2nd chance at working again! Buick LeSabre Cluster Repair

[@jeffescortlx]

For contact information follow this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipCViKGAgtiNl7c

[@shannoncoffey4298]

I messed up the soldering on my 2002 Buick Lesabre instrument panel. I contacted Jeff and he agreed to repair it. He did in in about 2 days, replaced numerous bulbs and the stepper motors for a very reasonable cost. I just reinstalled it and am most pleased with the rebuild. I recommend Jeff for these instrument clusters like this one.

[@JimNichols]

Your subs enjoy craftsmanship when they see it all the way to the "I didn't like the light leaking around the temp and the fuel gauge" so I took it apart again and fixed it right... have a great year and don't worry about helping everyone you have to make a living too brother...

[@jeffescortlx]

Well said. Thanks!

[@chadhudson2046]

Came here for info for my LeSabre. Learned how to repair traces in the process. Thanks for that and thanks for being a stand up guy who takes the time to do a job the right way! Sadly, not many Americans do that anymore.

[@jamesfriday5773]

Thank you !!! Can’t spell Buick without U and I

[@MarcMercier1971]

I've been watching for weeks... finally subscribed. "Bye. You can go now..." that was classic. Gave an audible chuckle.

[@vernonland5987]

You can't answer everyone's questions, forget about it. Just keep producing these wonderful videos. We love this stuff.

[@ellesmerewildwood4858]

It's a pleasure to watch someone who cares about what they do. Some of the joints you fixed/soldered were good and functional but you went back and put a bit more solder on the links to make them look good as well. Nice.

[@andrewk778]

Relatively new subscriber. I am very impressed with your knowledge of these clusters. You share the same problem of auto diagnosticians who inherit cars that someone thought they could fix themselves. I enjoyed watching how you repaired a damaged board. Thank you for sharing.

[@samueljames9342]

When you are good at what you do people enjoy watching, and in my case learning.

[@thamerkwan2806]

كوود

[@NuWavUSA]

Thank you sir for posting my info on your KZbin channel. I had a customer call me yesterday needing cluster work. -Mark from Alabama

[@edmarkham2632]

I am impressed with your quality and workmanship. Most repair shops do not pay attention to the small details, like neatness. However, that speaks louder about you more that you might think. Great job.

[@davesage9190]

I like your work. I've been in the electronic design and repair profession for 45 years.

[@jaybug765]

I really do enjoy these videos and because of you I am able to help my local junkyard change Vin numbers on those RDS radio’s. The knowledge that you have with these is amazing. When I opened my KZbin last night I was very excited to see that you were working on a Buick LeSabre cluster I would like to see A cluster from a 2000 to 2005 Monte Carlo. Why I want to see that I have light bulbs that are burnt out all my girlfriends car and it drives me freaking nuts.

[@jeffescortlx]

I'll be making a video on the Impala/Carlo cluster soon!

[@jaybug765]

jeffescortlx Do you have an estimated time on when you’re going to do a 2000 to 2005 Chevy Mike Carlos/impala clusters Sorry if it seems i’m being impatient. I have my dash torn apart. Because I was fixing the radio.

[@paulsullivan6392]

Your re-work skills are simply outstanding. I've done some PC board work...but surface mount stuff...waaaay outside my skill level. Well done sir.

[@txstreetman]

You had asked about subs earlier - you came to my suggestions, and it is cool seeing your restoration of damaged boards.

[@fallon55]

How you created the jumpers from the leads is just brilliant! Great attention to detail.

[@robertevans6481]

Just like to watch someone that is very good at what they do...and you are very good at cluster and tv repair...

[@daytontechnician]

Another great repair job. Enjoy watching someone taking pride in their work.

[@jacobnbr11]

Great job Jeff. The tooling definitely makes a big difference. When I first started in this field I didn't think so but good stations, flux and microscope took me to a whole new level.

[@jeffescortlx]

Agreed!

[@evad6356]

Great Video. So many videos are impossible to follow due to the entire repair is in a fast fast forward. Keep up the good work!

[@SierraOne]

Excellent work Akin to surgery... Glad your channel is growing! Great Video

[@alfonsorodriguez9055]

Damn... why do I enjoy this channel so damn much? I dont even have a need for the service or ever had. It's like you're a automotive Bob Ross, just a different art.

[@jeffescortlx]

That makes me happy. But I need to work on the hair.

[@mikeadams5432]

I've watched this video a few times. I have a 02 lesabre. I cannot find bulbs to replace on My cluster. I bought some 3 volt led lights from a electronic store. Scared to go thru the work if they won't work. Great vid by the way. Seems to me like you do things the right way.

[@jeffescortlx]

You're going to need a resistor on those LED's. Probably around 470 ohms. If the are dome top I don't recommend them. You need a LED that spreads the light, not focus it into a beam.

[@mikeadams5432]

@@jeffescortlx hey thanks a bunch!

[@kenorenge9364]

Thank you for taking the time and explaining the right way of fixing your instrument cluster by far the best channel out there keep up the good work

[@arthurrodesiler3109]

I told you your channel would go way up. You do good work and that's what people want to see.

[@jeffescortlx]

Your right! It's growing. I'm surprised and baffled! Although I think KZbin is allowing me to ride on Louis's coat tails a bit with the video suggestions.

[@bobapthorpe]

Nice attention to detail, eliminating the light leakage around the new needles. It seems like a little thing but one of the most used parts of a car is the instrument panel so making the display clear and readable is a big deal in the long run. You can't really expect this level of care from a budget repair shop that makes its money on volume (though you'd hope they'd not take on work that doesn't fit their business model and that they'd keep track of the customer's components...). Customers get what they pay for either way.

[@jeffescortlx]

Hey you made it to the end of the video! Yes well said. My business model is slow and expensive : ) But it allows for the extra care needed to make things right.

[@celebrationsllc]

Really very precise soldering

[@johnpgordensr8999]

Thank you Jeff for that information I will continue to be a dedicated watcher, I learn something every time I watch your video thanks again for what you do

[@focusedelectronics]

Great video to start 2019. Congrats on 6k as well! Pretty neat that I was over on another big car channel a couple days ago and he was doing a relay repair on a board and in the comments there were a bunch of people recommending your channel for him to check out for pointers. 😁

[@jeffescortlx]

: )

[@brentnearhood8874]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Jeff

[@vernonland5987]

Jeslus, what attention to detail, he switches out the needles because a little light is showing through. Jeff doesn't charge enough!

[@neooneZ1]

Some may find this meticulous work boring. I am not one of those people. Nice work!!!

[@kalkhoven89]

Who the hell gives any of jeffs videos a dislike!! Awesome video once again. That was a mess..

[@jerdobi]

Amazed you know the needle locations for all these clusters

[@deanclark8619]

Nice video Jeff. I've seen this several times on other GM through hole clusters

[@PeteyG708]

Love these videos man! Congrats on the channel growth! We appreciate any content you bring us. Keep up the great work!

[@johnwagner4559]

I have a 03 lasabre w/manual climate control in need of bulbs replacement. Do you do this service for people? If so, how much, from my door to yours? Very good and honest work sir! Man! That was really interesting to watch!

[@jeffescortlx]

Yes, my contact information is available here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipCViKGAgtiNl7c

[@brandonlink6568]

I've been putting off replacing some bulbs in the steering wheel and behind the radio and climate control on an '01 LeSabre, I hope they're just plug-ins and not something I need to get out the soldering iron for

[@jeffescortlx]

I'm pretty sure they are all soldered in.

[@brandonlink6568]

@@jeffescortlx thanks for the info, in that case the project is gonna have to wait until it warms up a bit outside, hard to solder when you're shivering. Interesting channel btw, I don't know how the algorithm does what it does but it did good this time.

[@int53185]

Had one of these in an '02 LeSabre. Still had the original motors and a few burnt out bulbs. The funny thing is the car was a Limited with trip computer buttons but it didn't have the tach or trip display. Factory screw up at the assembly line maybe? The car had over 200K miles on it. Maybe someone put the cheaper cluster in it when the old one failed.

[@jeffescortlx]

Chances are previous owner went with a junk yard unit instead of having the original cluster rebuilt.

[@amundsen575]

UV Curable Solder mask, have you ever tried? good stuff for things you want to last, old video game consoles and such and destroyed clusters make some more money! As always thanks for your knowledge in this specific niche.

[@jeffescortlx]

I haven't tried yet. Maybe some day I'll run into a repair that requires it.

[@petemoss9693]

Hello Jeff . . . I am a new subscriber to your you tube channel - just happen to search on you tube to find just i need to to be doing on my car's cluster - the needles jump around back and forth like crazy - once I use my fist to hit on top of the dash board some times the needles go back to normal - while driving on the road and hit a pot hole the needles go's crazy ((( sigh ))) having to see this video I will give it my best to repair . . . my fingers are crossed .

[@jeffescortlx]

Good luck with the repair!

[@JCA11]

dang it! i wanted to see you shave the needle, thinking of doing the same, upgrading my cluster with a new face and needles. (2010 Dodge Charger) just like u said need to find out the stem shaft would fit on my stepper motor (the needles im interested is from a 2011 Avenger or other Dodge vehicles that has the same needle design.)

[@jeffescortlx]

I had a video editing mishap. But I just took my side cutters and snipped the tip off to the correct length.

[@JCA11]

@@jeffescortlx I see..i was afraid that i would break or crack the clear plastic of the needle by cutting it off and no longer illuminate properly. Thanks Jeff!

[@rscelectrical7091]

Nice job: Neat, clean and solid Repairs. Do you use Kynar wire at all ?, I find it's really good if you have longer trace Repairs to do.

[@jeffescortlx]

I just keep a roll of coil/magnet wire around for the longer trace repairs.

[@johnpgordensr8999]

Another great job I have one question after you scrape off to get another good connection on the backside of the PC board what liquid do you put on there to clean the circuit

[@jeffescortlx]

Rubbing alcohol

[@michaelsteinbach]

Should the yellow LED all the way to the left for Traction Control be lit up? Nice work on the shredded pads. You do quality work.

[@jeffescortlx]

Yes it should. But unfortunately I didn't notice it until editing, cluster is already on its way back. So if the traction control light comes on, it's going to be dim at the left side.

[@jaybug765]

Hey. I have a spare cluster for a 2000-05 Monte. I want to add led and new step motors And I want to change mileage using a programmer. I also would like to have it do you a full sweep on a Boot up. Can you make a video of that. I’ve been learning a lot from you and you do such great work.

[@jeffescortlx]

No, I can't make a video on that. I do not have the ability to change the software to make it sweep every time the ignition is tuned on.

[@jaybug765]

Ok.

[@NuWavUSA]

Hi Jeff .. another great video . Where did you get your power connector? Thanks

[@jeffescortlx]

Thanks. Junk yard.

[@45AMT]

Excellent job!

[@fannonwester7473]

You’re suppose to unsolder the bulbs not rip them out, that’s why had to add solder to every contact point.

[@beandrive]

Nicely done, great job.

[@ventureelect]

I certainly would have called them out on this one.

[@arthurfricchione8119]

After you scrape and clean the traces is that a liquid flux you put down prior to soldering? Thanks for the videos just trying to learn as I go. 👍👍👍 you do outstanding work!!!

[@jeffescortlx]

Clear liquid is rubbing alcohol, the thicker looking gel is flux.

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Thank you for the reply. Is that the solder you have listed below your video? Really thank for your quick responses. I'm really trying to watch the videos for your techniques that can be applied to fixing circuit boards. Very helpful. Thank you. 👍👍👍

[@jeffescortlx]

@@arthurfricchione8119 yes the listed Kester Organic Core 63/37 is what I use. But I do keep a couple different thickness on hand. Thinner stuff for SMD chips.

[@BlazenWinchester]

great solder work

[@americanrebel413]

This is cool thank you for sharing this!

[@leor838]

Another great repair 👍😁

[@rcpasc1948]

The cluster on my 2004 Silverado has winked off and on a couple of times. How do I get in touch with you if it goes dead and I need repair?

[@jeffescortlx]

The about tab on my channel page.

[@mike7958]

Great video Jeff. You want to know what the bad part about all this is? It appears as though the speedometer was using an x15 stepper just like all the other unchanged stepper motors. If that's what it was using, the original speedo issues he was having was not likely due to a faulty stepper motor. On a side note, don't you just hate how tight some of those aftermarket pointers fit? Some of them fit scary tight. And even scarier if you've seated the pointer all the way and have to remove it again.

[@jeffescortlx]

I did confirm when it came in the MPH was changed out to a X27, and the pads did look good. But I didn't trust the condition of it and wanted to start with new.

[@jeffescortlx]

Oh and yes, after market needles do fit too tight!

[@mike7958]

@@jeffescortlx Gotcha. But what I mean is that the customer originally swapped out the old x15 in favor of an x27 thinking it was a stepper motor issue causing his speedo to fail. But the x15 steppers were not the worst stepper motor in the world and don't fail in the same way xc5 motors do. So in all likelihood, his speedo issues were probably not related to a faulty x15 stepper motor.

[@jeffescortlx]

@@mike7958 I see what your saying. We'll have to see if the owner reports back with a problem still. I don't think is common for the lesabre to have VSS issues, have you ran into that?

[@mike7958]

@@jeffescortlx I have. I've had a couple come to me with a complaint of erratic speedo porblems only to open the cluster up and see its already been updated to x27's and the speedo sweeps perfectly fine. But you never know, they updated the x15's for a reason. I've just never seen them fail like the xc5 motors do.

[@tyler2610]

I would be contacting the original facility and demand my correct needles and motors be returned. Little inaccuracies like having the wrong needles would drive me nuts and you kind of see them all the time when you are driving. Some people let others get away with way to much, you have to stand up for yourself sometimes!

[@jeffescortlx]

I have a feeling the original repair facility was assuming this cluster would go into the trash when it went back to the owner, and they felt they could help themselves to scavenging parts from it.

[@joshuad2424]

Would you post a repair video for ford cluster? 2005+ f250/f350?

[@carlosvalencia3388]

Now that you have tons of subscribers and your where your at because of us will you be doing a free cluster repair?

[@jeffescortlx]

Not exactly. But I have been thinking of coming up with some sort of contest. I could give away a free face upgrade or trans temp install or something with a rebuild purchase. BUT, I do have new chair on order so my veiwers don't have to listen to my chair creek, so you have that?

[@tacoslabomba9419]

Another enjoyable video.

[@omarfw79]

21:17 "now the video is over, you can go. Go!". Nope not leaving I'll watch another video of yours...

[@benjaminlevi7792]

Useful info thanks

[@michaelbray7157]

I need you to fix my 02 buick cluster ASAP

[@jeffescortlx]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipCViKGAgtiNl7c

[@fixins]

Gotta give him credit, he didn't stop until he'd laid waste to every pad on the board.

[@meisam3113]

I like to clean to my cluster, but I'm afraid to mess the needles. My cluster is old. From a Hyundai Starex 1999 model.

[@dannygn2000]

Great video Thanks

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Awesome video, but what is the first substance you use with flux

[@jeffescortlx]

I use rubbing alcohol to clean things up. Now remember, you don't have to put on that red light.

[@JordiRamis]

Very interesting

[@mardizano]

What's the blue/yellow handgun Jeff and what's it doing?

[@jeffescortlx]

Hakko FR-300. Solder sucker.

[@punker4Real]

the temperature they use is too high I think they max it out and that is why the pads burn off it only has to get hot enough to remove the soldering that is it

[@ledhunters]

Nice job dude :D

[@josephpangilinan2384]

My hyundai accent 2011 cluster back lights are gone. But when the headlight is on,back light have small amount of light. What is the possible problem?

[@Labyrnthdom]

Dude that is some kick ass rework. Im offended that you dont have time to reply to comments 😁. However, i will ask in hopes you can reply. What is the wire you used in this video please? Also, the solder. Thank you if you reply.

[@jeffescortlx]

I'm actually thinking of making a FAQ questions video that will cover that stuff. Guess you'll just have to subscribe to find out!

[@Labyrnthdom]

@@jeffescortlx But im already subbed.?

[@jeffescortlx]

@@Labyrnthdom oh. Well thank you!

[@majstealth]

i soldered and unsoldered quite abit of tech, but how do you rip a pad from the pcb by unsoldering?

[@jeffescortlx]

Too much heat for too long and pulling.

[@majstealth]

@@jeffescortlx so the amount i use is not enough, they put it into a furnance then?^^

[@jeffescortlx]

@@majstealth I think part of the problem is the bulb leads are bent over then soldered. So when removing the solder has to be melted and lead bent straight in one swift motion.

[@majstealth]

@@jeffescortlx yeah, but isnt that like 75% of all times that way? or are there really people who never touched an iron trying to fix theire dashboard?

[@jeffescortlx]

@@majstealth yes that. There are an unlimited supply of vehicle owners that are having issues with there clusters, watching a video on KZbin and attempting to repair it with little to no soldering experience. Welcome to the foundation of my channel. : )

[@bundylovess]

Awesome works big thumbs up 👍

[@MrDandaman137]

I'm new at this, forgive me, but can you tell me what that liquid you apply on before and after soldering is? Thanx!

[@jeffescortlx]

The clear liquid is rubbing alcohol

[@MrDandaman137]

@@jeffescortlx Thanx dude! Good techniques and good, clean solders!

[@traviswatkins8671]

So how does one get a cluster fixed by you? I have a 2001 Buick century and the miles and gear selector doesn’t display on mine. How can I get in contact you?

[@jeffescortlx]

Click on the link at the top of this comment section that says click here for contact information.

[@sellmycarsnj4412]

What is the remedy for getting the odometer lights working

[@jeffescortlx]

More than likely it has some fractured solder joints.

[@es0411]

where can I buy the connector so I can hook it up to a power supply?

[@jeffescortlx]

Junk yard/eBay.

[@RickyRicky405jrRamzan]

We dont want to go....

[@RandomInsano2]

Has anyone seen that level of pad damage before? I just can’t imagine what could have ruined so many. It seems like the lights were pushed from the other side or something.

[@jeffescortlx]

I see it several times a week. But then again I specialize in prior repair attempt GM clusters.

[@RandomInsano2]

But what causes it? A lot of us start as hobbyists and make mistakes, and I lifted a few pads in those days. Considering you’re able to scrape the solder mask off I’m surprised every light that was changed was damaged. I’d be interested in hearing how the customer damaged it.

[@jeffescortlx]

@@RandomInsano2 It's a combination of too much heat for too long and physical pulling on the pads.

[@bigangelo77]

Can you please recommend where to get the lights from and what kind

[@jeffescortlx]

A lot of stepper motor kits include them. But they are just automotive voltage 4.7mm 100mA bulbs.

[@bigangelo77]

@@jeffescortlx do you recommend anywhere to buy those I have a 2005 Buick LeSabre

[@jeffescortlx]

@@bigangelo77 any of the big electronic suppliers will do fine.

[@brendanwest1542]

Where did you get those needles in the gauges?

[@jeffescortlx]

I got them from ShenZhen DoDo Technology Co.,Ltd.

[@laser4117]

Where can I find info about cluster programming and CAN integration? I want to make a racing simulator.

[@jeffescortlx]

That's a good question, but I don't have a good answer. Besides going to school for it, look forward to hours and hours googling stuff. That's how I found what I needed.

[@ODCDragon88]

$50.00 to repair a cluster! $50.00 to repair anything I would run from that price, especially a cluster. LoL Now you can go, bye! Now that was funny, gave me a great laugh at the end..... "I don't care where you go but you can't stay here!!!" LoL

[@jeffescortlx]

The services on eBay are very competitive, and some people are willing to work for really cheap. But I'm thankful I don't have to compete with that market.

[@fordguy001]

That cluster looks like it’s made for old people.

[@mikeadams5432]

You're old people

[@freidonnagarvin3430]

After you finished, why doesn’t it show the mileage?

[@jeffescortlx]

It is showing, left hand side.

[@JxH]

Comedy ending. :-)

[@TheRealFrankWizza]

Bro, in the very next video you talk about how you're supposed to start from the top when you're removing the lens.

[@jeffescortlx]

Depends on the year model. Some of the older ones you start at the back.

[@freidonnagarvin3430]

…and how can you get the mileage to show?

[@jeffescortlx]

It is showing, look to the left. Says 116k mi.

[@jeremydewolfe8026]

Lol. Still cool.

[@Squiidgy]

anyone have a buick lesabre without an rpm meter? 👀

[@yzaragoza1255]

So this is not a do it yourself project cause mine just the light I want to change

[@jeffescortlx]

It can be, just depending on your skill ability.

[@tirbomax]

bye...i'm going now! lol

[@chuckpatten7855]

Pointer length...?

[@jeffescortlx]

The needle pointers I had to use were too long, and needed to be trimmed up a bit.

[@chuckpatten7855]

@@jeffescortlx probably just camera angle made them appear to still be too long when you wrapped up. My bad for not being clear.

[@jeffescortlx]

@@chuckpatten7855 I see. It's very possible they are still longer than OEM. But I did make sure there was enough clearance to not collide with the bezel.

[@chuckpatten7855]

No worries, once upon a time I was trained as.an instrument repairman. Fun times...!!

[@JasonWaltonDriveAlong]

Well whoever it was that attacked it with a meat cleaver, clearly has no pride in their work! Shame!

[@jeffescortlx]

Just to clear it up, the place that it was originally sent to for repair didn't do anything to it (besides keeping the needles and new stepper motors) they sent it right back unrepaired. The original owner of the vehicle caused the damage from a repair attempt with out having the proper tools.

[@vernonland5987]

Pads are so unnecessary.

[@punker4Real]

if they steal shit they should be outted