Instrument Cluster Repair Suggestions Please

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Hybrid Hobo, Oct 7, 2022.

  1. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2018
    185
    48
    0
    Location:
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I've posted about my cluster issues numerous times here, so no need to rehash the details again. Bottom line, the cluster is not working and I'm scheduled to get it fixed by a company on the 18th of this month.

    My questions are...

    When they fix the cluster, does the original mileage remain the same?

    If not, is it worth paying extra to have them refresh/recalibrate it to the original mileage?

    Once this shop repairs the cluster, are there any other steps they need to do outside of that, like reprogramming of any systems, resetting anything, etc.?

    This outfit specializes in cluster repair, and I'm sure they know what they're doing, but I want to get my money's worth, and also be certain they don't miss anything that's needed/critical. So, any tips/suggestions/advice you can offer would be appreciated.
     
    #1 Hybrid Hobo, Oct 7, 2022
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    25,682
    16,776
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    As long as they're actually repairing your cluster, not replacing it, I'd expect the odometer to stay the same. For real confidence, though, you'd want to confirm that with them.
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Oct 7, 2022
    Hybrid Hobo likes this.
  3. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2017
    5,302
    4,243
    0
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Do you care if the mileage is accurate?

    How much extra are they trying to charge, and if you skip the upsell, how close is the mileage on the used part that they'll swap in?

    If you DIY ordered a cluster with your exact mileage from texas hybrid batteries, how much would the "outfit" charge to install it?
    No.
    Take it into their physical shop, otherwise you may not have a way to make contact over future warranty claims.

    Will they replace at their expense the brittle plastic vents that might break during installation?

    Be sure to report back here with the "outfit", services received, total cost, etc.
     
    #3 SFO, Oct 7, 2022
    Hybrid Hobo likes this.
  4. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2018
    185
    48
    0
    Location:
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    SFO, thanks for the advice. Yes, I'm having it repaired at an actual walk-in shop. I'm doing this because (from what I've heard) taking the dashboard off is a beast of a job. I'd rather not deal with that. Especially being disabled on my right side due to a stroke. This place (link below) removes the dash, fixes the cluster, and then reinstalls everything. They charge $390 for that.

    As others have said, this is a VERY common issue on older Prius', and is usually the fault of a loose/bad capacitor that either needs to be resoldered or replaced.

    The reason I'm asking the questions I am, is because I want to be prepared if they tell me that it's not a capacitor problem, and maybe the whole board needs to be replaced or some other issue. I want to know everything that needs to be done and what my options are, as I'll essentially be at the mercy of this repair shop.

    Repair shop website: Instrument Cluster Repair & Car Electronics Repair & Sales | R T Grim Co
     
    #4 Hybrid Hobo, Oct 7, 2022
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)