996.1 Gauge Cluster issues - Digital solutions?

I have a 1999 996.1 C2 that has a bad gauge cluster. When I hit bumps sometimes it will mostly stop working, some of the digital stuff will still show. When I wack the top it will start back up again. It also has a brake wear light on all the time. A previous shop said they didn't figure out why it wont turn off and thought it was part of the cluster issue. I just bypassed all the brake wear sensors and still there as well. What years / cluster codes will fit into this a 1999 C2? I'm guessing that is the best way to go, but I don't want to order something that won't fit. **one options I would really be interested in is replacing my dash with a digital dash. Anyone seen anything like that before, I haven't found any information so i'm guessing it is not likely. Thanks, Tyler

Unless you are already doing a bunch of other major mods to the car that warrants a digital dash's features, that's a lot of money for a net loss of functionality. Digital dashes nowadays are easier to hook up - ECU outputs are often CANBUS plus one tach signal in - but integration to chassis electronics like status lights and whatnot is not universally solved. The stock gauges can be replaced for way less than what it would take to hook up even a basic (but name-brand and reliable) digital dash like an AEM CD-7.

I would check the connectors at the back of the gauge console. You need to pull the gauge cluster out. Not a terribly difficult job. The connectors have little plastic arms to lock them into place and that plastic gets brittle over time and breaks. For that matter, all plastic gets brittle over time, so be aware. Loose connectors could be the issue. If not, a used cluster is an option, but you need to consider the odometer. Consult your dealer on that. As Circuit.Heart said, going third-party just brings on more problems like the odometer. That may not be an issue if this is a track-only car not driven on the street.

Thanks. I guess I will take the cluster out first, see if I can find anything and at least I can see the exact part number as well. Was trying to avoid it little out of laziness but seems the way to go. Thanks

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THIS ^^^ Many(most) electrical problems can be traced back to bad connections. I'd remove cluster plugs, check all pins/sockets, straighten repair as needed, clean and lubricate. Then reassemble firmly inserting each connector till it fully seats/snaps in. From your description, sure sounds like a bad connection... jno

New connectors on order. That would be great if this is the issue. Thanks for the help

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You're welcome.. Why order parts before you know for sure you need them...? Have you taken it apart previously and seen damaged beyond repair connectors..? Could be a simple fix of plugging in a lose connector/plug, or straightening out a bent pin or 2. Again, take it apart and you might be surprised how easy the fix is.... Or not. Only way to tell is to look at it carefully and try.

I prefer to have anything I might need on hand, especially if its a relatively inexpensive item. I have a habit if breaking things I try to fix and sometimes getting stuff I need, especially in Hawaii can be a hassle.

Having new ones on hand is smart because those housings break if you look at them funny.

I'd probably do the same thing if the price was right, especially living in Hawaii. Even getting parts from a dealer 3 hours away from me can take the better part of a week in the states.

Did you try deoxit?

All the clips were broken in some way. Replaced with new ones and working like normal again. Before I bought the car I talked to the shop owner that had been working on this car for the past 10 years, he said he wanted to send the cluster to get fixed for the previous owner, about 1k job to fix the issue. Ended up being 100$ connectors and 20 minutes of work, probably won't be taking my car to that shop. Thanks for the help, now off to other issues.