2001 Ls 430 Instrument Panel

[Jokie]

I have a 2001 LS 430. The entire instrument panel cluster lights went out and the gauges stopped working. Has anyone seen this and what was root cause. I checked relevent fuses and everything seems OK. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[billydpowell]

try removing the neg batt cable for 15 seconds and reinstalling it... and let us know..

[Jokie]

Thanks for the reply billydpowell -

I removed the battery and had it load tested in a battery shop. Turns out it was bad. I bought and installed new battery. The instrument cluster lights came on just like normal. I drove the car about 20 miles and stopped. I checked the battery voltage with a volt meter. It was in the normal range. When I started the car, the instrument cluster lights were out again. I drove the car home, kept it running and tested the battery voltage and again it was in the normal range, about 13V. I removed the negative terminal for about a minute, reconnected it and started the car. Again the instrument cluster did not light up. Alternator load test indicates the alternator is charging properly. The car has been well maintained, garage kept with only 100K miles. Any ideas what might be the problem would be greatly appreciated.

[billydpowell]

I'm sorry I dont, but I read in another posting, all dash lights out. removed the cluster and tapped on the side and back and plugged it in and they were on again, and stayed on, he figured a loose connection.

he said the dealer wanted 2500 to fix the problem.

that is all I can tell you.. good luck