Instrument cluster failure on my 2355

[Jonny Watson]

The instrument cluster on my JD 2355 (1989-no cab) would work intermittently usually after running for an hour or so; it has now failed entirely. I have checked fuses and grounds connections. What is next?
Thank you
Jonny Watson
Fall Creek, OR

 

[Tx Jim]

When you state cluster quit do you mean everything quit including lights? When you stated you checked ground connections were you referring to cluster ground?

 

[Zebrafive]

I would check all the connections to the cluster for corrosion.

 

[grsthegreat]

Ive seen some pictures of the plug ends from different tractor instrument clusters on this post. all looks good from the outside, but once there unplugged, the terminals in the connectors are all corroded and nasty.

can you unplug your wiring harness on the cluster and take a look.

 

[Jonny Watson]

When you state cluster quit do you mean everything quit including lights? When you stated you checked ground connections were you referring to cluster ground?

Thank you for responding and for your interest.
I don't know where the cluster ground is. I have cleaned up four grounds (1 on the alternator, the 2 battery grounds, and 1 at the fuse bank).
More specifically, the speed hour meter, the coolant gauge, and the fuel gauge are the inopperable instruments. The lights are OK and the small lights that illuminate the instrument cluster function.

 

[jodyk]

Hi I just purchased a 2355 and the cluster was not working. The alternator finally died and I replaced it. Lo and behold if the cluster started to work again. It had something to do with the alternator. Hope this helps.

 

[ctlguy]

German engineering at its finest !! The cluster in 50 and 55 series utility tractors or more specifically the printed circuit board(s) is a common failure part for those machines. Not a very scientific test but normally a failed board on these will be blackened.