I own a 98 dodge grand caravan with 114000 miles. We loose the electonics in the dashboard (gas gage,tack,speedmeter) intermitenly they come on and off when they feel like it. When they aren't working the ABS and check engine lights are on. HELP
by 
LennyM
ANSWERS: 4
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Take this into a shop immediately. Driving without guages and electronics is VERY risky. If your check engine light comes on get it diagnosed (this means going to a shop and asking for diagnostics) and the mechanic will be able to tell you what the problem is. If the ABS light is also coming on then this could be hinting to a SERIOUS electrical problem, one which compromises at least one safety system and some other component(s) of the vehicle, as illustrated by the CE light. This vehicle is NOT safe to drive. I'd personally have it towed to a shop. However, you can drive slowly and go to the shop right away. Don't go for 'one more errand' before taking it in. Hope this helps, Good luck
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I have the same problem with the cluster on my 92 lexus, lots of them have the problem, you can have the cluster rebuild, google it, or look on ebay, you can send it in, they will replace the needles, and calibrate them, at least with the lexus car, not sure if you even have needles. If you got all digital, then check the connections, wires, and fuses.
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The connection at the instrument cluster is loose. I had this same problem with my own van. If you're not mechanically inclined, you should take it to a good mechanic. the problem is not the plastic part of the connector,but the small metal female terminals on the wire harness. They can be tightened using a small pick or hat pin.
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My 98 does the exact same thing. If you smack the dash above the instrument panel, the gauges will come back up, but will also make the check engin light come on for a while. It is the sensor on the transmission causing this, it's going bad. Haven't had mine replaced yet, so I can't help with prices of having it fixed. Also, be warned, the gauges may also start to go all the way up (speed and tach). You can take it to Advanced Auto or Auto Zone, and they will put it on the computer for free, usually comes up some code that can't be exactly diagnosed though. Luckily when they put mine on the puter there happened to be a mechanic getting in his car beside us and told us what the problem really was. Hope this helps.
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