1989 Cadillac El Dorado

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WildRed

6/14/2008 4:38:28 PM

Hey Everyone,

I''m a new poster but have lurked a little in the last couple of weeks.

My wife''s grandfather just gave me an ''89 El Dorado that has 100k miles on it. The body is in really good shape but the interior is rough and I don''t know how well the engine has been maintained, but it was free.

My question has to do with my dash. The digital dashboards have always made me nervous because of the possibility of the going out. In the last day or so mine has become so dim that I can barely see it any longer and the left side has basically gone out all together, and yes, I did check the interior light dial, :)

I had the alternator checked today and it was charging just fine.

Does anyone have any ideas of items that would be easily checked by someone who know just enough to get in a lot of trouble with cars?

Thanks in advance.

Go HOGS Go!!

carnut

6/15/2008 4:15:23 PM

Above the gas pedal behind the plastic cover is a unit called a "CENTRAL POWER SUPPLY" loosen 2 10 mm nuts, and slide it off its bracket.( big silver metal box) It says central power supply on it on a decal.It provides a stable voltage to the digital displays. They often fail. With the car running and the CPS dangling down, slap it with your palm. If the display flickers, goes out or changes brightness, replace it.

WildRed

6/16/2008 10:39:57 AM

Thanks Carnut,

This is exactly the type of information I was looking for. I would have never known this. I will give it a try and let you know what the outcome is.

Thanks again.
WildRed

Go Hogs Go!!

carnut

6/16/2008 2:22:18 PM

Also go onto the web site www.allantesource.com talks about the CPS and what part number to get if faulty. Same part used in Allante, Seville and Eldo. click on new/used parts, then click onto central power supply. Lists the common faults and best part number.

WildRed

6/19/2008 6:19:25 PM

I have to say one thing first; either Cadillac mechanics are skinnier, more flexible, or both; than me. I don''t know how many cramps I got getting to my CPS.

I knocked around on it to the point that I didn''t want to damage it if it was out already. It didn''t seem to cause a flicker or anything with my display.

The website you referred me seemed to point to the same conclusion you came to. By the way, I book marked it because it gave me some good ideas for other issues I am having.

I don''t normally drive the car at night, but I did remember what I can only believe is another sympton from a week or so ago. The display suddenly went dim (not out). After a minute or so it came back up to the normal brightness. I immediately thought my alternator was going out but my voltage was fine and later tested fine.

Do you still feel like the CPS is my issue or do you have any other ideas? If it is my CPS, do you have an idea of what I can look for as to cost?

Thanks,
WildRed

Go Hogs Go!!

WildRed

10/11/2008 1:18:51 PM

Hey guys.

I know this is an older thread that I am resurrecting, but I haven''t yet gotten it fixed due to very limited budget and other things going wrong.

I have had to replace my water pump and radiator in the last month. There is still a problem with my displays. I just purchased, received, and installed an new CPS from Allantesource.com. Nothing changed. My dash and DIC are still just black.

Slowroll, I went the FAQ and got the instructions on getting the codes as you suggested. The only problem with that is there is no display to get the codes off of. Would Autozone, since they are free, be able to get the same codes as would display on the DIC.

Any thoughts on another culprit for my lack of display or is there something I am supposed to do to calibrate or otherwise to get the CPS to work after installation.

My frustration is mounting with this car as much as I enjoy having one to tinker and learn with.

WildRed

Go Hogs Go!