Watch this before repairing your GM cluster.

Repairing a failed self repair GM cluster.

[@jeffescortlx]

For contact information follow this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipCViKGAgtiNl7c

[@alexsullivan2010]

jeffescortlx I got everything going but the gauges/needles are not lining up. I fixed everything on my cluster but the line up I can’t get could you help me out with that over an explanation? Thanks

[@sammyperez5413]

Would it be easier just to replace the whole stepper motor?

[@DrDrax-tz8xv]

Love your videos. is there a place to get a parts list? ie Mosfet, LEDs steppers, needles etc? I am ready to try to repair my 07 Suburban cluster and would like to get all the right parts and things to complete it.

[@jeffescortlx]

@@DrDrax-tz8xv 07 suburban won't need stepper motors or LED's. I believe I have the MOSFET part number in the description of one of my 07 repair video's.

[@familyfirst7027]

Do you still repair them?Nothing is working on mine

[@paulp4243]

A real pleasure to watch someone who knows what he's doing.

[@jeffpurtell5676]

Dude, you're good. Real good. Also, it really surprises me that this unit is as repairable to the extent that it clearly is. I've watched a number of these videos and I've not seen anyone even attempt what you've done here. There are any number of repairs to my truck I will do for myself - even some basic electrical troubleshooting and repair. After seeing this done right, when I get ready to fix my cluster, I'm calling you. It's a pleasure to see something done so well. I enjoyed this video. Thanks for posting.

[@utsports]

You did a great job correcting the faults of the previous repair,and thanks for a close up view,of the repair and soldering .

[@mikechristie7226]

You have a great skill to do that kind of repair and make it look like I even can solder, which is furthest from the truth. Awesome workmanship.

[@Duckariffic]

this TOTALLY was the state of a coworker of mine! 6 pads pulled!! Ran a long wire to fix the speedo too! PLUS the cluster was not going to sleep and draining the battery overnight.... Did like you starting from ground up and all is GREAT and no more battery/staring issues!!! THANKS!!!!!!!!

[@lisajohnson8566]

Amazing video and thanks for the demonstration. Years ago I took a very expensive aircraft radio in for repair. An multi-pin IC chip need to be replace and I ordered it repaired. Well the butcher who assured me he could do the job did exactly what happened to this board you're repairing. I was lucky to fine a gentleman in Boston that did this kind of work and for an extremely reasonable fee did what you did here and fixed the board. It was magic to have that fixed and now I see how a professional like yourself performs such miracles. Thanks so much for the demonstration as I have always been curious how this kind of work was performed. You're extremely skilled and do impressive work. Thanks again for the demonstration. Much appreciated.

[@tammineuman5983]

For this type of video, I just want to compliment you. It is top notch, concise language(I wish I had that ability), instruction without condescension, explanation of why’s and why nots to your chosen techniques and part selection. Slow paced when necessary, sped up during redundancy. Everything about it is very professional. I’m having an issue with a cluster, I’m currently troubleshooting, and if repair is the answer. I will ship it your way.

[@blacksmoke5009]

Now I know where to send my cluster when it craps out ! Thanks for sharing that was a really nice repair 👍

[@Tropicalias88]

I reiterate what's already been said...refreshing to see someone who knows what they're doing...well done sir...

[@napieraustin]

Thanks for the countless videos on these clusters 🤘🏼 I just did a rebuild on mine last night and went perfectly. New motors and led’s. Used a good soldering iron and a solder sucker pen worked great. Thanks again

[@advancednutritioninc908]

Your hand work on a scale this small is very good! The end product is excellent and should be reliable for years to come! Liked!!

[@juliancarter4550]

He knows what he is doing but also is not hurrying but just steady and getting a lot done so this is a good training video

[@georgeburns7344]

Great close-up views of your work.

[@zlindauer5315]

Thank you sir for sharing all your knowledge. I finally got mine done, 2 weeks on and off and installing and removing cluster 50 or so times, couple jumpers but done! You make it look so easy man! I really didn't want to send it to you and have you make a video about a idiot and a soldering iron. I think that was my inspiration. Once again thank you!

[@jeffescortlx]

Glad to hear you got it working!

[@tedgamble8806]

Wanted to say thanks for the video! I did my own and everything went well except for the water temp. I did not notice I had no pad left on one prong. THEN I lost the next solder point, how I do not know. Could not get solder to reattach so I could jumper. Looking at the board it looks like the main purpose was to go to the next "small" hole. So the fix was to insert /solder a jumper wire into the hole and solder it to the motor pin. Just wanted to let you know I could not of done it without your video!! Thanks again You almost got another job:)

[@bradi5050]

You are good at what you do even if you charge more that's fine I think you have the experience and know what you're doing that's big A factor great video great job!

[@moparnutalways]

I tried doing it myself and failed... otherwise known as a "Cluster F#$k" :)

[@bgregg55]

made me laugh. thx

[@ronwfox01]

Very useful. My tach and oil pressure gauges weren't working at all and the fuel and water temp gauges were intermittent. I ordered a kit from Amazon with stepper motors, a plastic pry bar and some bulbs (not LEDs) that I didn't use. I have small pry bars but they are metal; the plastic pry bar is very useful to keep from marring the overlay when removing the needles. It's important to use a solder sucker (I have a manual one, not the automatic one he uses). It to keep from messing up the pads when you desolder them. I replaced ALL the motors, not just the ones that were giving trouble. None of my pads got damaged. The motor leads are bent over some on the back of the circuit board. I unbent them back to vertical (breaking the last bit of solder contact with the pad) and then used a small side cutter to cut them even with the back of the circuit board before pulling the motors out from the front. I didn't re-flow any solder joints. Before removing the needles rotate them to the left until they stop and then mark that spot with painter's tape so you know where to put the needle when you put it back together (I got that from another video). I don't have the fancy tester he has; I just re-installed it in my 2005 Silverado 1500 and everything worked.

[@curtisroberts9137]

Very cool repair. I always enjoy watching good problem solving skills. Great vid.

[@spiritinthesky572]

Omg you must be the most patient person on earth. Im pretty sure that panel would up flying through the air if i was doing that. Pancake cluster frisbee!

[@johnstandley8426]

I need to send mine to you could you please fix mine?with led lights i pay you what you asking please let me know in private message

[@subigirlawd_7307]

Thanks for this educational video..learned so much 👍❤

[@mikeelder9481]

Hi Jeff I used to work for Diebold, which is where I first learned to solder on computer motherboards. But your skill is light years ahead of mine. I sure would like to get as good as you are.

[@derekfelber743]

Wow! I am blown away, you make this look easy!! I have so many questions! I want to be able to do this stuff! Very cool!

[@WJHandyDad]

is there a good schematic available online that shows what all those contact points do and what should have 12v + / - or other voltage?

[@MrDeleoco]

I would like to know about circuit schematic also. How to set up a test bench?

[@bigcheese781]

Obviously this owner guy was methodical in his approach; perfecting his procedure and skillset on the transtemp before the shit got real...

[@uruiamnot]

Jeff, I almost made a career out of soldering in the late 1990s... I turned it down ($30k starting salary, accepted the job for the $$ and then declined it) because it didn't sound fun and the hours were atrocious. I was a highly skilled electronics guy that hated soldering. I'm glad someone loves to solder and repair things down to the individual component. I am still a horrible solderer and desolderer. I wish you all the best, thanks for your expertise!

[@jeffescortlx]

I love soldering at component level! But I understand it's not for everyone.

[@marnielarocque9412]

I have done this yr`s ago but i am a welder, now have to do a buddies, however my jumpers were insulated wires, thicker because of the plastic insulation, i will definitely be using these thin coated wire`s, thanks buddy

[@brandonbronner9365]

I just got my cluster back from Jeff, the entire process was very professional and quick. I had exactly a 1 week turnaround time from removing the cluster, to reinstalling it. 10/10 service. Even if you think you can do this yourself, it’s good peace of mind knowing it was done professionally, it’s money well spent

[@stephenmorgan2237]

What ball park price you paid

[@louisdudycha1406]

Approximately how much to have that done?? Or should I just get one from the junkyard out of an older car?

[@trungcao2007]

How much does it cost to repair?

[@user-yl6mx4em8j]

anyone going to answer how much this is!!!?

[@mlez7197]

hey buddy what is the size of the soldering wire for this kind of job? great job ...thanks in advance

[@tjjohnson210]

Ha, I'm just the opposite, I can desolder fairly easy but I suck at soldering. Thanks for your vids they are a big help and the best.

[@rc-gx6nh]

Great video I have taken classes on repairing clusters and I have learn more here thank you..

[@jeffescortlx]

That's interesting. Where are classes held?

[@frankkallam7065]

Do you walk on water too? I can't believe you salvaged that mess... Great Job!

[@claytoncomeaux7653]

Hey Jeff. Would consider repairing cluster 2003 Avalanche cluster?

[@girlsruleVII]

This video was great. You make the job appear easy but it is very complicated. Fantastic job!!!

[@jeffescortlx]

Thank you!

[@daveski4496]

A true pro always makes it look easy, wish i had this guys skill,could sure help.

[@jamesmarek3227]

Watched 3 of your videos and I'm impressed by your work on the 99-02 GM dash cluster. Having built a Fisher FM tuner and separate Fisher amplifier as well as a Heath color TV, all 3 from kits, in the 1960 period, I really enjoyed your style of work and how you described every step so clearly and completely. Your video and audio are excellent. May be sending you a 2000 Yukon XL cluster for repair in a couple of months that has a wild and crazy message center issue, nonworking gas gauge as well as the odometer/tranny selector flashing off and on frequently. I would highly recommend you to anyone needing your services.

[@jeffescortlx]

Chances are the non-working fuel gauge is a sending unit issue.

[@jesse4338]

Where are you located? I have to find a windows computer to get your info all I have is Mac.

[@BassickS77]

This is really cool. I know where I’ll be sending mine if it fucks up

[@jW-xz7sr]

Good work. Lots of confidence. Excellent skill set and last but not least, love the camera work. I’m sure some avionics tech or aerospace engineer could talk shit, but for a auto gauge cluster you do great work. First time to your channel. Thanks for all the good info. It’s videos like this that make KZbin so freaking awesome.

[@kylefoxgmail]

Those close ups are awesome thank you! Great vid!

[@jeffescortlx]

Thanks! It's a sweet microscope!

[@jeff171]

Hey my gm cluster is in need of a toon up can you repair for me

[@Blazer02LS]

Yep, soldering takes a bit of practice, de-soldering take a LOT of practice. Especially on boards with molecule thin foils...

[@jeffescortlx]

Exactly!

[@ramongalavis3328]

Oh my ,that was an awesome fix thanks for this .Greetings from Venezuela.

[@discountyoutuber6707]

I almost fell asleep watching this. Something so relaxing about it. Too bad I’m driving lol

[@samueljames9342]

Nice to see someone that really knows what they're doing, subbed

[@stephenr1999]

could you make a video showing how you made the test harness for the cluster?

[@nox7539]

A pc computer power supply can be used for a power source.

[@tomjoad1363]

@@nox7539 BUt what voltage is it ? Which wire does what?

[@DrDrax-tz8xv]

Looking to find out how to make a harness. It's 112 degrees outside so I really don't want to be running back and forth to test it. Any idea where a breakdown of connections could be found?

[@rickyao2468]

@@DrDrax-tz8xv Use the GM service manual for your car/truck. Follow the pinouts in the wiring diagram.

[@rickyao2468]

@@DrDrax-tz8xv Also, go to the local junkyard and pull a harness from a scrap car.

[@BigZaddy2112]

You're a surgeon! Awesome to watch!

[@bret9741]

I enjoy learning. Don’t ever plan on doing what you do or even dabbling with this kind of work. But I really enjoy watching professionals work. Can you explain how your tools work and the various materials you use as you work sometime? What are you doing with the clear liquid and tool brush. Etc.

[@jeffescortlx]

The liquid is rubbing alcohol to clean off the flux from the solder.

[@602Pinstriping]

AUDIO is perfect

[@kraziejavier]

Awesome bro cool work

[@frostbite1991]

*grabs hot glue stick me-"this is a weird life-hack video"

[@NordicDan]

Your methods are nearly identical to what I've had to teach myself over the years (thanks to having to correct my own mistakes). Great video. It's good to have an idea what you're doing even if you have electronics experience before tearing into an unfamiliar part (in my case it's my brother in law's Silverado with a dim PRNDL display).

[@MoneyManHolmes]

How did you fix that issue?

[@NordicDan]

@@MoneyManHolmes We haven't pulled the dash yet since he's got the engine out for a rebuild. Once that's done and all back together we'll tackle the dash. I suspect, as has been mentioned in a bunch of videos and forums, cold solder joints on several resistors and around multiple pins for the main connector. I'll be going over every joint with my microscope and meter, but those will be the first things I look at. Unfortunately I don't have a bench test setup to quickly test functionality, so it'll be a bit longer of a process to make sure it's all good.

[@maryburk2914]

How do I get in contact to have you repair my 2003 Avalanche panel?

[@markhammonds9878]

Can someone help me get in contact as well to have my 98 k1500 instrument cluster repaired?

[@SurvivalInFlames]

What’s the liquid you use with the toothbrush to clean to board?

[@BASTARDSINC]

In Motion Automotive what he said^

[@SurvivalInFlames]

softsol6220 actually after watching a bunch of this guys videos, I’m pretty sure that liquid is just plain alcohol

[@davidguillory1149]

Can you tell me what solder you use and what wire you use for the jumpers?

[@fmartinable]

Great job, thank you for sharing knowledge!!

[@ikeybmg]

Can I send you a cluster to rebuild?

[@randyt700]

Great video! Btw, what's that liquid you're pouring in the board?

[@kdougk6668]

I want to know too? What’s is that liquid? Need to talk more bubba

[@cong27]

what is the cleaning solution you used with the brush?

[@ThomasShue]

Do you have a video of the tools that you use to power up and test all the gauges and calibrate everything

[@mikecarlin3396]

Hello, I have a cluster that needs repair. How can I contact you. Mike

[@bborkzilla]

"The bigger the blob, the better the job!"

[@lisab3396]

The bigger the blob done by a slob. OK that was a joke. Just came to mind.

[@heymitch9322]

hire BOB and get ROBED on the JOB

[@jaymen833]

Love the video, I am a big fan, would you be able to tell me or show me the size of the SMD resistors such as the 511 or the 240 that help with the lcd screens. In trying to learn the sizes.

[@petero2693]

Learned a lot of tricks from you ...thanks

[@tedcarter5375]

This was a good video but you didn't explain anything you speed The video up and didn't say anything about what you're putting down on the board to clean it up did you put flux on it I would like to know all that but I guess I won't know

[@1FireyPhoenix]

Kind of late. 3 months late. But it appeared he didn't use flux (probably relying on the rosin inside the solder) and he used alcohol to clean the rosin off.

[@kwmiked]

Dont worry about it! Most likely if u didn't know what he was doing, u should just send your cluster to him . Cause yours is gonna end up exactly like this one! If u touch it .... Lol

[@1FireyPhoenix]

@@kwmiked XD that's probably true. But people have to learn from somewhere.

[@gdietz2]

Insulting the DIY guy at the start isn’t the best idea.

[@blakecable7088]

It probably took him weeks to develop those skills

[@curtisramsey2219]

I have a 08 silverado 1500 is that true the the turn signal flasher is in the cluster

[@dberry1052]

Jeff, I repaired a cluster today, I only replaced two of the step motors, temp and speedometer, because everything else was working. I am an experienced Electrical Engineer and I was shocked how easy it is to overheat the pads on these boards. It tells me that GM never meant for these ever to be repaired, as this is the thinnest layer I've ever come across on a board. I tested my solders afterward to ensure that I had continuity on each solder and luckily everything works as it should. I salute anyone that attempts this repair, not for the faint hearted.

[@jeffescortlx]

Yes the pads do lift very easy on these PCB's. A good electric solder suckers helps. You can get the solder removed before the copper pad and PCB have a chance to soak up a lot of heat.

[@MrDewman21]

Great video, love how its recorded in pov and audio is spot on. Do you think you can link parts used in description?

[@tracedixon6133]

How would you fix a shifter indicator on a 1988 Chevy K1500

[@Barbaratio]

Heya, the 24 pin for the dash clusters, what wires you got hooked up, trying to get it to where I can bench clusters and calibrate on bench.

[@markeiler9753]

What is the stuff you are spraying on the solder you are very impressive would love to have your knowledge

[@Dontslaythybroski]

thanks for spreading your knowledge bro!

[@spiritinthesky572]

Very helpful. You def have skills. Kudos to you.

[@jerrypeal653]

These are pretty easy and I changed lighting to led while I was doing mine . Some of the servomechanisms were faulty .

[@Yo_favorite_prieto]

What cables are the ones to make a mileage screen turn on

[@johnguy1004]

Do you work on a 2016 chevy equinox cluster do you have a video on how to pull the cluster for repair

[@oxwilder]

The audio's great but I'd love it if you could steady that camera mount that swings back and forth every time you bump it :)

[@greateaglediaz6963]

Thank you for pass it on you acknowledge an experience

[@dollarbill6877]

Cool I like your detail work! What Pin is the power for testing the lights?

[@jacobnbr11]

Great video Jeff. As always

[@jeffescortlx]

Thanks!

[@osvaldoNTC]

What size are the (511) chip resistor and what ohms/tolerance? Thank u

[@bobkos333]

Have to say I screwed one up in my early attempts. I recovered it and IMMEDIATELY bought a Hakko FR300 desoldering gun as shown in this video. THAT tool has paid for itself time and again.

[@jeffescortlx]

Yes the FR300 is a must have for me. Wouldn't want to do desoldering without it once you get use to it.

[@acanfield87]

Nice technique with the jumper wires, especially on the speedo.

[@Richphotos1]

What wires do you use for your jumper wires? Great work, taught me a lot.

[@c.gonzalez2294]

Hey Jeff thanks for the video.. I have a 08 Escalade esv with the check engine light on . How can i disconnect the light its driving me crazy. there is a issue with my catalyst converter i don't plan on fixing anytime soon.. thanks in advance for your help

[@kwmiked]

Stop it! Stop being a tight ass and fix the problem instead of looking for a hack tip. Goof

[@LoneWolfZ]

JFC was the previous soldering attempt done with a flamethrower and a pry-bar?

[@Jpilgrim30]

Much easier to do it right and make a jumper wire than to blob on tons of solder and hope it works. The cheap irons with a bulb on them you can get for ~$15 on Amazon work pretty good in this situation. I’m amazed at how much of a mess of things people can make out of simple jobs like these motors.

[@sheaadams86]

where can i get that desolder gun?

[@MrShankmiester]

You do awesome work

[@bobkos333]

Nicely done!

[@raszamataz46]

any way i can send my cluster for repair?

[@alexiamonsalve2905]

My grandson has a 2004 Suburban, the shift indicator light it does not appear. Would you be so kind to indicate how to fix it or what can it be? We live Texas state. Thanks for your time.

[@eddiewaters5445]

Alexia Monsalve reflow solder over the resistors and it will fix the problem. Very easy if you know how to solder

[@JohnDoe-ml8ru]

I see some improper repair around the 12:00 mark. Instead of clipping, or bending the legs away from the ground area, the legs were just left hovering over it. Gotta bend those legs back towards the proper trace. Also there was no need for the additional enamel coated wires, especially leaving them lay over top of the other traces.

[@pedroayala9353]

outstanding work!

[@stephenw5063]

Hello Jeff, enjoy your informative videos. Would you kindly share a link to where you get your lights and stepper motors from?

[@jeffescortlx]

I purchase my parts from an over seas vendor that has high minimum orders. It's not ideal for the average Joe to want to have to buy $500 worth of stepper motors to fix his pick up. But wholesalesteppermotor.com has given me great service when I needed smaller quantities.

[@reaganreagan3799]

i have access to about 200 instrument clusters. They are out of the vehicle however,I do not know functionality of any of them. I just want to unload them as is. Any suggestions? Im finding stuff from 2015- 1980's

[@husseintaso855]

Hello how are you how do you operate it without kicking it in the car please please tell me kindly

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

I want to just ask your opinion. My grandson borrowed my 2001 Astro van, left lights on, have to jump start it, since then none of the gauges work. Did the jump somehow fry an IC from ESD or something? He changed the fuse and the lights still work!!?? Thanks for the video

[@jeffescortlx]

That cluster may rely on more than one fuse. I would double check all the fuses both under the hood and under the dashboard.

[@bayconfidence64]

Really very nice work thnx