combination meter repair - DIY

Bold emphasis is mine.

 

There seems to be something of an opinion split over whether all of that work is necessary, or just replacing/increasing C3 generally does the trick.

 

OK, first major test of the repair. It was 42F this morning. The combo meter always fails when the temperature drops below 48F. It came on right away. If I recall correctly, when I did this repair the first time in Feb of 2024, it also worked when it got this cold. So, I might not know how permanent this fix is until next winter.

If it starts to fail again next winter, I will not only replace the caps but I'll also replace the voltage regulator.

 

My 2009 Instrument cluster always seemed to fail at random times, my roommate's 2007 instrument cluster seemed to always fail when the car was warm, and my 2006 seemed to fail the "final time" when the car was warm although also seemed to do the random thing. Was able to get it to work again but stopped at 7-11 to get a diet Pepsi and would not come on again. Always used the various tricks to get the cluster to work in my 2009. My roommate bought hers from a Toyota dealer so they replaced it as part of her purchase. I simply replace the capacitor in my 2006 and we have been having a number of 20 degree nights. So far it has been fine.

 

Interesting that the conditions under which the combo meter fails is different from car to car. In my car, it has been 100% low temperature related. My uncle gave me the car, and he never experienced the issue, because he always kept it garaged. Even in the winter, the garage doesn't get as cold as the outdoors. My garage, like most California homes, is used like a basement. LOL.