Technical 2008 Ducato 2.3L 130 multi jet instrument cluster needles sticking

[PaulR387]

GOOD INFORMATION ON STICKING INSTRUMENT NEEDLES!!
In the summer my motorhome( Fiat 2008 Ducato 2.3L 130 multi jet) broke down, the first sign of trouble was the tachometer not working, after 30 mins it started to work but showing only half the revs, then 20 mins later broke down-no communication to ECU occurred, end of trip.
Thinking the fault with the tachometer and The ECU fault was connected I wasn’t to sure about sending off the ECU for replacement as it could have been the body computer which shares B CAN(instrument cluster) and C CAN (ECU) however NOT the case and just a coincidence.
After testing all wiring took the plunge sent off my ECU and a cloned ECU did the job(£500 cartech) however roll on 6 weeks after the ECU repair setting off on holiday again the dreaded tachometer wasn’t reading again, I pressed on with thankfully no issues then the needle started working as before with only half revs, on stopping and restarting it was fine with no problems for a fortnights trip, when I got back I removed the cluster and lubricated with contact lubricant where the needle goes into the motor, this worked but only for a while as the tachometer and engine temperature gauge failed again, this time I stopped the vehicle, took out the cluster and moved the needles and then they worked, this proved to me it was sticking stepper motors on the tachometer and engine temperature gauge.
I found Cartronix online, sent off the cluster, the tech told me it’s a common problem with these as in his words they are crap, they replaced all 4 needle with German made stepper motors for £200 giving a lifetime guarantee, now it’s back and sorted so I’m writing this to warn Ducato drivers don’t be led up the garden path thinking you’ve got a fault when in fact it’s a sticking instrument cluster needle!! Both the companies I used were great and thoroughly recommend them.

 

[the green vanper]

Great news!

But god, a five lines' sentence? I was lost several times trying to understand... Luckily the Cartronix name is in front of the line, it would be easier to find it if someone needs it

 

[PaulR387]

Great news!

But god, a five lines' sentence? I was lost several times trying to understand... Luckily the Cartronix name is in front of the line, it would be easier to find it if someone needs it

Whatever, you’ll get over it one day

 

[gid]

Whatever, you’ll get over it one day

I had the same 2 weeks ago. The needle did not move at all, so I thought the sensor is broken. After measurement this was OK. Also disconnect/connect the connector on the backside of the display. No result. Than I tried the needle, it was stuck very hard. Now it works very well but low reading which is typically Ducato, I heard.

 

[PaulR387]

I had the same 2 weeks ago. The needle did not move at all, so I thought the sensor is broken. After measurement this was OK. Also disconnect/connect the connector on the backside of the display. No result. Than I tried the needle, it was stuck very hard. Now it works very well but low reading which is typically Ducato, I heard.

Good my friend but it will be back, with me First it was the temperature needle, then the Tachometer, then after electrical lubricant they worked…only for a bit, then both stopped working, Cartronix quoted £150 for both to be replaced with German servo/stepper motors with lifetime warranty or £200 for them all, no brainer really as they’ll all go in time, took less than a week to get the cluster back all repaired and good, thoroughly recommend Cartronix, good luck