instrument panel lights flickering on/off

1991 Riviera....haven't seen anything posted coming close to this same problem.

After starting the car, the electrical problem light comes on and the gages and speedometer start flickering...and it's an incomplete flicker. by that i mean...if i'm driving 65, the gage reads anywhere from 0 to 199 but the numbers aren't complete. only part of the 9 and part of the 6 or part of the 5 is displayed. real strange. and it gets worse as i drive. and if i reset the trip meter, it starts at zero and jumps right to 454 or 655 or some ridiculous number like that.

after the initial flickering, EVERY instrument panel light starts flickering....then sometimes, but not always...they stop flickering and just stay on...looks kinda like a colorful christmas tree. i don't always get the pleasure of the christmas tree but i do always get the pleasure of a flickering instrument panel.

so where would one start (aside from replacing the vehicle) to troubleshoot what is causing this. funds are low so having a professional check the electrical is not an option at this time.

any recommendations or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

shelly

I have a similar problem,whole panel a/c, radio goes in and out, I've replace the BCM (body control component) after market $80.00 and so far I have exchange it x2 and have not found one to work well with my specific vehicle. these cars have diferent parts for the same car year and model. no kiding. I took my 1990 buick riviera to GMC dealer paid $83.00 for labor. and they were able to tell me the BCM is the problem and checked all the wiring, althoug is pricy it is worth having a pro tell you what is wrong. Make sure you tell them to look for the problem ONLY and find another reliable shop to do the work for you, shop around on the phone for labor prices, and sure you are the one buying the parts your self, yes it is time consuming but you can save your self a whole lot of money.
Good luck.
cc