International Instrument Cluster Repair [All You Need to Know]

by Logeix Agency June 2, 2022

ISS Automotive can complete repairs on several International Instrument Clusters using our expert team.

It's important to use a specialized cluster company in order to ensure the repair is done correctly and that you will have a proper warranty.

Click here to see our options >

What to look out for with repair services?

A lot of people today opt to get their instruments and gauges repaired instead of just replacing them because it is a much cheaper option. However, not all places you find in the yellow pages would be able to provide a good service, some may even do more damage to your instruments. You have to look out for these things when choosing who to get your instruments repaired from.

An expert in restoring gauges back to their former glory should be your primary concern. A lot of people have the wrong mindset that just because they are listed as a car repair shop, they can do the instrument cluster repair. You need a specialized company.
The second thing is they are not just an expert in gauges, but also have the knowledge on how to test them before and after the repair. This is important so you will know that they are not taking good care of your gauges when it is in the shop.
A good instrument cluster repair center should also have excellent customer service to ensure that you are satisfied with the job and the process as a whole. You can just read reviews, or ask for recommendations from friends and family who have had their gauges repaired already.
Review helpful tips for gauges care. Keeping your instruments in great condition would make sure you don't need repairs anytime soon, so it is important to brush up on your knowledge of how to care for them.

Why is my instrument panel not working?

There are several reasons why your instrument panel would suddenly go out on you, but the most common is because of loose wiring connection.

This makes sense because it is the wires that connect your gauges to your car's electrical system, and because they are always moving around due to vibrations.

Another reason would be the cluster itself is faulty, but that only happens if it has been through rough conditions or if you have had some water damage.

A third reason would be your speedometer is most likely the problem if all of a sudden, you find out that your gas gauge and battery meter are not working as well. This is because the electronic speedometers have a bad connection, so you will need to have those checked as well.

Can you repair an international instrument cluster?

Yes you can, as long as it is still in a working condition. Once they are completely non functional, then you would have to buy a completely new one if you want to use it again. The reason is international instrument clusters are usually very costly, so replacing them would be much cheaper.

It is not likely that you would find an international instrument cluster, but it has happened. It was because of a used car dealership who thought they could replace it with an Asian instrument cluster and no one would be the wiser.

Car dealerships need to know that they cannot just take any part they want in order to have their cars looking nice. It is important that they check with the previous owner or just buy a new one because it saves them money.

Is it simple to solder a circuit board for international clusters?

Soldering the circuit board of international instrument clusters may be easy for some people, but it can get complicated if you don't know what you are doing. Even if you are an expert in soldering, it is still better to have a professional do the job because they will be using lead-free solder.

This type of solder is much better for the environment, but it doesn't have as much heat conductivity when compared to lead-based solder. This means that you have to be more careful when you are doing your soldering, or else it will not work out as planned.

Who has the best international instrument cluster repair service?

There are many good shops that specialize in international instrument cluster repairs, so it is important to know who will do the best job for you. Make sure to check on their background first, and see if they have a lot of experience working with these clusters.

They would also need the right tools and equipment to do a first-class job because these instruments can be very sensitive. You will need to know what kind of warranty is good enough for you because that would also affect your decision.

How much does an international cluster repair cost?

The cost of international cluster repairs will depend on the condition of your cluster. If you have a damaged one, then it can be very costly to have it repaired. If your damaged cluster is still in working condition, then you may be able to get away with just having the connections checked to see if it can still be used.

In both cases, you will need to have the correct solder used on the circuit board because international clusters cannot be repaired with lead-based solder anymore. You can visit here for more information on how to do it yourself, but keep in mind that the cost of professional repairs is still much cheaper.

Click here to read Long Sleeve Chevy Shirts >

Is it illegal to change instrument cluster?

It is not illegal to change your international instrument cluster, but you will need to get a certificate of conformity in order for it to be legal. This certificate states that your vehicle meets or exceeds all emissions standards in your country or state.

If you do not have this certificate, then you may need to get a new emissions system installed on your vehicle because it can help you pass emissions tests. Same problem with converting the cluster to metric.

Why are my gauges not working in my truck?

If your gauges are not working in your truck, then you may need to check on the circuit board inside of it. These boards can get corroded at times, and that can seriously affect the performance of the gauges. This is when you will need to potentially get a repair.

If your circuit board is still in good shape, then you will need to have it reprogrammed so that the gauges can work again. It may take a little bit of time, but you will still save a lot of money in the long run.

Where is the fuse for the instrument cluster?

Most international instrument clusters have their own fuse inside of the unit, but it can also be placed in a different location. It all depends on your vehicle's design, so you will need to check on your vehicle's manual in order to see the exact location where the fuse is placed. Plugging it in and out can also reset the cluster, but if that does not work then you will need to reprogram the unit using a scanning device.

If you have any other questions about our international instrument cluster repair, then you should ask your mechanic or dealership first so you know more about what you need to do.

Most instrument clusters have a reset button that you can use if the mileage is not right. These buttons are usually placed somewhere on the cluster itself, but it may be hidden behind the radio. If you can't find the reset button on your cluster, then you will need to use a scanning device in order to reset it.

What does it mean when your dashboard stops working?

Your dashboard may stop working because the circuit board inside has stopped working. It isn't very complicated to fix the problem, but it can be a little bit expensive. You should do some research on how much it will cost to repair the gauge cluster, and then decide if you want to use an independent mechanic or dealership. Review helpful tips on international instrument cluster repair.

Click here to read Freightliner Tach and Speedometer Not Working >

How do you know if your international dash cluster is bad?

Your international dash cluster may be bad if it does not turn on when you try to use all of the dials and gauges in your car. If this is the case, then you will need to have it checked or replaced right away.

Why is my dash cluster not working?

Your dash cluster may not be working because the circuit board inside of it is no longer working. This can happen after a few years if you don't take care of your dash cluster. If you have an international car, then the circuit board inside might just need to be reprogrammed so that the dials and gauges start working again.

What controls the gauge cluster?

The gauge cluster is controlled by the circuit board inside of it. If you need to know how to replace this circuit board, then you will need to have a professional mechanic do it for you. Original cluster repair is the only way to make sure that everything works out in the end.

How do you test an instrument cluster?

You can test an instrument cluster by using a scanning device that is made for testing these types of components. If the scanner does not work, then you will need to use a multimeter instead. This will allow you to test the gauges and the circuits, so you can see if they are working properly or not.

Is there a fuse for the instrument panel?

Most instrument panels have a fuse that is made just for them. If the fuse keeps on blowing, then you will need to have a professional mechanic put in a new one for you. This is because the initial fuse might not be compatible with the circuit board inside of the instrument panel. The ground cable is very important.

How do you reset an instrument panel?

An instrument panel can be reset by turning on the car and letting it run until it heats up. Once the dashboard lights turn off, then you will need to turn off the car. Let it cool down for a little while, and then you can turn it on again. If this does not work, then you will need to have the circuit board replaced since it is most likely broken.

International truck instrument cluster repair

Truck gauges are controlled by the computer of the vehicle. If you hear a clicking noise from under the dash when you turn on your truck, then this is what tells you that the problem is electronic in nature. The computer controls everything on your truck, so it will need to be programmed to work with the new instrument cluster.

If you don't want to spend a lot of money, then it is best to replace your broken cluster with a used one. It is fully functional and in good working order, so it will save you a lot of money in the long run.