How To Fix Electronic Issues In The Instrument Cluster Of An '03-'07 GM Truck

In this episode of PowerNation Extra, LT from Truck Tech explains how to fix electronic issues in the instrument cluster which is common in 2003-2007 GM truck and SUVs - like the one they have in the shop. Some fixes you can try are:
1. Take the cluster out and send it to a repair shop for aroun $100.
2. Go down to your local dealership and likely need to get a new cluster for around $500.
3. Or repair it yourself, as LT shows you how, for about $20 and an hour of your time.

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[thepuzzlemakr]

I’m going to watch this video 50 more times, then I’m going to break my cluster trying to fix it😂

[TXMNElevators]

Our Suburban had problems with the dash for a long time. All the gages (except the RPM meter and the temp. gage) stopped working, and some of the settings on the AC and heating didn't work. Finally got those fixed a couple years ago. Interesting video.

[dansmith]

If you have cluster problems it's not worth trying to repair it yourself. Try AutoXpressTech. They have a $89 Complete Rebuild for Chevy GMC Clusters . That includes all stepper motors, backlighting and fixes most common problems. I also includes return shipping.

[baldybald]

My 04 Silverado has had some instrument cluster issues for some time now (engine light randomly turning on and off for days at a time, cycling between languages, or turning off completely... with no response from the thin button on the panel)... any ideas on what would be a fix to this?

[johnharman]

Before taking all of this apart and doing the soldering, try an EASY fix! Check the cigarette lighter on the right side. I just used a USB adapter with a light to see it didn't work. Picked up a 15A fuse at OReilly's and 10 minutes later, with the fuse replaced for the cigarette lighter, the gauge panel worked again!

[jdh]

When I hear a professional mechanic say it will cost an hour of time...I KNOW it will take me 4x that amount of time and I'll probably break something. I'm a horrible mechanic and impatient. I'll just pay to have it fixed. Much respect to the pros and diy mechanics. They deserve every cent they charge IMO.

[RanGer-]

so I guess you didn't have to wait for the new parts to arrive you just had them in Stock. .BTW I forgot what part # did you use?

[franklinyoung]

I'd rather pay the 100 Buck's..who can I send it too

[standbyme]

Might as well replace lights while you are in there. Don't forget to check for any solder cracks on rest of board.

[jeffescortlx]

There is actually less room for error if you mark the zero home location unpowered rather than the powered location.
Also, there is no need to peel the face layer off, that whole top half can come out in one piece.
But great video, your editing it top notch.

[freakyflow]

I have made enough to pay off my house working on clusters that customers have gone on the internet to get info Then do exactly what this guy done And worse...Needles pushed too far in stuck and heating up stepper motors Solder not removed proper/reused Stepper motor pulled out with screwdrivers breaking contacts under the stepper. Burned out rings laminate melted away Cracked boards $100 fix in 2022 doesn't exist But i know one thing that does ...It cost x2 to x5 fixing your mistakes ..

[normhiscock]

Whenever I honk my horn the dash comes back to life? Do I call a mechanic or a priest?

[fredc]

You talked about the problem where all of the gauges go wacky at the same time and you fixed this by changing all of the steppers? Could be but that doesn't make much sense. They would they all go bad like on the same day? Is the fact that one or two is bad is making all of them not work? The every gauge dead problem sounds more like a wiring or connection issue or something on the panel circuitry. This repair is likely to fix my gauges that all died on the same day?

[sublime]

I just finished replacing all of my stepper motors. A word of caution. Do not attempt this if you are not experienced at soldering and own a nice soldering iron. I have done a lot of soldering in my life and used a $400 weller soldering iron. When I was finished all of the gauges were fixed except the speedometer. Turns out I over heated one of the pins a little to much which ruined the trace on the board. I ended up taking a single conductor from a piece of cat5 and making a jumper wire to the next point where that trace went to and now it all works. My point is that if I had used the standard $20 soldering iron from the hardware store, I am positive that I would have ruined all of the traces. If your iron can’t melt the solder in a second or 2 and you have to hold it there, the glue that they use to seal the back of the board will begin to melt and ruin your solder joints. Not a solution for an amateur. Then again, if your other option is the dealer and a new cluster all together, then I guess it’s worth trying. If you ruin it, you can still always have them put in a new one. If you can afford to be without the cluster and do without the vehicle for a few days, I think the best option is to send it off for repair.

[andyhollister]

Thank you so much for not including removing everything and reinstalling everything thank you 2-minute video freaking awesome I wish all videos were like yours.. I'm editing this I just realized I sounded sarcastic I was being serious LOL

[stephendee]

You explained (sort of) how to replace the stepper motors, but did not describe how to resolder the SMDs that cause the PRNDL display to fade out, or how to remedy the issue with the cluster failing to go to sleep.

[crank]

First time taking my cluster apart on my 2003 Chevy Silverado to replace some mini bulbs inside, decided to give it a try before searching any "how to videos (huge mistake). I totally forgot to mark my needles before removing them and now my gauges are completely off. Is the a way to re-calibrate the needles? I need help, please.

[tywimbish]

Its cost 20 bucks with a thousand worth in equipment I still love it

[brendenbynum]

Anyone ever had their display randomly light up and flicker when no one is in the truck and speedometer stop working randomly

[dustinwest]

The issue I was having was no digital display readings on either displays and no gauges working. Turned out to be several solder joints were broken. No kit required.
Once I removed the needles and examined that side of the board it was obvious where the problem was. In fact if you look at the instrument cluster in this video when he has the circuit board exposed (the front side under the needles) you will notice two locations that have been discolored due to overheating. One at around 10:00 and one around 2:00 position. It was these areas that I had to resolder multiple joints. Although I did purchase a kit thinking it was the stepper motors for $30. I did use the kit to upgrade my lights so I am happy I did buy it.
So if you are experiencing similar problems you might just need to resolder some joints. 2004 Chevy Silverado.