2003 2006 GM Truck, Tahoe, Suburban Insturment Cluster Diagnosis

In this video, i'll walk you through testing for a battery light on a GM truck cluster from 2003-2006. This test would be similar on others but these clusters had problems with solder joints and stepper motors ( stepper motors are the motors that operate the guages).
Tools used for this diagnosis:
PowerProbe III
GM Tech2 handheld scanner
If you like what you see, make sure to Like, Share with your friends, Subscribe and make sure you hit that little notification bell so you get alerted when I post new videos!
Thanks for watching! Your support helps the channel grow!

[@Ceoluhjay]

I can’t even explain how much this video help me out, thank you so much.

[@IrocinZ]

You're very welcome!

[@joen5332]

You got that right about everything being more complicated. Before all of the electronics started going in these vehicles anyone with any mechanical abilities could work on the cars and trucks

[@walterkersting9922]

This is simple and easy…

[@raydiaz8666]

Just want to say thank you for that video cuz it help me out cuz my truck was doing the same thing

[@IrocinZ]

You're welcome! Glad it helped!

[@deshongray2339]

I have a problem with my fuel gauge hand it always stay on low fuel and i don’t know wat to do about it

[@IrocinZ]

If the Guage stays low also, then you could have an issue with the sending unit and/or the cluster. You should be able to test it at he connector on the back of the cluster with an ohm meter. If I remember correctly, 90 ohms is full, 0 ohms is empty.

[@penneycoosenberry5657]

Good Stuff ! Appreciate You

[@IrocinZ]

Thank you!

[@alejandrofranco177]

Hopefully I can get some help from you. I have a 2006 chevy tahoe and in the engine fuse box, half of the fuses are not working and the rest are. They aren't blown but just not getting any power. Any advice?

[@IrocinZ]

You are going to have to be a little more specific on what is not working. Not all of the fuses will have power all of the time. The better thing to tell me is what isn't working...

[@alejandrofranco177]

@@IrocinZ so right now the tahoe won't start. It turns on but right away turns off. None of the headlights or taillights work the blinkers and hazards however do work. None of the interior lights turn on. The horn and alarm doesn't work. Power windows and locks don't work either. However, the stereo lights turn on but stereo doesn't work.

[@IrocinZ]

Double check you connections at the battery, and then check your negative cable where it bolts to the block. Usually it's behind the starter. The battery could be shorted. My point is, don't overlook the simple things ....What you describe sounds like a bad ground, corrosion on a connection, etc

[@fishjunkie249]

My dash light not working at all but when I turn the knob up only the driver passenger park etc gauge lights go up and down not the back ground lights

[@IrocinZ]

Probably has a solder joint loose in the cluster, but don't overlook your fuses. Possible to need a cluster assy....

[@karlthefox4605]

You are pretty amazing ... & maybe you can zero into these issues with an '04 Suburban: 1) no working tripometer 2) intermittent radio & dash lights remain on after ign off & door opened 3) seat heaters sporadic on/off [even in the summertime] These seem as if separate problems .... engine light on [evap system]

[@IrocinZ]

Sounds like to me there is a loose or dirty ground somewhere that is causing your issue...

[@randygarretson5233]

Hay! Hope you are still doing this. The question I have is, what brand and type is the tester you are using ??

[@IrocinZ]

Yes, still doing it. I'm doing a live stream in about half hour. Stop by and say hi! The tool I'm using is called a Power Probe. I think they're on like version 3 now...

[@randygarretson5233]

@@IrocinZ ok I want to say thank you for the reply. I am slow on how to use this thing, but thank you again.

[@welcome2doeland825]

Have a 03 Yukon denali, all my gauges not working bit my check engine light comes on ...what will the fuse be labeled as for the instrument cluster?

[@IrocinZ]

Should be I/P. If it's not there, let me know...

[@welcome2doeland825]

@@IrocinZ thanks for replying ....I don't see that one but I see IPC is that it if so I changed that one

[@welcome2doeland825]

@@IrocinZ should I change all the tBC 's?

[@IrocinZ]

If you're not getting any cluster and you've checked all the fuses, its very likely that the cluster has failed. It was very common on those years. I've done quite a few of those,,,

[@welcome2doeland825]

@@IrocinZ I think so my battery kept getting drained when car off this my 3rd battery ..I guess that what the problem is ....Thanks alot

[@MythicalBuilds]

Hoping maybe you can help me. I'm having a similar issue with my 03 silverado, I lose half of the cluster, went thru and checked grounds, fuses, etc and everything seems good. Even replaced the cluster and still having the issue. Any ideas on what else to check, kinda stumped on this one

[@IrocinZ]

If you didn't replace the cluster with a Reman unit, chances are you got another bad one. These years were failure prone.

[@MythicalBuilds]

@@IrocinZ it is a reman. i believe i'm having an issue with the splice pack or somewhere in the network as i also noticed that i have no communication to the OBD port. when i take the comb out of sp205, i have .5v to all circuits except for pin D which is where i'm currently stumped

[@miggz5595]

​@MythicalBuilds as far as the obd port, there's a 15 amp fuse that powers both the cigarette lighter and the obd port. Replace it and you should have power to it.

[@MythicalBuilds]

i have power to it, just no data coming thru@@miggz5595

[@shawnsmith4058]

Ever run across 04 Silverado high beam dash light stays on when trucks not running no key in

[@IrocinZ]

Usually that is an issue internal to the cluster.

[@jorgejavierhuerta4132]

I have a 2010 Chevy Silverado my MPH goes up and down can you help me change the speed sensor and still does it

[@IrocinZ]

I'm assuming you mean it's not reading correctly ... if you changed the sensor, it will probably need the actuator or the cluster replaced...

[@jorgejavierhuerta4132]

The actuator is only on 4x4 my it’s nt 4x4 and I already change the cluster and still the same

[@IrocinZ]

@@jorgejavierhuerta4132 2010 I do believe the cluster has to be programmed

[@lewisboi18]

I have a 2005 Chevy Tahoe 5.3 vortex it turns over but won’t crank everything works lights dash windows brand new battery brand starter alternator fuel pump fuel filter I changed everything basically brand new still won’t crank ! Do you what it could be ?

[@IrocinZ]

So to clarify, it cranks, but it won't start, correct? If so, start with the basics. You need air, fuel, and spark. Without all three, your dead in the water. So pull a plug wire and attach it to an old known good plug, ground it on the engine somewhere and crank to see if you have spark. Let me know

[@LUCKYRASTA5136]

If the RPM is stuck on 6 will that affect the vehicle at all

[@IrocinZ]

Shouldn't. That just means 5he actuator has failed.

[@zacharysteinel2760]

My whole cluster does not work in my 03 suburban I took it out an put it in my other truck and it fired right up and worked , what could be the issue on why it does not work in my suv?

[@IrocinZ]

Look at power and ground supplies, and make sure the fuses are good. If all the checks out, it's possible the ignition switch is faulty

[@johnsimons8216]

My 07 tahoe ltz guages went crazy now they don't work st all except battery guage and now abs light is on I'm stumped as it nownwont start. What could be wrong

[@IrocinZ]

Sounds like to be the battery is shorted...

[@chad3088]

I have a 2005 yukon and I’ve been having issues with it, my fuel gauge stopped working with the fuel light on 24/7, I got my odometer reading as “error” around the same time along with my a/c on drive side shutting off. I’ve managed to fix the ac by turning off the car then disconnecting the ac valve vent taht swaps from cold to hot under my glove box so now it only blows cold but yeah. I really wanna avoid dropping my gas tank and paying 200$ for a gas pump along with sending my cluster somewhere just to get it fixed so if you have any insight it’d be greatly appreciated

[@IrocinZ]

Unfortunately, those are all common problems. You'll need a reman cluster to fix the error, the fuel gage, you can replace just the sending unit if it's still GM, and the blend door actuators are a thing too. The bottom one is passenger side and the one on the top is the driver's, assuming it has dual controls. I don't have a simple fix for any of those...

[@jankycustoms6089]

hey ive been looking for info on what may be wrong with my truck if swapped 3 cluster and none work no guages work some lights and just the check engine lol been struggling for years now help?!!

[@IrocinZ]

Clusters are usually programmed to the vehicle for different parameters. Make sure the program is correct for your vehicle. Other than that, it would be difficult to diagnose this problem remotely....

[@pl747]

What if you get the security light etc only in the crank position and not in the on position?

[@IrocinZ]

Usually that's a bulb check feature...

[@pl747]

@@IrocinZ so what checks the bulb in the on position?

[@IrocinZ]

@@pl747 The theft deterrent module controls the bulb in the on position

[@fernandovarela4935]

Hi, I want to know if you have any idea on why my silverado cluster power cuts out and comes back but the issue when power cuts out my truck runs rough until the power on my cluster comes back any idea

[@IrocinZ]

Sounds to me like you have a bad ground, probably in the engine compartment. Look for the ones on the back of the cylinder heads and the big ground off the battery

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

I have a 2003 Yukon and when I tested it with my multimeter it starts at 1.67 and then goes down to .31 in about 20 seconds and stays there. Will that cause my battery to drain in 2 days? Also my rpm gauge and prnd lights are out if that’ll help any.

[@IrocinZ]

I am assuming you're testing parasitic draw and if so, 3 tenths of an Amp os acceptable. Your tach and prndl display being inop indicated a bad solder joint internal to the cluster and should be gone through or replaced.

[@roadyoutdoors2866]

Where do you work if you don’t mind me asking? You don’t need to tell me where specifically but I have a 2008 Chevy pickup that has a cluster lighting issue as well. Gauges work fine but not the lighting. About half of my cluster lights work and the others don’t. It’s even throwing codes for the glow plug system because the light isn’t working, my mirror light for outside temperature is also correlated with it. At first they had randomly came on and went back off shortly after, but for the last 6 months or so, it has stayed not working properly. It randomly came about 6 months after buying the truck. I have no knowledge in the electrical world, as of yet. But I need to find me a smart fella to properly diagnose and repair without wasting time or money. Good help is hard to find. I really don’t want to go to the stealership, most of the time they won’t work on a modified diesel truck. Which is what mine is, any advice would be helpful. It kinda looks like you work in a dealership environment, especially since you have the tech 2 and a gm computer program.

[@IrocinZ]

You are correct on many accounts, I do work in a dealership down in Florida. As far as your cluster is concerned, I would suggest sending it off to get remaned. There is a place in Michigan called Specmo Enterprises that one of the other dealerships I worked at sent the clusters and radios. I don't know how much they would charge a walk-in customer, but they would be the best ones to talk to about it. The 2008 clusters I didn't work with alot as that was about the time I started my own shop and left the dealership for quite a few years...

[@gabrielvasquez8156]

If you disconnect cluster and it still drains battery what can it be please let me know it's draining my battery

[@gabrielvasquez8156]

2003 Yukon

[@IrocinZ]

Does it have an aftermarket stereo installed? If so, try pulling the fuse on that. Look for obvious things like glove box lights, aftermarket accessories, etc. Those years were bad about the electrical part of the ignition switches failing....

[@captanna352]

I have same on 03 yukon

[@gabrielvasquez8156]

@@IrocinZ thank u for responding I disconnected the cluster the radio and the switch to the driver door and it still drain my battery it's drive me crazy I have to disconnect my battery each time I go to the store or anywhere

[@IrocinZ]

@@gabrielvasquez8156 Try disconnecting the ignition switch at the switch and see what happens. The thing about electrical draws it they can be a real pain to find. Never overlook the obvious. It could even be a bad alternator even though it still charges. Unplug it and see what that nets you...

[@rokkebill]

Maybe you can help me ? 04 Tahoe, lights in cluster work and check engine light - but everything else is gone. No tach,oil, fuel, speedo, coolant, battery voltage. And informmation center is dark. Car runs fine. Have checked engine compartment fuse and the fuses behind the drivers door.

[@IrocinZ]

If all the fuses are good, it probably needs a replacement cluster. The problems you describe are a known issue where the chip in the cluster will de-solder...

[@rokkebill]

@@IrocinZ Thank you so much. All fuses are good. Have a nice day !

[@rokkebill]

@@IrocinZ Was gonna look at the cluster today but it started workin just fine again haha !

[@IrocinZ]

@@rokkebill yep, sounds about right...

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

@@IrocinZ will de solder cause a battery drain though? Thank you for the video!!

[@Fancykimme]

My cluster the light turns on but nothing is moving and the odometer isn’t reading only thing that’s on is the check engine 😫 I replaced the cluster a year ago

[@IrocinZ]

Sounds like you need another cluster

[@qalv97]

My cluster doesn’t turn on also my ac which fuse could it be

[@IrocinZ]

Limited on the information provided as to what kind of vehicle, etc

[@qalv97]

@@IrocinZ it’s 2003 Silverado

[@tayloresquibel83]

@@qalv97 mine is doing the same did you figure out what it was

[@2423aj]

My rpm gauge and fuel gauge in 01 Tahoe stopped working at same time

[@2423aj]

How to replace with aftermarket

[@IrocinZ]

On an 01, more than likely will need to have the cluster rebuilt for the RPM. The fuel guage however, if it goes to empty and the low fuel light comes on, the sender card on the fuel pump module is more than likely the culprit.

[@2423aj]

@@IrocinZ fuel guage moved when filled up truck but goes back to e at times n rpm just stopped. I think imma go with u n replace cluster

[@IrocinZ]

@@2423aj From the way you describe it, the fuel sender is definatly an issue in the tank...

[@2423aj]

@@IrocinZ so what bout the rpm

[@sendit1158]

Lol owner isn't worried about oil pressure but he needs that batt light off, like wtf is wrong with people

[@IrocinZ]

Yep...Truck had multiple issues...

[@MsSlayerful]

I know right!? It's like dominoes once one thing goes then the next goes etc... I'd be more worried about that check engine light and why the hell is my oil pressure pegged...smh

[@StephenClarkDobson]

@@IrocinZ do you have an email I can send a pic of wire attached to the back of my cluster connector?

[@IrocinZ]

@@StephenClarkDobson Send it to [e-mail]

[@StephenClarkDobson]

@@IrocinZ thank you.

[@delta3garcia]

Could I bother you for help locating the darn fuse that control the back lights on the cluster? I have a 2006 Sierra 2500 6.6L. I shorted out my dome lights on accident and got those two fuses replaced but still not gauge back light.

[@IrocinZ]

That fuse is in the I/P fuse block in the side of the dash and it is listed as TBC 2A and is a 15amp. It controls all the I/P lights and it is controlled through the BCM. So if all the other lights work, More than likely, its probably in the cluster. GM between 2003 and early 2007 had an issue with the clusters.

[@delta3garcia]

@@IrocinZ hey there! So I replaced all the TBC fuses and verified all fuses inside the cab and under hood are good. I still have no cluster backlighting and my map lights do no come on with the push button but work with door open and via switch. I swapped relays that are in the side fuse block and they work but then stopped. I’m at a loss as to what else it could be now. Do I need a BCM at this point?

[@IrocinZ]

@@delta3garcia I dont want to lead you in the wrong direction, but I would test the headlight switch/dimmer wheel on the dash to make sure its doing what its supposed to. I'm not there to do the diag so its only a guess...

[@delta3garcia]

@@IrocinZ No worries sir. I replaced with a new one and it dims the lights as intended. Just odd how I lost my map light function and backlights but only for the gauges. This happened after I installed leds in the map lights and accidentally shorted them out with the darn reflector.

[@IrocinZ]

@@delta3garcia if you didn't know, LEDs are polarity specific. They have to be wired positive and negative. If you get the leads reversed, they won't work

[@ramonlopez7967]

GM, not what it was. It’s all trash now.

[@IrocinZ]

Bad thing is, it's not just GM. Have friends that work for other manufacturers and they struggle too....