Repairing Guides

how to repair chevy gauge cluster

by Mrs. Macy Tillman Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Chevrolet Silverado 1999-2006: How to Repair the Instrument Cluster

  1. Remove the gauge cluster trim. The upper-part of the dashboard is held in place via clips. ...
  2. Remove the instrumental cluster. This part is easy, more so if you have a drill handy. ...
  3. Prepare the instrumental cluster board. The board is the chip set that powers all the gauges, lights and meters. ...
  4. Solder the points on the instrumental panel. ...

Full Answer

How to swap a gauge cluster?

Attachments

  1. How do Gauge Clusters Work?
  2. Swapping while Keeping Cluster Board
  3. Swapping without Keeping Cluster Board
  4. Clusters which are available
  5. Swapping "up/down" clusters

Can I Change my gauge cluster?

You may also be able to use a replacement gauge cluster just for parts and keep the odometer from the old unit. I'm not sure if that is built into the cluster or is a separate component.

How to remove gauge cluster?

REMOVAL STEPS

  • Remove the screws that retain the upper and lower column shroud then remove the shroud.
  • Under the dash loosen and remove the (3) 8mm retaining bolts.
  • To remove the lower dash panel, pull straight out in one fluid motion. ...

More items...

How to repair a failing instrument cluster?

  • Failing gauges and/or speedometer
  • Total power loss or intermittent power
  • PRNDL display lighting/dimness
  • Burned out backlighting bulbs
  • Dim or dead back lighting

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Can you repair a instrument cluster?

Sometimes it may be impossible to find an acceptable replacement instrument cluster for your vehicle. In that case, you can get it repaired.

What causes dashboard gauges to stop working?

When one gauge stops working, the problem may be in the gauge itself or a bad sensor, while all the gauges cutting out at the same time often indicates a blown fuse or a defective instrument cluster.

How do you solder a instrument cluster?

7:4525:29How To Repair Chevy Truck Dash Cluster - [RYOBI SOLDER IRON]YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I know this has been into before the only way to get to the instrument cluster lights is to pullMoreSo I know this has been into before the only way to get to the instrument cluster lights is to pull it apart like we're doing now.

How do I reset my Chevy gauge cluster?

Push and release the Sel/reset button button 3 times repeatedly. The instrument cluster begins its self-test. Each successive press of the Sel/reset button initiates a new cycling of all the gauges. To end, turn the ignition switch to OFF, or vehicle speed exceeds 1.5 mph.

Where is the fuse that controls the instrument cluster?

The instrument panel fuse block is located in the instrument panel, on the driver side of the vehicle. To access the fuses, open the storage compartment. Press in on the sides of the compartment to release it from the instrument panel.

What are the common problems of the instrument cluster?

Some of the more common failures include:Erratic or non-functional gauges & inaccurate readings.LCD not Stuck or fluttering needles on gauges.Burned out indicator lights.Burned out/dark spot backlighting.Loss of LCD display or erratic operation (number 8 showing as 0)

How do I fix my truck gauges?

0:582:51How To Fix Electronic Issues In The Instrument Cluster Of An '03-'07 GM ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe need to use a soldering iron to heat it up then use a solder sucker to remove. It once all theMoreWe need to use a soldering iron to heat it up then use a solder sucker to remove. It once all the pins are free the stepper motor can be gently pried away from the circuit.

How do you clean an instrument cluster circuit board?

1:424:40How to: BMW E23 Gauge Cluster Disassembly and Cleaning - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull it out of its location. There will be a wire and two ribbing cables which need to beMorePull it out of its location. There will be a wire and two ribbing cables which need to be disconnected. This is a tight fit so use needlenose pliers if need be don't damage the wire connectors.

How do you reprogram a cluster gauge?

0:567:24How to Reprogram an Odometer after Swapping Clusters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's two methods you can use to correct the odometer reading on here the first easy method is toMoreThere's two methods you can use to correct the odometer reading on here the first easy method is to literally take out the speedometer. And odometer assembly.

Do you have to reprogram an instrument cluster?

In some newer vehicles, you may not need to do anything. The mileage will automatically show up on the new instrument cluster when you install it. It will receive the information from the computer or chip that contains it and display the mileage. In these cars, the instrument cluster is just a display.

How much does it cost to replace a gauge cluster?

It will take about $800 on average to replace an instrument cluster. Parts typically cost about $600 while labor will cost between $200 to $300.

How to remove a solder cluster?

First you have to gain access to it. Use your finger to separate the clips that hold the cluster together. Pull the backside cover of the cluster off. Figure 5. Removing backside cover. Place the board in a flat surface. Begin to heat up the solder torch. Inspect the solder points for the plug connector on the board.

How to get a truck out of the way?

With the key still turned to on, pull the gear selector down to one – use the emergency brake to keep the truck in place. Grab the dashboard panel and pull it towards you. Un-clip it and pull it out of the way.

Does the Silverado 1500 have an instrumental cluster?

The first-generation Cheverolet Silverado 1500 has an un fortunate tendency for their instrumental clusters to fail. Most drivers decide to replace their clusters without realizing there is an alternative, less expensive fix.

Can solder cracks be seen?

A good connection should not have any burn marks or cracks. When you visually inspect the solder you may be able to make out the damage areas, but it should still be noted that many cracks may not be so easily seen.

Step 1: How to Remove a Chevy GM Silverado Instrument Cluster

After pulling off the trim bezel by hand (they have no screws on most models, they just pop off by pulling firmly.) you'll find a few 1/4" screws holding in the instrument cluster. Remove them and you will then be able to angle the instrument cluster out. You may need to tilt the steering wheel down and move the shifter down to make room.

Step 2: Removing the Clear Plastic Lens

Next up you'll need to remove the clear plastic lens. You'll need to use a small tool to pry out on the tabs while pulling up on the lens assembly to remove it. Work your way around one tab at a time, you can insert a pencil or similar item between the lens and the body to hold them apart while working your way around.

Step 3: Removing the Needles the Right Way

Ok now you'll need a few pieces of masking tape and a pen or marker. Rotate all the needles counter clockwise gently until the come to a stop, they should all stop at or just below the zero marks. Now make a pen mark on the tape just below the top of each needle.

Step 4: Needle Removal

Now that you've made your calibration marks firmly rotate each needle further counter clockwise a few inches. You'll be rotating the needle around the motor's shaft so there will be some resistance especially at first.

Step 5: Removing the Back Case and Circuit Board

Now pry outwards on the tabs of the back case to remove it, similar to how you removed the front lens.

Step 6: Motor De-soldering and Tools You'll Need

Ok you're now ready to remove the old gm stepper motors and replace them with new ones.

Step 7: Replacing the Old Stepper Motors With Your New Ones

Now you simply need to pop your new GM stepper motors where the old ones were, they will only install in one direction so you don't have to worry about mixing them up or getting it wrong. Make sure you get the correct part number when you buy your stepper motors (see link above for correct parts).

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