2001 Cavalier Garbled Odometer

[phenyl]

Hi, The odometer/tripcounter of my 2001 Cavalier is garbled. If I push the reset-button, the odometer sometimes becomes somewhat readable for a split second, but the tripcounter stays garbled. (cf. attached picture) Did anyone here come across this problem and knows what a solution or repair would entail? Thanks for any hints.

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[Siliconasp]

If your car is running fine, and no OBD2 Codes present, this may just be a failure of the LCD screen for the Odometer / Trip. In that case, all you will need to do is replace the screen itself or Gage cluster. Time for a trip the the junk yard.

Worst case is that the ECU for the car is blown, and you have to replace it. As the Trip and Mileage are stored there.

[phenyl]

Dear Siliconasp,

thank you very much for the quick reply. I suspect that it is the screen, or the solder connections as the mileage is still there when pushing in on the reset-button. How involved would an exchange be? I do not have any repair manual yet (is Haynes the recommended one?) So I don't know whether it would be possible for me to do this at home with minimal tools, or if a trip with a lengthy stay to a garage would be involved?
I shall see if I can find a junk yard around here.

Thank you very much

Originally Posted by Siliconasp

If your car is running fine, and no OBD2 Codes present, this may just be a failure of the LCD screen for the Odometer / Trip. In that case, all you will need to do is replace the screen itself or Gage cluster. Time for a trip the the junk yard.

[Siliconasp]

Yeah this is not all the hard, just a pain in the butt.

You will need to pull the Battery and the Air Bag relay before doing anything else.

Full Dash removal


If it is the same as a 2000/2001 -
You will need a "Torx/Star" drill bit or driver to remover these screws...
(STEP1-)Open drivers door
(STEP2-)Use flathead screwdriver to pop-off panel where the fuse door is. (Pop the whole thing off...not just the fuse door)
(STEP3-)Unscrew the screw closest to the A/C vent
(STEP4-)On top of your dash, there are 2 or 3 screws with the Defrost vent...remove them and the vent
(STEP5-)Open passenger door
(STEP6-)Repeat step 2 (minus the fuse door DUH)
(STEP7-)Repeat step 3
(STEP8-)Open glove compartment
(STEP9-)There are 2 or 3 screws on the top perimiter of the glove box...remove them (STEP10-)Using a long screwdriver or nutdriver (not sure anymore), unscrew the two "brass-looking" screws INSIDE the glove box(on the roof of the glove box) they are right in the middle. DONT DROP THEM OR THEY WILL BE GONE FOREVER!
(STEP11-)That does it for the top part...just start pulling it off (If you here snaps, its normal. Because it is also held in by clips)
(STEP12-)Unscrew the screws all along the top of the front dash trim
(STEP13-)Now start pulling the dash trim away from the dash
(STEP14-)While it is off, you will have to unsnap the dimmer control (from behind) and unplug the cig lighter (From the back. Also, the actual lighter stays in the dash trim) ENJOY! and yes, you have to do steps 1 thru 11. if not, you will not be able to get to the screws holding on the front dash trim. It sounds tough. After you do it the first time, its no sweat. I have actually timed myself doing it in under 2 minutes...


As far as manuals go, Haynes would be the best choice.

http://www.haynes.com/products/productID/180

More Reference at J-Body.org

http://www.j-body.org/library/