2001 Larson Gauge Cluster - LCD Display

[tayloe]

2001 Larson LXI 190 - Volvo Penta 4.3 GL

I just recently started to adjust some of the setting on my LCD display on my gauge cluster. I don't know what I did to it. But it started going south. I have a 'Mode' and 'Adjust' button on the dash for changing settings; time, trip duration, etc. I followed the directions outlined in my one page guide that came with the boat. But the sequence of button pushing was intermitant at best. It seemed as though a signal was sent without me pushing the 'Adjust' button, thus the settings would change without my input. My depth finder is in that system, which this issue pretty much disabled its use, not to mention all the other readings/settings.

I disassembled the spring loaded 'mode' and 'adjust' buttons, they looked very clean and functional.

I pulled the cluster out of the dash and found nothing obvious, i.e. rusty corroded connections, loose connections, etc. Now I have the cluster in front of me, but don't know where to start diagnosis. I can take the thing apart and check for a low memory battery and hope that will fix the grimlins.

Any suggestions?? The only identifying marks on the cluster: 1 912 220 227B Larson I/O W/TRIM Rev. 3.1 2901 "S6" The cluster has a Speed, Tach, Batt, Fuel, Oil Pres, Temp, Trim, and LCD Display with Trip, HRS, F/C water temp, MI, KM, Meters, Feet, Time.

Thank you.

 

[tayloe]

Re: 2001 Larson Gauge Cluster - LCD Display

To reply to myself on this issue, and for general information.

My gauge cluster is a VDO/Siemens brand. VDO/Siemens sent me over to ATS (Advanced Technical Services) to fix my problem. They informed me of electrical spikes during ignition causes overload to some of the diodes and other electrical devices on the gauge board. The overloaded electronics send funny signals to the processor, which screws up the mode and adjust buttons, as described above in the original post.

So, to keep these spikes out of the cluster, VDO/Siemens offer a MCIU (Marine Cluster Isolation Unit) for $60 plus $7 shipping and handling. This device buffers or filters out these spikes. It is simple a wire harness that connects to the back of your cluster, then connects to the existing wire harness in your boat.

ATS will replace the overloaded electronics for $150. You just send them the cluster with a note, couple weeks later your back in business.

ATS - Advanced Technical Services
735 Kimberly Dr.
Carol Streams, IL 60188
800-323-4813

VDO/Siemens
800-265-1818

Hope this may help some one.

 

[Moku'ula]

Re: 2001 Larson Gauge Cluster - LCD Display

Hello Tayloe,

I imagine this is a long shot - since you posted over a year ago, but did you buy the MCIU and did it resolve the issues?

Did you have to send your cluster to them for added repairs?

Please let me know (or if anyone else has worked through their VDO cluster issues - please advise)...

Thanks.

Jef
Boating makes my wife like me again... or at least she smiles.

 

[MarineClusterRepair]

Re: 2001 Larson Gauge Cluster - LCD Display

Hello Moku'ula (Jef),

This is ATS, the company that sells the VDO marine cluster MCIU. Give us a call at 8003234813, ext. 3018 or ask of the Customer Care Department so we can help you. We still sell the MCIU's and repair VDO marine clusters. You can also email me at vbalasbas@ats4solutions.com.

ATS-Vic