1997 Corvette

[Colin M.]

Looking for help with a problem in a 1997 Instrument cluster. The DIC switch does not respond. The remainder of the cluster works correctly. I have had the DIC switch checked out by a Electronics guy here in Perth and he maintains the switch is OK.

The code posted is 1527 "short to ground switch 4" I am making the assumption that "switch 4" is the item marked "OPTIONS" on the DIC switch. The electrical circuit diagram for Instrument Cluster makes no other reference to a "switch 4"

The BCM has been replaced and coded to the car. No codes are present in the BCM . Code 1527 is in "instrument cluster"

The car is a V73 delivery which is US/Canada. I purchased the car in Japan. The car has export lighting dated 1997 so it may have gone to Japan new. The cluster display is in a foreign language maybe Middle East and scrolls through several messages when the ignition is on.

Any thoughts gentlemen

[Edward J.]

Re: 1997 Corvette

Colin, just a guess, is it possible the cluster was and one of the pins is pushed over and touching another pin, those pins are so small and can easy bend?

[Colin M.]

Re: 1997 Corvette

Thanks Edward, I spent yesterday resetting all the females in the pin cluster. I had a problem in my 2004 Chevy Pick up with a faulty contact. Yes you are right they are very fragile. Unfortunately no cigar! Ran the engine cleared the code and it just reset. Not sure where to now

[Richard M.]

Re: 1997 Corvette

Colin, A friend's '97 had similar issues with the DIC. As I recall his had a intermittent problem, where it would continue repeating one of the functions, but I forget the details. All I remember is that the oddity would return shortly after a Reset.

We got a new DIC assuming it would fix it, but it did not. Same issues.

After further diagnosis via the wiring diagrams, the DIC source circuitry is embedded in the instrument cluster electronics. So I pulled the cluster to check cabling connections between the two. It was a tedious process. But all connections were good.

I surmised at that point that since the the DIC function is sourced from the cluster digital electronics, the cluster would need to be replaced or sent out for repair. My friend decided not to do that.

I suspect your problem is in the cluster hardware, either a connection problem inside the cluster from the DIC switch panel, or the digital circuitry itself that controls the DIC switch panel.

Rich
EDIT- Colin I found some photos of the DIS switch after disassembly. I've noted the Switch 4 terminal pin. If you get your cluster out it's possible the wire on connector Pin 6(Sw4 output) of the DIC to the Cluster is shorted to ground somewhere. You may be able to trace the cluster circuit from where that connector pin on the cluster traverses into the circuit and see if something is shorted on the circuit board.

I thought I had some photos of the rear internals of the cluster but none found. I did however find a video which may help HERE

DIC below...

[Colin M.]

Re: 1997 Corvette

Rich, Many thanks for your valuable input. I fact I have had the switch apart as in the photos and had an electronic guy I know trace it out. As in your example the switch he says is OK. I am grateful for your extra commentary regarding the rest of the cluster. I have it on the bench and do intend to have my friend investigate the trail within the cluster. I am buoyed by the fact that I may not be a pioneer on the error. I shall report back to you with the findings to keep the matter going to a conclusion.

Regards Col PS Thank you for the video link very helpfull