Hey guys....

[Babidi]

This is my first post and I thought I would ask some questions. So I can get the answers from the experts.

I have a 92 lincoln continental Signature series. The problem is it constantly starts this beeping noise and CHECK DCL starts flashing. Is this hard to fix? I'm thinking its not a big problem cause the only thing it seems to affect is the DTE goes to ------- instead of the actual miles. Am I correct?

Please post your answers.

Thanks.

*Edit* sorry...forgot I had another question lol...I have a rattle like noise coming from the front passenger area. Someone told me it was a bar underneath the car. I took it to a mechanic and he said it looks great for being a 92 lincoln. Anyone ever had this problem?

 

[Frankie X]

I'm sorry to tell you, it ISN'T a big problem, but fixing it often is. It means that the PCM and the instrument cluster are momentarily unable to communicate ("CHECK Data Link Communication")
The problem could be internal in the cluster which is either obsolete or expensive, the PCM, or wiring in between the two. I most often find wiring problems, but this still means re&re of the cluster and PCM so I can do continuity checks between the two. A lot of the harness is inaccessible without removing major sections of the dash so it's often simpler to run new parallel wires.

That being said, just learning to ignore the message and beep will never lead to bigger problems.

 

[EricW]

There is a fix for the DCL beeping

I was having the same problem with the "Check DCL" chiming as well as false reports of Low Oil Pressure chiming and the Temp indicator displaying with split bars. Oh, and one more thing...the radio would reset after every trip and sometimes while driving (so the clock never kept time x( and I always lost my pre-sets )

I found a repairman who can fix this problem. I removed the instrument cluster (can be done in 10 minutes with a screwdriver, philips, and a small socket wrench) and shipped it to Kevin Petzold. Kevin re-solders some of the connections, replaces the bulbs, and may even replace a chip or two and then ships the part back to you. He says the cluster is better than new when you get it back and I believe him. His fee: $85 and this includes the return shipping.

My cluster has been working error free for 2 months now and my clock is keeping time

Kevin’s contact info: Kevin@acserf.net

 

[Frankie X]

That's awsome!!

Those clusters have always been "Black Boxes"-- non serviceable,non repairable except for illumination bulbs. Once again, when a manufacturer puts up a brick wall, someone out there finds a way under or over it. I'll certainly be passing this information on to my customers who have cluster problems.

Thanx a lot!