84 Module

[John H.]

I am trying to located modules information.
84 dash; everything is blank.
Q-what to check first? If module whatever neds removal, is this involved?
Can system be checked by dealership. Checking fee, is it reasonable?
Is there a vendor that repairs defective parts?
All I know is this system fails frequently and it is costly for repairs?
Big John

[Joe L.]

Re: 84 Module

John------

These 84-85 dash modules are EXTREMELY problematic. What you are experiencing is not, by any means, a rare occurrence; you belong to a very large "club".

I don't think that removal of the module is too difficult, but I wouldn't even attempt it without reference to a 1984 Corvette Factory Service Manual. In fact, as I've said many times before, no one should attempt ANY REPAIRS WHATSOEVER to their Corvette without reference to the factory service manual.
There will also be a troubleshooting procedure in the manual so you can isolate the problem to the module. It's likely that the module is the problem, but it's not a certainty. There are other components that could fail and cause the problem you have. So, you need to troubleshoot BY THE MANUAL before you go removing components.

Once you determine it's the problem and it's out, I'd recommend sending it to United Radio Service in Syracuse, NY (www.unitedradio.com). They are an authorized Delco Service Center for these modules as well as many other electronic components. They've been doing it for a LONG time, too, and they are one of the largest in the industry.

One little piece of Corvette history that most folks don't know is that GM originally embarked on a "2 track" development process for the 1984 Corvette dash. One was a traditional analog arrangement and the other was the all-new electronic dash. The reason for the "2 track" process was that they were not sure that the electronic dash was going to have the bugs worked out in time for the new model introduction, originally scheduled for 1983. When the decision was made that the electronic dash was ready for production, they abandoned further work on the analog dash and scrapped all of the prototype pieces.

One of these dash units survived, though, and it now is in the custody of the National Corvette Museum. I don't know if they have it on display yet, or not, though.

In retrospect, I'll bet that many folks with these 84-85 dashes now wished that GM had "foregone" the electronic unit and just installed a reliable, old analog-type dash. The electronic dash was a "dynamite" feature of the all-new 1984 Corvette when it was released, but it's been all downhill ever since.

[Jim T.]

Re: 84 Module

John I must have a very rare 85 Corvette, only thing that I have done with my 85's dash since I bought it in 1992 is change out the halogen 882 instrument lamps. Other than the bulb replacement it has always worked great and the car has over 102k on it now. I have read articles about removing the dash unit and cleaning the contacts but have not had to do this yet, and don't know that this is your problem. You can contact www.gordonkillebrew.com and get professional help from someone that knows everything about your dash and can pinpoint the repair. The halogen 882 Bulb replacement is pretty easy

[Larry Sherman]

Re: 84 Module

My 84 has been dash problem free for 178,000 miles now. If you have occasional complete power outages to your dash, the ground connection at the panel connector is most likely the culprit. Try the "bang on the dash top" method. Sometimes this will work and you'll know it's just a contact problem. Even if it doesn't help, the problem is most likely the ground terminal. Larry

[John H.]

Re: 84 Module

GUYS, THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS. THIS WILL GET ME ON MY WAY.
ACTUALLY I DONT OWN A 84. I AM TRYING TO HELP A FRIEND WHO OWNS A 84.
HE IS THE ORIGINAL OWNER. Car has 10k miles on it. He is thinking of selling it.
Right now the dash everything is blank. What do you think it is worth?
A unusal side-bar story to this owner. He just sold to 3 of my Mustang buddies
his 1967 Mustang fastback. He had owned the car since 1993.He bought it from
the original owner, a ford dealer who purchased it new in 1967.
The dealer then put it up on blocks, as did the 1993 buyer. So it has been
with 2 owners both as a car collection investment. Dealer bought 1 new car every
year from 1961 thru 1970. Some of this collection has sold to Nat.Parts Depot
collector in Florida, etc.
CAR HAS 3.2 MILES ON IT. That's right 3.2 miles.
We picked up the car/purchased it last Sunday. The undercarriage is unbelieveable. The paperwork documentation, newspaper articles etc. are
first rate. What a story. Yes there still are some finds out there. Big John

[Jim T.]

Re: 84 Module

The original owner has a lot of money invested in this one owner 84 with only 10k miles on it. The C4 models can be bought at very reasonable prices and some have low miles with owners wanting the newer Vettes to garage. 84's generally bring a lower price than say a comparable 85 mainly due to the crossfire injection system and stiffer first year suspension system. The price of your friends 84 is most likely what he is willing to sell it to you for since he is the original owner. My opinion only, I like the 93 40th Anniversary
model C4 and the 94-95 ZR1 as collector cars.