2007 NCV3 replace instrument cluster

[morganfletcher]

2007 Dodge Sprinter 144 diesel

We had some water get on the driver side of the dash, which got into the instrument cluster, then the instrument cluster died. Symptoms; no lights or symbols on instrument cluster, gauges don't move, no solenoid click for turn signal, but vehicle starts and runs, aftermarket radio works, climate control mostly works, except I think it doesn't know the temp. See below.

I have a Scangauge II, got these two codes:

U0155 "Lost Communication with Instrument Panel Control (IPC) Module"
P0072 "Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) Sensor Circuit Low Input"

I did some searches here, and on the internet. I pulled the instrument cluster, found some oxidation on the big chip marked "MB90F394H." I guess that's a / the microcontroller. My son tried to gently clean its contacts with isopropyl alcohol and a clean brush. We got some turn signal indicator lights glowing on the instrument cluster, after we reinstalled it, but the lights were not synchronized with turn signal control, and no other functionality returned. The back cover of the instrument cluster says "Johnson Controls" and "A9064468421". I read about virginizing used instrument clusters, pulling data from EIS and the old cluster, writing it to the new cluster. I don't quite understand it. I bought a used instrument cluster on eBay, with the same part number.

Photos:

11 new photos · May 8 – 9 📸

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Can one of you please tell me how to successfully replace the dead cluster with the other cluster, and synchronize it? I am in Oakland, California, USA. I found a few local businesses that do instrument cluster repair, or ECU programming, and called one. He seemed like he might not know the details of this Mercedes system, when I mentioned pulling existing odometer data. I'd be willing to buy some tools to do it, if they're cheaper than paying someone. I have a MacBook, not a Windows PC.

Morgan

 

[lindenengineering]

Contact SOS Diagnostics, in Oregon.
Dennis

 

[Ivan Borisovich]

2007 Dodge Sprinter 144 diesel

We had some water get on the driver side of the dash, which got into the instrument cluster, then the instrument cluster died. Symptoms; no lights or symbols on instrument cluster, gauges don't move, no solenoid click for turn signal, but vehicle starts and runs, aftermarket radio works, climate control mostly works, except I think it doesn't know the temp. See below.

I have a Scangauge II, got these two codes:

U0155 "Lost Communication with Instrument Panel Control (IPC) Module"
P0072 "Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) Sensor Circuit Low Input"

I did some searches here, and on the internet. I pulled the instrument cluster, found some oxidation on the big chip marked "MB90F394H." I guess that's a / the microcontroller. My son tried to gently clean its contacts with isopropyl alcohol and a clean brush. We got some turn signal indicator lights glowing on the instrument cluster, after we reinstalled it, but the lights were not synchronized with turn signal control, and no other functionality returned. The back cover of the instrument cluster says "Johnson Controls" and "A9064468421". I read about virginizing used instrument clusters, pulling data from EIS and the old cluster, writing it to the new cluster. I don't quite understand it. I bought a used instrument cluster on eBay, with the same part number.

Photos:

11 new photos · May 8 – 9 📸

Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

Can one of you please tell me how to successfully replace the dead cluster with the other cluster, and synchronize it? I am in Oakland, California, USA. I found a few local businesses that do instrument cluster repair, or ECU programming, and called one. He seemed like he might not know the details of this Mercedes system, when I mentioned pulling existing odometer data. I'd be willing to buy some tools to do it, if they're cheaper than paying someone. I have a MacBook, not a Windows PC.

Morgan

Easiest way is to clone the original cluster by reading and writing the microchip eeprom 25LC640 from the original cluster to the donor. A simple eeprom programmer can do the trick.

 

[morganfletcher]

Do I need a 3.3v or a 5v ch341a programmer? I think 5v is OK, based on what I find on the internet

Voltage - Supply
2.5V ~ 5.5V

https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/microchip-technology/25LC640-I-SN/273434

 

[morganfletcher]

@Ivan Borisovich I tried this, with the used instrument cluster I bought. I figured, if I could read data from it, and back it up, I could try reading from the cluster in my van, then try writing it to the used cluster I bought.

I don't have a Windows computer, only Mac, and it only has USB-C ports. I bought a CH341A programmer, carefully installed the SOIC8 clip according to the dot (red wire) on the 25LC640 chip, used the `flashrom` utility with the right programmer parameter, (`sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi`) but I could never get it to read the chip. I had to use a USB-A to USB-C adapter. :-( I guess I'll hand some money to a pro, next. Hopefully the 5v vs 3.3v thing didn't hurt the chip on the donor cluster.

Photos

Morgan

 

[lindenengineering]

THIS IS WHY
I advised you to consult SOS Diagnostics.
Apart from overcoming the Laffer Curve (which dah make I larf,) and frequently it buggers up any chance of a re-prog) you then have to have BOUGHT equipment that ends up in the kitchen draw (as you most likely will never use again and then the missus bungs it out as DEAD CLUTTER!

A new unprog's cluster ex MB is around $900 trade & IF ITS NOW DICKED UP. PLUS $250 REPROG/ADAPT charge)
So be prepared for the new expensive senario which is NOT new to me as DIY JUST ROLLED. into our Pro repair shop as a customer .
All the best
Dennis

 

[morganfletcher]

Thank you, @lindenengineering. I approached this first attempt, on the $80 used cluster with trepidation, and understand that I am entering potential SNAFU territory. I have called a local pro, similar to SOS, and was rudely told how much money I may give him, if he deigns to take it. It's quite likely I give him that money at some point. I'm also talking to a local friend who knows a bit more about these things than I do. I'll spend the money when I have to, but if I can solve it without spending thousands, I'll be happy.

Morgan

 

[Ivan Borisovich]

@Ivan Borisovich I tried this, with the used instrument cluster I bought. I figured, if I could read data from it, and back it up, I could try reading from the cluster in my van, then try writing it to the used cluster I bought.

I don't have a Windows computer, only Mac, and it only has USB-C ports. I bought a CH341A programmer, carefully installed the SOIC8 clip according to the dot (red wire) on the 25LC640 chip, used the `flashrom` utility with the right programmer parameter, (`sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi`) but I could never get it to read the chip. I had to use a USB-A to USB-C adapter. :-( I guess I'll hand some money to a pro, next. Hopefully the 5v vs 3.3v thing didn't hurt the chip on the donor cluster.

Photos

Morgan

The position of the pin 1/adapter is different from my picture.





Green wire on the edge is pin 1 on mine and red wire is pin 1 on yours.

Show me the options in the software that you used.

 

[vreihen]

FYI, over half of the pictures/videos of people using this EEPROM programmer have pin 1 backwards on one or more connectors.....

 

[Kajtek1]

On such job sometimes it could be cheaper to fly Ivan to you, than go to shop in Colorado
There are only few people in whole country, who can do such job and dealers per my experience don't touch programming at all.
I know another indy in Long Beach if that would be easier for you.

 

[lindenengineering]

For info
SOS did it for another forum member for $ 250.
We did the same last week for the same money including a total reprog after an engine change.

Turning a "Bitsa" into good running van-----'Came in on the hook, left under its own steam for fair tariff.
Customer was happy with NO steam coming out of his ears on the cost to rehab.
Dennis

 

[morganfletcher]

The position of the pin 1/adapter is different from my picture.

Green wire on the edge is pin 1 on mine and red wire is pin 1 on yours.

Show me the options in the software that you used.

@Ivan Borisovich I tried it again with the donor cluster, this time orienting the adapter on the CH341A the opposite. Still the same result.

2 new photos · Tuesday, May 26 📸

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% sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi flashrom v1.7.0 on Darwin 25.5.0 (arm64) flashrom is free software, get the source code at https://flashrom.org libusb: info [darwin_detach_kernel_driver] no capture entitlements. may not be able to detach the kernel driver for this device libusb: info [darwin_claim_interface] no interface found; setting configuration: 1 No EEPROM/flash device found. Note: flashrom can never write if the flash chip isn't found automatically.

I think the important part is No EEPROM/flash device found.

A friend of mine is going to give it a try, either and if he can't figure it out, I'll go to a pro. I have not yet tried attaching the SOIC clip to my cluster's EEPROM, just the donor cluster's.

Morgan

 

[vreihen]

I don't have a Windows computer, only Mac, and it only has USB-C ports. I bought a CH341A programmer, carefully installed the SOIC8 clip according to the dot (red wire) on the 25LC640 chip, used the `flashrom` utility with the right programmer parameter, (`sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi`) but I could never get it to read the chip. I had to use a USB-A to USB-C adapter. :-(

I had nothing but grief trying to use one of those programmers on both Intel and Apple silicon Macbooks. Mine could see the programmer, but not read the EEPROM using the clip. It was easier to just pay Odo-Pro to virginize the cluster, because my eyes are so bad that I couldn't be sure that I was clipping the SOIC8 clips on correctly. (Yes, multiple clips. I bought several, hoping to find one that seated with my bad eyes.) They claim to also be able to do instrument cluster cloning:

https://odo-pro.com/products/odometer-programming

I am not 100% satisfied with their work, but at least they virginized the cluster correctly. When they put the cluster back together, they didn't clamp the ribbon cable for the LCD display down correctly. I had to open the case and re-seat the connection to make the LCD work.....

 

[rugersworld]

2007 Dodge Sprinter 144 diesel

We had some water get on the driver side of the dash, which got into the instrument cluster, then the instrument cluster died. Symptoms; no lights or symbols on instrument cluster, gauges don't move, no solenoid click for turn signal, but vehicle starts and runs, aftermarket radio works, climate control mostly works, except I think it doesn't know the temp. See below.

I have a Scangauge II, got these two codes:

U0155 "Lost Communication with Instrument Panel Control (IPC) Module"
P0072 "Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) Sensor Circuit Low Input"

I did some searches here, and on the internet. I pulled the instrument cluster, found some oxidation on the big chip marked "MB90F394H." I guess that's a / the microcontroller. My son tried to gently clean its contacts with isopropyl alcohol and a clean brush. We got some turn signal indicator lights glowing on the instrument cluster, after we reinstalled it, but the lights were not synchronized with turn signal control, and no other functionality returned. The back cover of the instrument cluster says "Johnson Controls" and "A9064468421". I read about virginizing used instrument clusters, pulling data from EIS and the old cluster, writing it to the new cluster. I don't quite understand it. I bought a used instrument cluster on eBay, with the same part number.

Photos:

11 new photos · May 8 – 9 📸

Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

Can one of you please tell me how to successfully replace the dead cluster with the other cluster, and synchronize it? I am in Oakland, California, USA. I found a few local businesses that do instrument cluster repair, or ECU programming, and called one. He seemed like he might not know the details of this Mercedes system, when I mentioned pulling existing odometer data. I'd be willing to buy some tools to do it, if they're cheaper than paying someone. I have a MacBook, not a Windows PC.

Morgan

I had one used one done at SOS diagnostics in Canby Oregon. They had me give them old cluster, donor cluster and EIS and key. Took about 4 days and works fine now. Mine was $235 low line 2015 cluster

 

[amigob]

is moving the eeprom from the broken cluster to the new cluster possible ?

 

[Ivan Borisovich]

is moving the eeprom from the broken cluster to the new cluster possible ?

Possible, but why do that?

 

[morganfletcher]

After failing to read the 25LC640 with the CH341A programmer on my MacBook, I asked a friend with some familiarity with PCBs and EEPROMs to give it a try, with a Windows laptop with USB-A ports. He was able to successfully read my cluster's EEPROM twice, writing it to a binary file and comparing checksums, then write that binary to the donor cluster successfully. He said he had to install a CH341A driver, and he used the Windows AsProgrammer software program to do the work. He also did the 3.3V mod to my CH341A, before writing, just in case. @vreihen I have not found any evidence on the internet of someone using a CH341A to successfully read/write an EEPROM with a modern MacBook, with USB-C ports.

I installed both clusters, and both behave the same way: no display in the center, no lit symbols except for the right turn signal blinking, with no relation to physical turn signal switch, which was only in the central, no-turn position. See videos:

2 new videos · Sunday, May 31 🎬

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photos.app.goo.gl

So... the problem must be upstream of the cluster. If you have any guidance for this shade-tree mechanic, please let me know. Else, as @lindenengineering maintains, it's time to give it to a pro.

Morgan

 

[Ivan Borisovich]

After failing to read the 25LC640 with the CH341A programmer on my MacBook, I asked a friend with some familiarity with PCBs and EEPROMs to give it a try, with a Windows laptop with USB-A ports. He was able to successfully read my cluster's EEPROM twice, writing it to a binary file and comparing checksums, then write that binary to the donor cluster successfully. He said he had to install a CH341A driver, and he used the Windows AsProgrammer software program to do the work. He also did the 3.3V mod to my CH341A, before writing, just in case. @vreihen I have not found any evidence on the internet of someone using a CH341A to successfully read/write an EEPROM with a modern MacBook, with USB-C ports.

I installed both clusters, and both behave the same way: no display in the center, no lit symbols except for the right turn signal blinking, with no relation to physical turn signal switch, which was only in the central, no-turn position. See videos:

2 new videos · Sunday, May 31 🎬

Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

So... the problem must be upstream of the cluster. If you have any guidance for this shade-tree mechanic, please let me know. Else, as @lindenengineering maintains, it's time to give it to a pro.

Morgan

Not necessarily. The dump of the original eeprom can be corrupted causing the whole issue.

Post here the dump of the original cluster. I can give you a dump from a working cluster with the mileage set to 0km and the ssid corrected from your dump. It will be a plug and play solution after you write my dump (bin file).

 

[morganfletcher]

@Ivan Borisovich here is the EEPROM image from my cluster, `morgan_read1.bin` and the EEPROM image from the donor cluster, before it got over-written with mine.

morgan_read1.bin
donor_read1.bin

MD5SUMs:

904cd39e53693ced51164cf205140172 morgan_read1.bin ea11f4cce0529c3d34a77439a3f75ed8 donor_read1.bin

Thank you.

 

[Ivan Borisovich]

@Ivan Borisovich here is the EEPROM image from my cluster, `morgan_read1.bin` and the EEPROM image from the donor cluster, before it got over-written with mine.

morgan_read1.bin
donor_read1.bin

MD5SUMs:

904cd39e53693ced51164cf205140172 morgan_read1.bin ea11f4cce0529c3d34a77439a3f75ed8 donor_read1.bin

Thank you.

I was able to get the dump of the donor, but not the original. Can you send it to me in private (DM). Zip the dump and simply attach it....