Chinook RV

Problem: no power to the dashboard (speed odometer, gas gauge, etc. does not work) on my 2000 Chinook Concourse
A mechanic has determined via trouble shooting and research that it is probably the meter cluster.
Questions:
(1) has anyone every had this issue and what solutions did you find
(2) does anyone know where we may find either a NEW meter cluster or somewhere we can have this one rebuilt (I live in the pacific NW so somewhere West of the Rockies preferably; the mechanic found a place in FL).

Dan researched this forum extensively over these past years that we have owned our Chinook and was always able to figure out a "fix". Unfortunately Dan has passed away (malignant melanoma) and has left me (Cindy) with many questions about how to take care of our Chinook. Thankfully, this is really the first breakdown with the Chinook but I am at a loss without my Dan to figure things out. SO, thank you in advance for ANY ideas on where to go from here. Cindy

Hi Cindy,

I am sorry for your loss.

I have not had issues with my cluster, but I have heard good things about this instrument repair shop in Tacoma, WA.

https://www.speedometersnw.com

Take care,

CB

Thank you! We will check them out. Also, I asked the same question on another account and received the following suggestions (sharing below); I have shared everything with the mechanic who is working on this ( I numbered all the responses for better organization).

fyi...all the fuses have been checked and are okay; everything works EXCEPT the instrument panel (speed odometer, gas gauge, etc.) though not sure about the back light on the panel yet. The annoying door chime, mirrors, seat, etc. all work. ce

RESPONSES on question about Meter Cluster (as of this morning, 06.20.2025)

1. I have not had issues with my cluster, but I have heard good things about this instrument repair shop in Tacoma, WA.
Speedometers Northwest
5219 84th Street E, Suite C
Tacoma, WA 98446
(253) 503-1655
https://www.speedometersnw.com

2.  It extremely unlikely that an instrument cluster would fail, especially one of this year, but I suppose that it's possible. Obviously check fuses and battery, and maybe get a second opinion - it's usually something simple. How many miles? And can you still operate the vehicle without the cluster, as a test? (you should be able to).  Let me know, good luck

3.  You're welcome, does the door chime work? Door open with key in ignition and/or especially with head lights on?

4.  I would definitely also check wiring under the dash and/or kick panel first, Chinooks are known to have mods down there, and possibly one connection is loose, especially to ground.

5.  Do the LIGHTS on the instrument panel and climate control panel work? (backlights) - I know you said no gauges but trying to think about this one ...

6.  here's a better photo with the airbag light, but none of the other usual ones that should illuminate on startup, nor the gauges, due to removing "main" power to the unit, at fuse #2 and whatever wire.  And I looked online, the cluster is the same from 97-00 and if yours is "00" Chinook, then the chassis is probably 99.

7.  That's the great thing about our Chinooks - they're built on fairly standard bodies.  Take for example my '89 Concourse.  It's built on a Ford E350 van chassis.  The parts for that are still readily available, any NAPA dealer or shop can get parts that fit.  And the dashboard, of course, is part of the "van."  So this may be a hassle, but probably not a very big one.

8.  I haven’t had this problem on my 2000 Concourse. Remember chassis is Ford so any trusted mechanic shop can order and replace the gauge cluster assembly  and you can get them through Ford or on line.

9.  Does the gauge cluster light up when the headlights are on? That would show at least some power is getting through. Check the connection where the harness plugs into the cluster. I have sent clusters to southern electronics , always been a great experience with them and super reasonable.

10.  Were any Components changed on the Dash? Updated Radio full screen style etc. if so the factory wiring cut splice may be the issue. Any Salvage Yard will have that factory dash, pretty rare that it’s failed — but it happens, These days the average Mechanic is trained on all the newer stuff!! Be picky who’s diagnosing your Rig!

11.  Any luck if you wiggle the key? They made a ton of Ford vans. You could always trip a Pick a Part salvage yard if you determine the cluster is bad.

12.  Might try the fuse block?

Hi! I just wanted to give an update on the non-working instrument panel on my 2000 Chinook Concourse. It was a bad meter cluster. My mechanic removed the instrument panel and I shipped it to Speedometers Northwest (contact info below) for repair who rebuilt it the same day they received it. I had it back just days after sending it to them. It has been re-installed and works perfectly! I couldn't be more happy. Cindy E.

Speedometers Northwest
5219 84th Street E, Suite C
Tacoma, WA 98446
(253) 503-1655