2005 Aston Martin DB9 - Instrument Cluster Problem

[8436mike]

I have 2005 Aston Martin DB9 and there is a problem with the instrument display cluster. The part of the display in the red box is showing two screen overlayed. It is supposed to be showing only the speed but as you can see it is also displaying the words AVERAGE SPEED and KM/ . Also the speed does not reflect the actual speed which is about 70MPH as can be seen on the analogue display on the left. I have tried all the settings with no luck even T1 and T2 computers the display stays the same. Is this an instrument cluster problem or something elsewhere? If it is instrument cluster anyone know how much is the fix in the UK and how long does it take?

[paulrog1]

Has your tracker been disconnected?

I know it can send corrupted signals through the CANBAS system.

Other than that I'd say you've got a fault with the instrument cluster, there are some secondhand units available but you will need to go to a garage with AMDS for coding.

[8436mike]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the reply.

No I've not disconnected the tracker although I do have a separate tracker that I fitted to the car about 8 years ago and I've not had any problems until now so I doubt it is tracker related.

The "overlaying" display seems to have started about 6 months ago but I can't link anything to cause it. I did get a new battery about that time but I've tried disconnecting the battery and leaving it overnight then reconnecting but it's still the same.

Interestingly however I am now getting an "Oil Level Low" warning but the oil level is on Max on the dip stick and I do have the correct dipstick in. My car is a 2005MY so doesn't even have an oil level monitoring sensor !!! I am due to do an oil change shortly so will have the undertray off and will check the oil pressure switch as I know these are prone to going faulty maybe this is triggering something, it's a swine to get at though as it's tucked up behind cyl #6 at the back of the engine.

The engine runs great and there is no hint of any oil starvation so I am putting it down to possibly to do with the instrument cluster playing tricks.

I think I can get the cluster repaired for about £600 but was hoping for someone saying "Oh you just do this, this and this and Bob's your uncle"!!!

Looking more like I'm going to have to dig deep in my pockets.

Anyone else got any ideas please.

Cheers,
Mike

[Davil]

I know likely not an ideal solution but did you try switching the setting that lets you put the speed on the left hand side? At least you can see how fast you are going that way as the gauge scale is of course ornamental.

[DB9S Paul]

Davil said:

I know likely not an ideal solution but did you try switching the setting that lets you put the speed on the left hand side? At least you can see how fast you are going that way as the gauge scale is of course ornamental.

Never heard of this, later cars had it on the other side but i don't think its switchable.

[chrzesm]

You need to reflash DIM with correct calibration file - AMDS tool is necessary.

[8436mike]

Wasn't aware there was a feature to put the speed display on the left, maybe as mentioned this feature is on later cars. Will check when I'm home in my manual.
Thanks all for the comments ...... still feels like I'm going to have to throw £s at it though.
Cheers Mike

[Davil]

8436mike said:

Wasn't aware there was a feature to put the speed display on the left, maybe as mentioned this feature is on later cars. Will check when I'm home in my manual.
Thanks all for the comments ...... still feels like I'm going to have to throw £s at it though.
Cheers Mike

Ah, maybe. Mine is VH MY18 and it is in the setup controls on the infotainment screen.
Maybe there is some sort of older method to achieve it?

[LTP]

Davil said:

Ah, maybe. Mine is VH MY18 and it is in the setup controls on the infotainment screen.
Maybe there is some sort of older method to achieve it?

On older cars without the setup options menu in the DIM the answer is usually you need AMDS