Experiencing issues with your 1999 Plymouth Gran Voyager’s instrument cluster can be frustrating and even concerning. A malfunctioning instrument panel can lead to a loss of vital information while driving, affecting safety and your ability to monitor your vehicle’s health. If you’re facing this problem, particularly in conjunction with OBD2 codes P1695 and P1698, you’re not alone. These codes, while not directly pointing to the instrument cluster, can be related to communication and module issues within your van’s electronic system, sometimes manifesting as instrument cluster failures.
One common scenario reported by owners of the 1999 Plymouth Gran Voyager, especially those with the 3.3-liter engine, involves intermittent or complete instrument cluster failure. Symptoms can include gauges going dead, warning lights malfunctioning, and even issues with other electronic components like the overhead console or rear windshield wiper. Interestingly, temporary fixes like physically striking the dashboard have been known to bring the instrument cluster back to life, albeit briefly. This suggests a potential connection issue or a component sensitive to vibration within the dashboard area.
One owner’s experience highlights a common troubleshooting path and a potentially cost-effective solution. Initially, when faced with a failing instrument cluster alongside issues with the overhead console and rear wiper, a repair shop suspected a faulty Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM is a central computer that manages various body electronics, and its failure could theoretically cause a wide range of problems. However, replacing the BCM with a used unit, a measure taken to reduce cost, did not resolve the issue. This underscores the complexity of diagnosing electrical problems and the risk of misattributing the fault.
Further investigation and a bit of DIY spirit led to the discovery of a simpler and cheaper fix. After experiencing continued instrument cluster failures and noticing the “pounding the dash” temporary fix, the owner suspected a localized problem within the instrument cluster itself. Upon removing the instrument cluster, it was determined that power was reaching the unit, but not passing through it correctly. The solution? A used instrument cluster sourced from a salvage yard for a mere $45. Replacing the faulty cluster with the used one completely resolved the problem, restoring full instrument panel functionality and related electronic features.
This experience provides valuable insight for owners of a 1999 Plymouth Gran Voyager 3.3L encountering instrument cluster problems, especially when considering OBD2 codes P1695 (EEPROM Write Denied) and P1698 (PCM failure or SCI Bus Fault). While these codes point towards potential issues with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or communication networks, they can sometimes be indirectly related to instrument cluster malfunctions. A failing instrument cluster or its connections could, in some cases, trigger communication errors or be a symptom of broader electrical system glitches that also affect the PCM or BCM communication.
While a faulty BCM or PCM should not be ruled out immediately, especially when OBD2 codes like P1695 and P1698 are present, this real-world example suggests that the instrument cluster itself should be considered as a potential point of failure in 1999 Plymouth Gran Voyagers. Before embarking on more expensive repairs like BCM or PCM replacement, particularly if symptoms align with intermittent instrument cluster issues and temporary fixes like tapping the dashboard work, investigating and potentially replacing the instrument cluster with a used unit is a worthwhile and potentially budget-friendly step. Always ensure proper diagnosis and consult with a qualified mechanic to accurately pinpoint the root cause of your vehicle’s electrical problems, but don’t overlook the instrument cluster as a possible culprit, especially in older vehicles like the 1999 Plymouth Gran Voyager.
