Chevrolet GMC Cluster Gauge Diagnosis and Repair

In todays video I show the in depth diagnosis and repair process for a GM vehicle with a failed instrument cluster. The subject vehicle, a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, came in with a symptom of no gauge operation and no drivers information display function. This symptom, diagnostic process and repair is similar to year models 1999-2004 Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac trucks and SUV's including Silverado, Tahoe, Sierra, Yukon, Escalade and others. I cover many of the most common issues and repairs for this common issue effecting these instrument panels.
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[@johnharman6840]

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!

[@alexandercox5883]

Thank you dude I appreciate it

[@stevefeilinger9967]

I have watched about 6 or 7 videos about this and this was the mist comprehensive one. You hit all of the high points in one video - thanks so much!

[@marktomcho]

I have been attempting to fix the cluster problem for a while now. It would go off intermittently. Your method of using the multi meter pinpointed that it was indeed the cluster and not a ground or wire problem. Your drawing of what pins to check was great. Ordered new one and problem solved. Thanks!

[@tonyb9138]

Your video was fantastic. Your step by step on changing the cluster was fabulous. From start to finish it took me 30 minutes. Thank you

[@CAMFreightways]

Thank you for saving our camping trip! Our 2004 Chevy Express body class C camper instrument panel gauges weren't working. I disconnect the battery when I store it and I guess the computer needed reset. I bumped the battery cables together as you suggested and Hallelujah!!

[@ILBIS123]

Hi Doc. I'm trying to find the video where you address the issue of a stupid little piston that gets stuck in the Envoy-Trailblazer engines that makes you beleive that you have low pressure and for the computer to send a warning signal to turn off the engine. GM Engineers a doing a lousy job and GM never made a RECALL about this problem. YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET AND on KZbin THAT HAVE FOUND WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I got it a little bit fixed using a LUCAS additive and changing to 40w oil. THIS PROBLEM IS DRIVING THOUSAND OF CONSUMERS CRAZY AND WASTING MONEY AND TIME REPLACING PARTS THAT ARE NOT NEEDED!!!! If you got the LINK, PLEASE POST IT HERE SO ME AND OTHERS CAN FIND IT. YOU ARE A GENIUS!!!! WELL DONE! YOU GOT MY RESPECT!!!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

I appreciate the extra time you spent to try to help those who might be having this issue and want to try this themselves. Costs you time (costs us nothing!) Many don't realize how much time it takes to do something like this. (Probably triple the time it normally would take to do the job) I have not had this issue but there is always something to learn from these types of videos! Thanks again!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you! You are correct, it adds hours to my day but I enjoy it and most folks appreciate it. Blessings.

[@Ezduzit69]

That's why you don't buy a GM cluster. If they screw up the first time they will again. Have it rebuilt with quality steppers and you will be good to go most give a lifetime warranty. Buying GM your asking for trouble because they know you will come back

[@joen5332]

@@Ezduzit69 who has lifetime warranties every company I have contacted their warranty is just like a brand new one from the dealer 12 months no more no less

[@lukelukastx]

@@ThecardoctorTV Blessings. Thanks for sharing your.

[@navyvet8264]

Kudos for living in Alaska if I didn't hate the snow so much, I would probably move up there, I'm sure the ppl up there appreciate having a good mechanic up there.

[@freddycarballido1949]

This was literally the highlight of my month. I never thought to flex the damn thing and have it come to life!!! Simply amazing thank you so much!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Excellent.

[@jrneff9773]

mr doctor thank you for you coming back to you tube went to a Jehovah witness program this weekend they where teaching how to build everyone up in hard times and be positive thinker

[@ThecardoctorTV]

A generous and kind heart is hard to knock. Thanks for watching.

[@djdeluca1960]

I lost my dash gauges yesterday 04 Yukon Denali , checked my grounds and fuses, all good. Pulled out the instrument panel and gave it one twist like you did in the video and it started working. I will order a new or reconditioned one since my PRNDL wasn't working even before this issue. Thanks for the video!

[@trafalga5136]

Had an 03 Silverado and had to re-solder my cluster to get the PRNDL to show and put some steeper motors in and it was fine. That cluster was a real cluster -- but you figured it out so good call. Keep up the good work and will watch your videos.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Good job. I’m sure this one could have been fixed by finding the issue on the board but I’m just a parts swapper at heart and this was a quick fix. I own a few of these vintage vehicles so I might be digging into a cluster of my own before long.

[@servicorcega]

Hi, I'm from Venezuela, thanks to this video, I was able to repair my clouster, I had a false contact, thanks for that.

[@landong.8555]

You are really great!! You teach so well. Thanks for all of the information you provided!

[@JohnCalebWarren]

I love your channel. Turning problems into profit! That's great! And helping folks along the way. Had same prob, Helped me. Thanks!

[@raymondnewton9934]

Your video was a life saver! Other videos didn’t really help at all. I’m glad I came across you video!

[@Tyfonsasa]

Thank you Tim Im glad i played your video. I have a 2004 silverado 5.3 it has the same problem as your video. the only thing that my vehicle did not start. but same problem no communication, no dash gauges, no start. all grounds were intact. I will pull cluster and do full inspection. thank you thank you. again.

[@jerrylofy9153]

On my cluster the circuit board solder joints were mostly cold. Open connections all over the board. I just resoldered them all. Everything came back to life. No problems since.

[@Slejj_Hamma]

I wonder why he didn't check the circuit board first before sending off for a new cluster... that may have saved the customer hundreds of dollars...

[@tbochette82]

Good old GM with their crappy clusters. There are a lot of companies in the lower 48 that only exist because of them. Good job as always.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks and yes, they keep a lot of folks in business. Kinda like their fuel pumps do.

[@foreverendeavors6210]

I appreciate that harness schematic!

[@willefixit]

whats up doc... cold here in the north east west side of ct burinng wood ,just stoped by to say god bless/godspeed/Dammm the torPEADOES full speed ahead!!! have anice thankxgiving...---...dealt with them clusters befor place near erico fixes them thoose things/god bless us all...---...

[@donvoll2580]

Good day from Ont. Yea those thin gs are a pain. Mine went out. Met a fellow at landfill, all of his were gone. He said "keep up with traffic & fill up more often. Thanks

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Haha. That’s one way to do it. Seems like if someone made a good replacement they could get rich!

[@rordonez885]

Great video... My cluster went out all of sudden on my 03 Cadillac Escalade EXT. My battery went dead so I'm charging it. I'm hoping that was the issues, but I will check all of the grounds and follow your instructions. Again thanks.

[@ricksimper]

Thanks for this. Very informative and it helped me diagnose the issue and i was able to fix it myself.

[@ethanfreeman9623]

I have this exact same problem currently on my 2006 Silverado 1500. I am bringing it to my local Auto Electrician business. I have tried to change the IPC fuse, and that is about it before I pay a pretty penny to fix it. The truck runs fine, but I think the cluster has gone out at about 127,000 miles. It used to be my Grandfather's truck that I inherited. I am trying to fix it well and drive it for how long I can.

[@kellyspeppers]

Your a wise man, checking grounds first then fuses for power. To stop the ding ding ding on a lot of cars and trucks all you need to do flip the door latch. Just don't forget to unlatch before slamming the door, haha.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Yes, I knew that was going to be annoying. I think the latch would stop this one. I’ll give that a try next time. Blessings.

[@maedaatlanta]

I wonder why you didn't fix it. I have seen many videos of how to repair a faulty cluster. I have the same problem. I will try to fix it mine. I will see if it works for me. Great video. I learned something new today. Thank you.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I dont mess with those. Just get reman or new units. Just a personal preference.

[@samsquires2877]

Glad to see you used GM on this one. I’m not too sure our friend Dorman could live up to GM quality on this one 🤣.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

And I don’t even want to find out. Haha.

[@samsquires2877]

The Car Doctor lmao I don’t either with the price of those things.

[@johnvanderhoff6155]

Thanks Tim. Just watched your video here in Cooper Landing and after checking the plug contacts for voltage I gave the cluster a twist and it started working again. The PRNDL indicator doesn’t light up, so I might have to resolder the resistors and maybe order a new panel if the gauges stop working again.

[@mastera9124]

Thx man I appreciate you fix my truck

[@1010Morada]

One repair guy found an issue with the ground with the black and white wire at the odm hook up. I am going to try that first before having to replace a whole new cluster. Or do the reset too. But Thank you if all else fails.

[@davidludwig2755]

Why did you not show if the modules began communicating after the "twist"??

[@jamesu]

Thanks Tim. Good to see you at work.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you James.

[@chadryan2574]

Why wouldn’t you take a couple of seconds while you were right there and shown everyone where the fuses or breakers were located for the gauges ?

[@AP9311]

Very very common between 03 to 07 GM clusters. I've repaired the EMPROM and stepper motors. Replaced the bulbs to LED. Be sure you replace the x27 version. They are the updated ones from GM. Very easy to work on. If you have the hot air gun and decent solder gun, just don't pull it hard you'll break the copper in the board. Hope that helps. Btw EMPROM are for the PRNDL light and mileage display. Easy to fix and some solders need to be reflowed. Simple lol

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Maybe easy for you. I would probably melt the board and fry every capacitor on the thing before I got the solders fixed. Haha.

[@AP9311]

@@ThecardoctorTV hahaha, look at Eric O. He did one. It was his first time lol.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Eric is a sharp dude. I would trust him to do open heart surgery on me.

[@AP9311]

@@ThecardoctorTV me to!!!

[@ernesttuttle3142]

I know this is an old comment,but if I take out the EMPROM from the 03-07 cluster can I just take one from an 99-02 cluster and have the PRNDL and mileage? If not,then which EMPROM (part #?) do I need. Thanx in advance 😎

[@seank4769]

I found out I have loose pins in the cluster . Thanks for the info

[@richbadour6002]

Thank you for the explanation only thing that should be addressed…… turn off the key while explaining!!! The continue bells ring interceptor my ability to understand what you were explaining!! Other then that you made have hit the problem with my truck!

[@jspaulding4106]

You get a like from me. Not for the helpful video, but for just letting that chime ding away while you grab tools and explain stuff. Proper mechanic stuff.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you for chiming in.

[@jspaulding4106]

@@ThecardoctorTV haha! Certified pro.

[@yvonodnice7469]

Thank you 🙏😊 so much for doing this, educating us and keep us from paying big fee for small and simple issue. I have a great insight and understanding of your demonstration.. I'll keep following you. Actually my 2004 Chevrolet SUV Tahoe Z71 package has the same issue, I'm currently thinking how I'm going to fix it. It's a huge challenge for me. And my vehicle has a knock engine sensor issue as well. I wish that you were my neighbor 😅😅🤓.

[@thomastommy1192]

As always a great educational video. Thanks for sharing. I hope you are having a Blessed Weekend.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you Thomas! We got snow last night finally so I’m enjoying drinking my coffee and looking out at the winter wonderland.

[@jamestackett2879]

Thanks Tim for sharing your knowledge with us ..

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks. Figure I better share some of what’s left before it’s all gone.

[@kenlaing7529]

awesome video helped me out alot and well explained have a great day

[@spelunkerd]

Ha ha, a 'wiggle test' done another way, great tip! Gotta think it is broken solder joints inside, I'd be taking it apart to try and reflow any joints I can get to. It is easy to see why a pro reaches for a proven reliable option.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks. Yes I can’t afford to goof around with soldering boards since it just wouldn’t pay enough. I would dive a little deeper if it was my own rig for sure. Good of you to drop by. I sure love your channel!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

@ 7:12 I love how he pretends to remove a bolt when the cluster is CLEARLY already unbolted. You can see it move when he pulls the bezel.

[@MOE13576]

@Ron Ross he didn't said it was a bad thing..

[@jf2487]

pins on cluster or subject to light oxidation causing gauges to work periodic clean plug with q-tip dipped in alcohol or use contact cleaner ,my trailblazer does it about once every couple years.will require gauges to be removed.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Crazy. I should probably do more autopsy work on these failures to heal us all learn more. Sadly that takes a significant amount of extra time but would really add to the quality of the video. Thanks for the info.

[@jeffescortlx]

At 11:47 the wiggling of the connector can give a false diagnosis of a bad connector, when in fact the connector is soldered directly to the PCB, and when you wiggle the connector you put pressure on the PCB and can effect bad joints. 2003-04 full size GM's have a weakness in the cluster that causes intermittent power. The wiring, plug, ground and power sources is reliable, the issue is 99.99999% of the time internal to the cluster.

[@tonythespeedy]

I got 12+ volts on b11, b12 but no readings on B9, any help? 2007 chevy Silverado classic 1500 cluster not working

[@oseaszayas5011]

Thank you so much Man!! For you great help !!

[@wayne-dh4pt]

thanks for the help

[@timfaulkner4587]

Great video I really appreciate it thanks

[@Ray92569]

04 Sierra, same deal with the exception that in information cluster of the panel, it is lit up from left to right, like the barricades on space invaders.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Interesting. Haven’t seen that one. I’m betting on a bad cluster

[@of_hell]

Super helpful! Thank you.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you.

[@franciscobarrios9508]

Thanks you are verY good person god bless you

[@applehead252]

Thanks so much !!! I feel confident I can do this ! lol

[@natebrown7315]

Just change the ipc/dic fuse under the hood compartment worked for me

[@gotcha8568]

Thanks for the post

[@mikeatv]

very good well done as usual...

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you

[@Fireinahorn]

Thank you! Flexing the cluster had no effect on mine. I do have battery power to the plug behind it. Maybe the cluster is shot?

[@neildowyne4897]

😀 great mate .... Aussie viewer

[@Toolaholic7]

We don't even mess with them,send the clusters out to get fully rebuilt with a lifetime warranty.No programing done under $100.00

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Excellent!

[@donvillo1]

Where to?

[@MrJtrillion]

Website? Walter frederick

[@debbiekrallman7482]

Thank G the binging stopped.🤯

[@keithallen6549]

What should i do if im not getting power to b9?

[@bearcub2480]

Good deal thanks !

[@Almosafir776]

Thanks a lot man that was useful

[@JP-Swag]

Great video! You have a very hole some way of speaking. I intend to be a supporting from here on.

[@curtisjames2443]

My speedometer is bouncing up and down or stays at 0 when driving. I've done replaced the VSS and no luck

[@shawnsmith4058]

What to do about 04 Silverado high beams on when trucks off no key on ? Thanks

[@foreverendeavors6210]

Low and behold, i twisted it and it woke up 😆

[@henrytoledo4103]

Pin number 8 is a ground for the odometer and gear selector Had an intermittent on/off problem. Tied an additional ground to that wire and it's fixed

[@sandralira6091]

Could you please explain how you did that? I found a replacement gauge cluster - and of course, everything works but the odometer and gear selector. And I can't get an emissions test without it.

[@UnapologeticAmerican]

The 2 grounds under the drivers door might fix the fuel sending unit issue.

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thanks

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Not positive it is an issue may have been low on fuel. I knew of the TSB for ABS issues related to those frame grounds but actually wasn’t aware of fuel level circuit problems. Good to know.

[@UnapologeticAmerican]

The Car Doctor I’m in the rust belt and buy/sell all GMT800 vehicles before they get crushed due to failed inspections. I usually clean up the grounds on the firewall, front core support, under drivers door, and tail light ground. You wouldn’t believe how many issues clear up because the computer doesn’t read zero with a bad ground!! Thanks for the videos!!

[@mylifejourney74]

Watching your video. You mention that you can tighten the connector sockets where the wires go into. How do you tighten them? I tested the connector for the light swtich as well. both gave me 0.85 readings. So, what does that tell me (im no mechanic, lol) But the switch does work my lights in the van and my headlights. Its just the dial (lower switch). Its a new switch.

[@pl747]

Rebuilt instrument panel. All the lights only work in the start position for just a second. The security light does not work in the on position. And can not get it to start. Only for a second then the Passkey 2 shuts it down. 2004 k1500.

[@jlhale1]

General question here I guess. I recently replaced my instrument cluster. The connectors on the old one were a little mangled. The cluster had a constant check engine on but went a little nuts at an intersection and the truck died. I managed to get it started and pulled into a gas station. Got a ride to the salvage yard a few miles up the road and replaced it. So my question is related to what I noticed after replacing. The truck started up better than it did before(was a hard start once the truck had ran for a bit). Also the check engine that was on was no longer lit up. So to my question. Can the instrument cluster effect how the engine starts/runs? Like I said it went from having a hard start to it starting right up as soon as I turn the key.

[@gregkilgore4035]

Had an older Mazda 626. Kept going thru alternators and batteries. Just before replacing parts volt gauge would do weirded stuff and clicking sound from dash. Replaced the gauge cluster and had no trouble with alternator until I wrecked the car. So I guess it's possible.

[@DavidGutierrez-zi4dy]

excellent

[@soycazador8717]

Gracias por su video ya solucione mi problema

[@martesmywhat1920]

Nomas habla un lenguaje el camarada..yo tengo ese problema tambien.

[@quickchrome2012]

Ok I checked all this. My issue is a dead cluster with just the check engine light on. But it only dies when there's rain or moisture or freezing. Power comes back after a few days when the weather is sunny and dry. I know I can't be the only one with this symptoms

[@AndraClark-p8p]

Hello I have a 2004 tahoe when I drive it an it jerks an turn off can you please tell me what it is

[@547Rick]

Nice Video and great information. I was wondering though if the trim piece was going to win the war.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Just about Whipped my butt there. Haha.

[@DiscordCriminal]

My Gear indicator (PRND321) doesn’t always illuminate, at times it will magically work perfect. The weird thing is when it works my mirror displays the temp/compass. Both don’t work then both magically work I have tried so much. Another weird thing is some of the times the compass lights up it’s all messed up and every line is lit up so it’s just a jumble of lines

[@stevenc2515]

Would a faulty instrament cluster cause wierd issues with the lock/unlock on the doors? I have this exact thing happening with my cluster but the doors are wiggy with the turn of my key.

[@dalejrfan820002000]

I had this happen to me driving down the road. Then they came back. After I left the truck sit for an hour. I tried to start the truck . It starts and stalls. Tried it three times and it started and it was fine.

[@oscarescobar5108]

Thank you for your videos👏, have you encountered any issues with a 2007 BMW 328i, no cluster lights, Push starting nothing/cranking nothing, car wiper going crazy like if the battery was dead

[@zx8401ztv]

It's possible that the old unit had a bad case of Cracus Solderus :-D It's lasted well for its age, better than us lol. I watch a youtuber that repairs clusters, the worse ones are where the owner/mechanic trys to fix it. Often just makes it worse :-(

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I should have tried to solder it back to life. That would have made for a better video at least. Or I should have set the old cluster on fire. Yes on fire. That would be fun.

[@jeffescortlx]

@@ThecardoctorTV I believe I have a cluster repair techinition listed for Alaska in my "cluster repair network" video.

[@covidisevent201]

Would this also make it not start. Having same issue the tru k trys to start starts rough then stalls. My cluster does the same thing.

[@bamamomof4551]

We had to fix the clusters in my chevy trailblazer

[@bamamomof4551]

What causes the chevy trailblazer to rev up and down while driving between 50-60 mph? Doesn't rev up and down below 50 or above 60. No check engine light on

[@jayscarbrough7635]

How to do I check that for my speedometer. Only one not working.

[@joen5332]

I have a 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 heavy duty in the ground strap between the box and cab is broke where exactly does that attach to

[@bobbyparker6223]

I put new battery and everything stated working

[@stevenwilkinson9886]

So my cluster gauges quit working... I test the wiring harness and found no power to the b11 pin... I have had the cluster replaced by the dealership awhile ago... My question is where does the power supply come for that pin? All fuses are good... Thanks in advance...

[@sheakeagle8597]

Quick question, I have an 02 savana and my cluster fuse popped, everytime I replaced the fuse it pops immediately. Any suggestions for a fix? I'm going to check all grounds and pull it out but curious on your thoughts? Thank you

[@redneckboy1223]

Lol take the circuit board out plug it back in and touch each resistor/diode with a pencil eraser until you find the one with the loose solder connection then resolder it. No need to buy a whole new cluster. I've been through that problem before 😂

[@johnarnold4657]

Just replaced my cluster 4 2003 trailblazer now the daytime/low beams won't come on.......I changed the hdm relay and 1 low beam light still nothing does it have anything to do with a bad instrument cluster???

[@VIheavyequipment]

you really showed that cluster who's boss

[@007briles]

Having elec problem with no park lites on 2004 chev 1500 crew cab. Ck bulbs good..ck power to bulbs..(no pwr)ck Fuze under hood and Fuze on rt side of dash any other places I should ck?? Grt content!!!

[@white2eagle]

I have same issue with mine but the weird thing is if I remove the fuse for the cluster my radio works just fine but as soon as I put fuse back in for the cluster the radio goes off and stays off. Is there something that ties the cluster with the radio? It drives me nuts...

[@waynenoel4670]

Your video is clear and comprehensive.I need to ask you though my odometer never shows the mileage .How can I repair that?

[@telesforogonzales5114]

Hello..with most of those cluster symptoms..can or will it affect my charging system in my 2004 yukon cuz i get battery draineg. Ive installed a dual battery with Stinger isolator and big three and slightly bigger alternator that's running a 3000 watt amp pushing 2 sundown 10's

[@cjsproul7687]

I have a 04 Chevy Silverado and I have a problem with my cluster all gauges work but have no lights in the gauges. What could the problem be? Any info would help and be greatly appreciated

[@marybarboza697]

I dont have a complete panel failure. Oil water tac and speed odometer now working have any advise

[@danielmcdaniels295]

Does a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado have a instrument cluster self check test or no