Charger Challenger EL Lighting Cluster Repair

[@jeffescortlx]

For quotes on repair service please email me at [e-mail]

[@WJHandyDad]

@2:25 mine buzzes too and has all those shadows too

[@WJHandyDad]

just watched the video again. I never tried anything with mine (police 160mph cluster). I'm tempted to pull it again and maybe try running a heat gun over it to see if that re-adheres it. If that doesn't work, do you know what adhesive they use?

[@Will.EastCoastGaugeRepair]

We've been patiently waiting for a Jeff upload lol

[@crashoverride328]

I will say I would have been tempted to run the original EL matrix through a laminator to see if that expunged the shadows since the problem seems to be caused by delamination.

[@frustro4323]

That's exactly how we sealed panels that would be cut on a plotter/cutter and multiple color layes for event advertising.

[@remiserriere]

Do you use glue to keep it sealed? If yes, what kind? Curious guy here ;)

[@frustro4323]

@@remiserriere Big 80's Aqua Net size red can 3M adhesive spray.

[@frustro4323]

Has to be a polymer based compound because the water based, well, humidity will just bond with it and come loose.

[@rodrigoperezcofre]

Can u send the link to buy this? plz!

[@rickheckbert2423]

Thanks for the videos, I really enjoy them. I belong to an online Sebring Convertible club. The 2nd gen Sebrings (2001-2006) had EL clusters and they all seem to eventually go dark. It almost always ends up being the inverter. Chrysler used EL clusters again in the 3rd Gen (2007 Sedan, 2008-2009 convertible) and people are starting to run into a similar problem with bad inverters. People are buying random inverters and having mixed results. Unfortunately the 3rd Gen clusters are also the BCM so replacement is expensive (because VIN, options and mileage are stored in cluster you can't put in a used one). Chrysler stopped using EL clusters and went with LED backlighting on the 2010 Sebring and 2011+ 200. There is a market, maybe small, for finding the correct replacement inverter for both 2Gs and 3Gs. We haven't really seen any issues with the EL film itself.

[@jeffescortlx]

Correct, here is my Sebring repair video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eampiql_q7uFqqs

[@accountanonymous8969]

You're a damn hero

[@zap2wil]

What is the link to these parts? How did you wire the direct connections to the OEM dimmer?

[@InvictaWatchGuy]

What is your top speed on the face? And blue or red color preference?

[@bradnoyes7955]

5:00 well ackchyually, air is a fluid, so yes there is a fluid under there

[@blue_ex3852]

Awesome video 🤘 looks awesome great work

[@chriscarvell126]

I cant find it on ebay where else could i try ?mine is bad love the dark face

[@remiserriere]

Couldn't you put the OEM face in a vacuum chamber to suck the air out? It would probably come back, of course... But I would have tried.

[@JustinKelly-bz4cc]

Was hoping for a link to this cluster

[@jeffescortlx]

Sorry this cluster isn't for sale. It belongs to a customer.

[@kensurfs]

Happening to my 2012 challenger too

[@xeey-3073]

did you solve it?

[@georgeharleydavidsonrider156]

Thank You 🙏🏼

[@10100rsn]

That's awesome! I've got mine out now and I'm trying to just figure out which pins I put power and ground to just to light it up like you did. I have the service manual but it is a damn chore to search through... Any chance you'd know which pins on the grey and white connector need power to light it up?

[@10100rsn]

Looks like: Gray connector: Pins 2, 14 and 15 are ground. White connector: Pin 14 is B+(IOD) and 15 is the run start signal... I had it right, just needed to wait long enough for it to boot.

[@jeffescortlx]

@@10100rsn Yes this looks to be correct when the back of the cluster is facing you, the power pins will be in the far bottom right hand corner of the larger section of the white connector. And ground is in the top right corner of the gray connector (large half).

[@houseofno]

Thanks for sharing.

[@usiel1103]

Look great, quick question did it work after all no troubles in the future ?

[@jeffescortlx]

As far as I know it's still working. I haven't gotten any call back complaints from this customer. So usually no news is good news.

[@JM-qh5zi]

Is there a link to the part purchased from ebay?

[@mrlee568477]

Hey great video, I have a 2008 charger with burnt out hvac control back lights, please tell me you have a LED upgrade solution??

[@jeffescortlx]

I don't believe I've had a climate control apart for the charger yet. I'm not sure which package size LEDs they use.

[@annierenard5954]

welcome back !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Rennyblood10]

can you show us how you wired it up to the original cluster so I can do mine

[@jeffescortlx]

This cluster isn't with me anymore, I can get more detailed on the next video I make on this. I just soldered the new EL panel to where the old EL panel hooked up. I ran the new split panels in series.

[@dc-wp8oc]

Dakota doing the same thing. Are you saying this condition cannot be "repaired"? Wanted to keep the stock look and didn't want to take a chance with salvage yard replacement.

[@jeffescortlx]

Dakota? What year?

[@dc-wp8oc]

@@jeffescortlx 2011

[@jeffescortlx]

@@dc-wp8oc if that cluster uses electroluminescence and not leds, I do not see any aftermarket third party faces available. You might have to go with a used unit.

[@BowtieClusters]

Have you repaired the challenger cluster with an issue no power lock function.

[@jeffescortlx]

No, I have not.

[@frustro4323]

Since you have a spare inverter you can get a sheet of EL panel from Adafruit (ladyada) or elsewhere for pretty cheap. cut it with some shears to any shape then with a little scraping to expose the substrate you can solder your leads and play with it.

[@chuckvoss9344]

Wondering if you measured voltage, current and inverter waveform of the old and new displays. How careful do you have to be with these things. Good job on saving the cluster.

[@jeffescortlx]

Nope. I took the gamble. I just let it run for the afternoon. No angry call back from the customer yet so I assume it's still going. This was filmed 3 months ago.

[@ASHOTOFINSANITY]

My car had this issue went i bought it... I was thinking that buzzing I heard was the dimmer switch but i never thought to tinker with the gauge overlays cause it seemed to complicated... Might give this a try though....

[@kurtskicks2808]

What do you have hooked up to check the cluster? I swapped mine out only to have an issue with it and I’d like to test my next one before I put it in. It looks like you just have one wire running to that back to produce the electricity needed to run it. Any info would be helpful and greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@jeffescortlx]

I don't have the PIN numbers, but the bottom right hand side of the large white connector you need to connect positive to the two bottom right hand pins, one is battery constant and the other is ignition. Ground is on the dark colored connector top right hand corner of the large connector is ground.

[@RichManSCTV0]

What is the inverter that you had to use with it?

[@jeffescortlx]

Do you mean what inverter was I supposed to use or what inverter did I use?

[@mikehundley1405]

Do you still offer this repair service?

[@jeffescortlx]

Yes

[@GamingwithKandA]

My cluster has been a nightmare for 2 years now. Loud whining noise, 1 gage with no lighting the other 3 with massive "shadows" and intermittently blacking completely out at night. The fuse for the instrument panel is so hot you can't touch it. Last night it finally completely failed.

[@jeffescortlx]

Sounds like it's time to get it fixed.

[@NoName-yr1jv]

Nice fix 👍

[@danielcram4734]

When wiring to the stock board is there a polarity to take note of? It’s hard to tell in the video red or black and how to connect it to the stock location. Thanks for any help.

[@jeffescortlx]

The electroluminescence panel runs on AC, polarity not critical.

[@danielcram4734]

@@jeffescortlx thank you so much

[@Barbaratio]

I'm interested in getting into dash repair, I'm really good with soldering and desoldering. I've done a couple GM clusters but had to continually run out to the vehicle to get them calibrated. Any recommendations on equipment that I should purchase to make it easier and advice on wiring? I know that with some GM clusters the needle sits below 0.

[@jeffescortlx]

m.facebook.com/amarilloclusterrepair/ Makes plug and play testers

[@jamesworth8001]

@@jeffescortlx do you do repairs for 2007 yukon denali? I think I need a stepper for the oil gauge.

[@jeffescortlx]

@@jamesworth8001 the new body style don't have defective stepper motors like the classic/06 and older. You have actual oil pressure issues with that 07 engine.

[@jamesworth8001]

@@jeffescortlx the oil pressure went from normal, then pinged 80 psi for a second, then dropped to zero and hasn't moved. I changed the sending unit/pressure sensor and it still doesn't move at all. I would think if I had actual oil pressure issues, it wouldn't have went up to 80 before quitting. Thoughts?

[@jeffescortlx]

@@jamesworth8001 might be a wiring issue. What does a scan tool read for oil pressure?

[@ethanwatson5812]

Do you still fix these for people? I need mine replaced!

[@jeffescortlx]

Yes I do

[@ethanwatson5812]

@@jeffescortlx what's your contact information?

[@jeffescortlx]

​@@ethanwatson5812kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipCViKGAgtiNl7csi=-IikOktG_ez5VmsO

[@banjo-boy-montreal126]

There is a guy from Romania that sells a replacement inverter for the Sebring it's like $80 and it works surprisingly well.

[@jeffescortlx]

But with the Charger/Challenger it's not the inverter that's the problem. It's the face.

[@manuelperez317]

Donde los compraste bro ?

[@jeffescortlx]

eBay

[@shaneallen437]

How are the cluster odometer doing now? They working still, any problems? My challenger has this problem and I want to change them

[@jeffescortlx]

So far the replacement electroluminescent faces haven't gotten any callbacks. So far so good.

[@shaneallen437]

@jeffescortlx alright good thanks for the update

[@FabizR]

Do you offer this service for the SRT8 2009 as well?

[@jeffescortlx]

I only have the 140 mph black with blue or red accent coloring. I don't have any specialty trim model gauge faces.

[@stevenkuder614]

Hi, can you send link or name of the instrument face you got? I have a 2009 charger that the backlighting is gone on.

[@jeffescortlx]

There are three different versions depending on the MPH range, x2. 3 being red and 3 being blue. Just do a search for "dodge challenger el face" and they will come up.

[@Kingmaine122]

Can you link it

[@cheesuschrist1477]

Are you anywhere near nj ?

[@jeffescortlx]

Not really.

[@cheesuschrist1477]

@jeffescortlx damn i just bought an srt today and it has this gauge nonsense

[@kamizzz1849]

Hi sir how are you I have dodge charger and dashboard light not working you have any idea what can I doo

[@jeffescortlx]

Yes, have you tried watching this video?

[@michaelbox7285]

Did you cut the lead to original panel?

[@jeffescortlx]

If I remember correctly that's what I did. I filmed this about 3 months ago. Took me a while to get to editing.

[@tomhorton8258]

If you don't mind me asking, where did you get the parts?

[@jeffescortlx]

1:40

[@jasonstrohecker2446]

@@jeffescortlx Do you offer the service of replacing the El face on a 2011 challenger? Thanks

[@jeffescortlx]

@@jasonstrohecker2446 yes

[@jasonstrohecker2446]

@@jeffescortlx I have a 2011 Srt8 Challenger and think I'm going to have issues finding an aftermarket EL face with 180mph speedo and SRT logo.

[@jeffescortlx]

@@jasonstrohecker2446 I only have the 140 mph black face on hand.

[@spiffyshadow]

please if you cant link this so i can purchase it. just a got a 2013 and it has this problem

[@jeffescortlx]

Go to eBay and in the search bar put in your car model/year and "Glow Gauge Overlay". You'll need to make sure you select the correct mph for your cluster.

[@InvictaWatchGuy]

​@@jeffescortlx About to install onto a 2010 SE, could you please verify how you used the extra material to construct an adapter enabling plug & play into the factory inverter? This video has been like a light at the end of a dark tunnel and it would mean a lot to know that I've done this properly. Thanks!

[@jeffescortlx]

​@@InvictaWatchGuyI just connected it directly to the original inverter. You can also just follow the original instructions that come with the replacement face if you're more comfortable that way.

[@InvictaWatchGuy]

​@@jeffescortlx3 days later and *this* is the reply I've been waiting for... what a joke. We know you connected it to the factory inverter, me and a dozen other people asked HOW. Why even post such an unhelpful reply?

[@jeffescortlx]

​@@InvictaWatchGuyI soldered it. At the 6 minute mark you can see the new wiring that I've added.

[@darrengretchko5468]

My 2010 SRT has the same problem, with the buzzing. Any idea if dealer will do an EL swap or will they just look to replace the whole unit?

[@jeffescortlx]

Dealerships don't repair clusters, they just swap the entire cluster assembly. And this typically requires programming.

[@Titanic19127]

I’m dealing with this issue! It’s spreading slowly into my speedometer. You still do these fixes? I’ve seen a place that does it for $200. I definitely need mine fixed. I have 2009 RT with the Road and Track performance group, and it has all the special info in the cluster.

[@jeffescortlx]

My service is comparable in cost. As long as I can get my hands on an acceptable replacement face I can offer the service.

[@Titanic19127]

@@jeffescortlx So it’s not even the lights. Literally the cover? What a flaw

[@Titanic19127]

@@jeffescortlx Honestly considering it. Not really anyone in NY who does it. At least in my area, and I really don’t want to buy a whole new cluster. Only other thing I can think of is if Dodge does it themselves which I’m unsure of.

[@jeffescortlx]

@@Titanic19127 yes for this style of cluster they don't use lights, LED's or light bulbs, to light it. Just an electroluminescence panel with the face printed on it.

[@Titanic19127]

@@jeffescortlx Are you still doing this now?

[@johnmac5037]

Been looking for the replacement part for a 2013 challenger can't locate it. Who sells it and what is the part number?

[@jeffescortlx]

Your looking for the face? Last time I looked they were on eBay, Amazon and USSpeedo for the non-EL face.

[@leonrush3702]

i can’t find one anywhere on ebay. you mind attaching the seller?

[@jeffescortlx]

The sellers name is bid4speedster

[@leonrush3702]

how to find on ebay? i can’t find it

[@Zack-wb6ll]

about to do my cluster just like this, gonna wire the faces together like you did and hook it up to my converter lol, i was looking through the comments to see if any issues had happened by using the factory converter cause the seller said not to do that due to low voltage but ill take the gamble as well lol

[@jeffescortlx]

So far so good.

[@Zack-wb6ll]

@@jeffescortlx did you have to Sodder the adpater to the circuit board?

[@Zack-wb6ll]

solder***

[@jeffescortlx]

@@Zack-wb6ll Yes if I remember correctly I soldered directly to the PCB a short pigtail/plug from the new replacement face harness.

[@Zack-wb6ll]

@@jeffescortlx this may sound dumb but where is the pcb located? 😬

[@carlosvalencia3388]

Can you repair a cluster from a 2014 ram 1500 7" evic premium

[@jeffescortlx]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqixl4Gul5uSo8k

[@carlosvalencia3388]

@@jeffescortlx what do you charge for this service?

[@jeffescortlx]

@@carlosvalencia3388 I'm sorry but I'm book up until the end of July 2021.

[@Kash-pina508]

I need this link

[@JT-cw8tk]

What's the part number for the ebay find?

[@jeffescortlx]

The eBay seller doesn't give it a part number. I've found it with just a description search.

[@rexworsham185]

Can I ship mine to you and have it fixed?

[@jeffescortlx]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipCViKGAgtiNl7c

[@AP9311]

Wow, wish you shown the video how you tapped to the factory cluster. Otherwise awesome video!!

[@jeffescortlx]

The board has a connector for the EL wiring, I just used that. Didn't even have to solder to the board. Plugs in.

[@AP9311]

@@jeffescortlx oh okay! Gotcha. Nice fix though. Looks nice even for ebay purchase!

[@jeffescortlx]

@@AP9311 quality of the eBay face was pretty good. I can recommend.

[@anthony2039]

@@jeffescortlx I’m stuck at this point. Any way I can contact you and send you a video. I have this exact cluster. Having issues gaining power to it.

[@jeffescortlx]

@@anthony2039 your cluster isn't turning on?

[@martinn406]

How can I contact you.

[@jeffescortlx]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipCViKGAgtiNl7c

[@The-Tactical-Plumber]

Can I ship you my cluster mine has not failed but I want those gauges without the extra wiring under the dash I need to get my cluster fixed first I have a p0462 if you can do both I’ll send it your way

[@jeffescortlx]

You want a new face installed even though yours is still lighting?

[@The-Tactical-Plumber]

@@jeffescortlx ya I have the p0462 code I swapped the fuel pump and sending unit I figured while the dash is out might as well

[@jeffescortlx]

@@The-Tactical-Plumber Yes I can fix that. But I'll need to know what version of the face you have to make sure I have the right one in stock. But I'm also booked out until February.

[@The-Tactical-Plumber]

@@jeffescortlx so my charger is the 160mph dash I bought the same backlight overlay from this video I haven’t driven the car in a while it’s a summer car I just recalibrated the gages by holding the trip button and key on power and the cel for the po462 is gone but if you have availability to swap the gauge faces

[@jeffescortlx]

@@The-Tactical-Plumber for current turn around time and price quote my contact information can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipCViKGAgtiNl7c

[@dc-wp8oc]

If this is a "manufacturing defect" and it seems common throughout the entire line of vehicles, then why hasn't there been a recall?

[@jeffescortlx]

That's a great question to ask Chrysler/dodge.

[@dc-wp8oc]

@@jeffescortlx was hoping that someone already had :)

[@jeffescortlx]

@@dc-wp8oc I assume if the vehicle is still under the manufacturer warranty they would cover it.

[@SDS-1]

Cobra Nightwatch CB radios have a very high failure rate of their EL faceplates too

[@jeffescortlx]

Curious if replacements are available?

[@SDS-1]

@@jeffescortlx there used to be but I don't know now. I don't have a radio that needs fixing at the moment. I was just thinking about the noise issue. On the CB radio s When the light went bad I really overload the driver and made the reception on the radio unless with 10db of noise

[@jeffescortlx]

@@SDS-1 EL lighting for a CB radio doesn't seem like the best choice in my opinion.

[@SDS-1]

@@jeffescortlx it's truly NOT

[@MPoe-cp5ew]

How much you charge 😆 🤣?

[@Lilrich2u2]

Hi there! You are definitely a inspiration! So I found where you got the panel cover, however all he has is up to 2010(I’ve got a 2012 Challenger). Do you think the 2010 would work? They look exactly the same however yours came in 2 pieces and the sellers pics appear to be one long piece. I tried emailing him before you, but still no response. Either way, thank you so much!!!

[@jeffescortlx]

Is it a EL face? Does it have wires coming off it?

[@Lilrich2u2]

First off, Im very sorry for the delay… i tried emailing the seller again asking very simple questions thinking maybe there was language issues on his part, but still no reply. Yes, there are two lines of wires coming off the bottom of his overlay.

[@xeey-3073]

did you ever figure it out i also have a 2012 challenger

[@snik2pl]

Should be parellel connection of el panels

[@jasonlang7229]

Would you be willing to make this repair for someone?, I can provide my contact info etc. Quote or how does someone contact you as a new customer?

[@jeffescortlx]

Yes I take in repairs from the lower 48 states. But unfortunately I'm currently at maximum capacity for repairs.

[@Dioimai]

@@jeffescortlx are you still?

[@jeffescortlx]

@@Dioimai quite honestly I'm usually backed up with work 95% of the time. But if you want to get the process started you can email me at [e-mail]

[@jasonlang7229]

@@jeffescortlx I am happy to wait for service , but I have tried your email recently with no word. We understand your busy , however what kind of time is your line before someone can expect to have a response to an email to get in line please sir?

[@jeffescortlx]

@@jasonlang7229 I replied to your email Sep 26, 2021, 8:31 PM. Check your spam folder if you don't see it.

[@rpsmith]

Try putting the bad one in a vacuum chamber for a while. Maybe heat it up first.

[@zx8401ztv]

Hmm not the best idea for illumination, EL panels do fade. They could of used a laptop lcd lighting assembly without the lcd layer. Low voltage and variable led brightness control Laptop led backlights seem quite reliable.

[@jeffescortlx]

EL can be reliable with a properly designed system. If dodge would have a setup with the EL panel of the Sebring but the inverter of a Charger they would have a solid system. I'm starting to see LED failure in early LED back lit clusters starting around 2007.

[@zx8401ztv]

@@jeffescortlx Dam!, seems like you can't win. You can always try gas mantles :D

[@jeffescortlx]

@@zx8401ztv I'm ready for nixie tube clusters.

[@RogerJG21]

someone said instead of doing all that work you should replace it with a 2015 or 2017 cluster they don't have that problem. is that true, I have a 2013 R/T doing that something yours is doing.

[@jeffescortlx]

If that year range is compatible (I haven't confirmed) a replacement will require programming. If the programming is done at the dealership, you can probably buy 3-4 faces for the cost of dealership programming, and that doesn't include the purchase price of the replacement cluster.

[@ellesmerewildwood4858]

The mind of man (engineers in this case) just seems determined to out-complicate the complicated that soon it'll be so complicated it'll be useless. Seriously, we went from light globes, to leds, to surface mount leds and now to this bullshit. I remember back in the day, one could drive into a service station, buy a new rubber for the wiper and be gone. Now you go to the auto parts store and there are walls and walls of wiper blades. I mean, how many different ways do we need to squeegee water off glass ? Ever since humans invented the wheel, engineers haven't stopped trying to find ways to make the wheel rounder. Just my fourteen cents.

[@gplusgplus2286]

My Volvo XC-90 has wiper blades with integrated water springlers on them,

[@dc-wp8oc]

Couldn't agree more. Over-engineered ad nauseum. The best solution is usually the simplest solution.

[@may2888]

Wow, that is a shame. It is so bad someone made a fix for it, because Dogde/Fiat would not?

[@jeffescortlx]

I have a feeling Dodge would be happy to sell an entire complete cluster, but I had no luck finding just the face from Dodge.

[@ecaparts]

Looks great. For sure the failure was due to delamination of the EL panel, so I wouldn’t see any reason why you couldn’t reuse the factory HV generator. BTW I have seen EL typically run on about 90-130V AC (not thousands). Thanks for the video.

[@frustro4323]

but at between 8k and 10k Hz

[@jeffescortlx]

I'll admit I'mm not very familiar with EL specifications. The bigger the panel the higher the voltage required?

[@frustro4323]

@@jeffescortlx voltage stays the same current draw increases. brightness is the frequency and that makes the high pitch noise you hear from the transformer. Some colors need more current and KHz like white and blue, red is more voltage, less current and freq iirc. It's been a few years. I should probably freshen up and shut up lol.

[@AmandaSargent-nd3kf]

Email sent!

[@jeffescortlx]

Email received

[@robinsattahip2376]

Chrysler = failure, they've made silly gimmicky cars for years.