Instrument Cluster Flashing On and Off

SeaDweller · 08-09-2018, 05:29 AM

1998 Boxster with Tip. 37,XXX miles.

Out of the blue during a drive the other day, all the lights on the instrument cluster started flashing on and off, and the gauges went dead, aside from some errant twitching. It almost goes on and off like it's on a blinker relay. See video below please.

https://youtu.be/4DezdcUzGAg

Here's the troubleshooting I've done so far:

1. Disconnected the battery, reconnected it, and followed the re-connection procedure.
2. Pulled fuses B1, B10 and E1. All good.
3. Pulled the instrument cluster and removed/reinstalled the plugs.
4. Checked the electrical operation of other components. Everything works fine.
5. Confirmed in my records that the ignition switch was replaced in 2011.
6. The ignition switch operates smoothly, but that doesn't mean the electrical portion is still good.

Is is possible that the electrical portion of the ignition switch has failed again? I would think there would be other symptoms other than just the cluster issue.

Any troubleshooting tips would be most appreciated!

SeaDweller · 08-13-2018, 05:36 AM

I can't be the only one this has happened to!

Aron in Toronto · 08-13-2018, 10:58 PM

I had a similar occurrence caused by faulty electrical portion of the ignition switch. It was also on its second switch when this happened.

SeaDweller · 08-14-2018, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aron in Toronto

I had a similar occurrence caused by faulty electrical portion of the ignition switch. It was also on its second switch when this happened.

Thanks! I replaced the switch last night, and that didn't correct the problem unfortunately, so back to the drawing board.