Tachometer goes to zero while driving

[robertford893]

So after I replaced my starter, I started noticing that my tachometer and everything in my dash will go to zero randomly while driving, and "Service VEHICLE Soon" light will stay lit until it randomly goes back to normal (notice the emphasis on "VEHICLE" and not "ENGINE").

The car is still driveable, power steering still working, radio works fine, lights work fine, engine runs fine when this happens.

I should also mention that before I put the new starter in I cleaned all the electrical contacts and grounds to my battery and starter. My battery also tested normal.

Thanks a million!

 

[Cutlass350]

That's what the car should do.

Very Basically:
SES : Engine and tranny related.
SVS : Non emissions related. Could be ABS, dash/Instrument-Cluster, on-star, etc.

For more info, from a quick qoogle search see:
http://www.batauto.com/Forums/index.php?topic=11349.0

Could be many things. Could be a bad Instrument-Cluster, bad gauge on the Instrument-Cluster, etc.
Imho, it might be easiest to try another dash/Instrument-Cluster.

After that, it could mean a trip to the Dealer (imho, not a local shop) to get it fixed. A local shop would do what I suggest - replace the Instrument Cluster. After that, they would replace (and reprogram) the PCM.
In other words, a local garage will be guessing.
A dealership would have the tools and knowledge to find the problem without replacing parts and seeing if that fixes it. Imho, your money is better spent on the dealer.

On ebay, look for:
Intrigue Speedometer Instrument Cluster
I see a few for ~~$50.

Ebay search Link:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?&_nkw=Intrigue+Speedometer+Instrument+Cluster


IIRC, Krivisolds has a great (as always ) write up and pics on getting to the dash.


Good Luck!

 

[zeaus]

I did not notice the year of the car. Did you check the crank position sensor? It will affect the ECU. When mine went out the tach would drop to zero then back up, then zero,,,,. But I also had some other side affects, like lack of power. Just another thought of what to check out?

 

[crash55]

was your airbag light on before this started ? I had the same problem & it turned out to be the air bag module had corroded from the cabin air filter letting water in. you might want to check that if you unplug it & the problem stops there ya go

 

[robertford893]

It is a 2000 olds intrigue. Could the starter be a problem? I know the starters are iffy with intrigues. Also, crash55 my airbag light just came on today so I will check on that. Any other ideas? Maybe I should be as specific as possible for people that cannot understand the first post.....................tachometer goes to zero randomly at speed (IE at 35 mph, 65 mph, 1012301023010 mph).....gas gauge and all other gauges go to zero at the same time...as if I turned the car off.

 

[crash55]

under the front seat is the airbag module. there are 2 bolts behind the seat that bolt it to the floor. after you unbolt them you can tilt the seat forward. the module is under the rug. if you want the easy way out get a razor knife& cut a slit on each side of the module and in front of it. the wires & connector is on the rear of the module. I forgot to mention its under the passenger seat. the little flap you cut makes it much easier than pulling the rug up and is not seen when you bolt the seat back up