2000 sebring convertible instrument cluster wont light

first step is to make sure it is full of freon

ever see this lamp work correctly , or bought car like this ? (history matters and hacks too)
read the SM here.
https://eautorepair.net/Marketing/Default.asp
self test cluster brake lamp is dead.(went off)
first i must learn if brake lamp is ABS lamp.
as I can not see the dead actual lamp here blind.
yes one is labeled ABS and one is labeled BRAKE
the users guide states
"Also quote
illuminates if the parking brake is engaged. If brake
warning lamp does not illuminate at these times,
seek service immediately. Illumination after releasing
the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and
the brake system should be inspected immediately.
so why would self test fail??



well check all FUSES FIRST? skip none,
the only confusion with clusters is evolution! 3 generations if it.
new cars the cluster is all electronic,and all actions are from the CPU in the cluster and the CAN-BUS network data to it.
so we use OBD2 scan tool at the OBD2 port.
BUT ? then older cars for sure 2000 year.
are 1/2 and digital and 1/2 wired analog devices.

for sure error lamps (warn) to oil sender or to hand brake or to the brake fluid low switch.

the lamps on the rear twist out. why not just swap 2 lamps side to side, to prove it good or buy new lamp.
some lamps (gee 23 years) old can be for sure intermittent. (micro cracks in the tungsten element happens easy for sure car bouncing,(for 100 years)
or some one put in WRONG LED LAMPS here.
or lamp in socket was twisted and bulb wrecked.
or windshield crack allowed water to hit cluster
and socks there, are rusty (corrosion) seen this vast times or PCB board in side again micro-cracks in solder joints. for same reasons, vibration driving.

looking at your cluster for sale (googled)
this cluster is 1/2 digital and analog
2 huge connectors and lots of wires. 8 pin and 16pin?
i will find a schematic later for this cluster.
to see what is there.
the link above will take you (paid) to the SM
and chapter on electrics + cluster,= BINGO

good lock finding cause.
use a new lamp or do swaps side to side from lamps working now. is best.
look at lamp socket for corrosion.

At the moment, your instrument cluster maybe faulty? Due the basic tests, try to be sure. Check for applicable trouble codes relating to instrument cluster--pcm--communication codes. Some of the national brand auto stores in this country may check codes for free, if there are any.
Check voltage and ground circuits for the instrument cluster. The sending units for gages are wired to pcm then the pcm sends serial data to instrument cluster telling instrument cluster what to do with gages. If you want to check gage sending units, that's ok.

If you have a scanner that can communicate with instrument cluster, you can get instrument cluster to do a self-test. The self-test, the instrument cluster will turn warning lamps on and off, sweep gages w/o outside data input. The instrument is considered good, if it passes that test, if not, the instrument cluster is considered faulty.

check fuse first... check that the dimmer isnt turned all the way down... check the power coming from the dimmer switch... and if all else fails, pull the instrument cluster and check bulbs.

Blown bulbs in instrument cluster. Remove cluster and replace speedo bulbs.

You have a faulty instrument cluster.Replace instrument cluster

If the fuses are good there should be a dial that adjusts the brightness of the dash panel.If this dial doesn't work then the bulbs for the dash panel might be blown out.

It may not be a bulb, as the instrument cluster usually has a number of bulbs and they probably didn't all blow at once. Pulling instrument clusters can be touchy and may not be for the average "shadetree mechanic" however, typically there are a few screws above the cluster going into the dash pad and a few hidden behind the trim panels below the cluster.

please advice, have you solved the problem? I have the same one on my Sebring. Many thanks.

You have to remove the instrument panel to replace bulbs, or to check the connectors. The procedure is:
If you have a tilt steering wheel, put it all the way down.
Remove the two screws at the top of the bezel, the pull the bezel outward to disengage the clips at the bottom (use something like a taped screwdriver so you won’t cause damage to the surrounding area).
Once the bezel is out, remove the instrument cluster screws and pull the cluster out and unplug the electrical connectors (there are three of them).
You can then check the bulbs and the connectors themselves, maybe clean the connectors up a bit, or replace bulbs, but sometimes it’s a matter of replacing the whole unit (not advisable to try to get inside it), sorry.
Hope this helps you a bit.