GL

[qnzjay69]

Theres a copper wire on the inside of ur cluster, it burns out, all u have to do is open the cluster and resodder a copper line back then ur done, i had the problem and seen the burnt line, have no probs since i fixed it

[ohdamngetit]

Do you have pics, by any chance? Think it would be a good DIY.

[d0rad0EP3]

Theres a copper wire on the inside of ur cluster, it burns out, all u have to do is open the cluster and resodder a copper line back then ur done, i had the problem and seen the burnt line, have no probs since i fixed it

Yes please pics will be a big help... Because I tried opening it and the gages needle don't seem to come out very easy... And I'm afraid to brake the needles...

Thanks

[d0rad0EP3]

Guys I got my cluster fixed... Just like @qnzjay69 said theres A copper line on the cluster motherboard that was burn... It's quiete a bit hard to solder but not impossible. What I did was I got a hairline copper wire and solder It from side to side and that's it... I'll post pics later when I get home... If your cluster was fried originally due to an improper radio installation may sure you fix that firts before you do the soldering on the cluster line that it's burn... The problem that I had with my radio that fried the cluster was that there's two orange cables on the plug going to the radio and i connected Thoes two orange cables with the orange cable on the radio... Witch I only needed only one of Thoes two connected and I connected the three of them. The orange cable that says illumination you don't need Ty just tape it up and leave it aside.

[d0rad0EP3]

First Image showing burned copper line



close up view of burned copper line



Showing where copper line broke



Hairline copper wire I solder from side to side

And may sure you guys correct the problem that caused the cluster to get fried before you install it back in the car.

Hope this Helps... Thanks all...

[d0rad0EP3]

Have you guys tried fixing your cluster yet ?

[jay_si]

When you did the soldering, did you solder up the gaps or re did the burnt copper as well? Will a tin/lead solder work for this?

[ohdamngetit]

d0rad0EP3, thanks for the update! I just saw this now. I'll have to do this tonight! Thanks again!