HOW TO 2003-2006 GM Chevy Silverado Cluster Weird Problem Repair 

Glad it helped !!! Very easy to do and results speak for themselves !!

I will look for the video.

I am flattered, thank you!!

I've learned a a lot of stuff over the years... Thanks Bro 👍👍👍

@@fix206 Hey there. My Name Everton and I have a similar problem with my instrument 2005 Escalade cluster except mine is completely blank plus slot to left where abs & parking brake I blank also. I understand you have repair web site and I would like to have it repair. Can You Let me how do I proceed or contact information thanks.

I'd say that 95% of cluster repair shops wouldn't know how to approach this sort of repair, that's how I ended up with it :) The guy that sent it to me said that couple of instrument repairers told him that his cluster was unrepairable. Usually when you send the cluster out all that those folks will do is change out motors and lights, and do some soldering in all the usual places, however since this is a not a common problem by their standards, they wouldn't know what to do and just send it back.

A lot of those rebuild places will just perform a standard rebuild, but that problem isn't exactly the standard one, I digging a bit deeper into rebuilds that I do and address all the issues

I try not to get too technical, because I don't want to confuse most folks with that stuff. So I try explain the process with the easy to understand terminology :) 👍🏻

Glad you enjoyed it!

Great to hear!

Glad you liked it... Thanks Steve !!

Thanks for watching!

Don't think I would be much help, I've never worked on any of those Kenworth clusters, don't even know what they look like. I don't have any sort of schematics pertaining to them either :-(

@@fix206 thank you for the reply. I will try few more things on it and if it doesn’t work I’ll just change the whole harness and take the cab control module for a repair if needed. Hopefully that fixes the problem. Thanks again for replying 🙏🏼

Thank you sir!! Appreciate the comment!!

I'm not home to check the pin out but as far as I remember there are three positive wires and two grounds that I'm using. As far as the positives goes, one is a constant, one is switched and the third is back lighting

If it's an intermitent issue such as that, then you most likely have a cracked solder joint somewhere on the board

@@fix206 Awesome! After submitting my inquiry earlier, I was thinking the issue over and was thinking the same thing. It seem to be the only thing that makes sense, considering it tended to happen only when the part was under vibration. I don't have much experience with boards and reflowing solder joints, so I wanted to make sure there wasn't something I wasn't aware of and I was hoping to not have to replace any large components. Thank you again for your time and professional opinion! I really appreciate it! (Side note: So apparently 3 yrs ago, you answered a previous question for me regarding the same cluster. 😅 I had totally forgotten that and earlier today, was actually reading my own previous question and your response to it, NOT realizing I was the one who had posted it in the first place! 🙄😆 Go figure...) Sorry for the long comment!!

Whenever I have that same problem I solve it by the use of flux

Thank you! Cheers!

Thanks bro!! I do a lot of stuff myself, electronics repair, auto body and paint same as you 👍

Are you talking about the lights that eliminate the whole backside of the cluster? Or the lights in the two lower screens?

I have never heard of that issue before, you could try some different LEDs or better yet switch back to the original type lighting and see if that remedies the situation... Try different things and then you will know what exactly is causing your issue

Those LEDs were aftermarket and are known to actually cause problems in clusters that weren't designed to run them. So I just went ahead and put it back to stock.

@@fix206 i have an 03 silverado with some light bulbs not working like in video above how much would it cost me to have it repaired or fixed ?

That's weird, I don't think I've ever seen that problem before

Airbag light would indicate that there is an issue with the SRS system - not cluster related, other issues such as loss of power to the cluster and sticking or dead gauges I can definitely fix... ON a 2500HD full rebuild with with return shipping included would be $160... I get the cluster rebuilt and sent back to you the same day as I receive it...

Hard to tell without testing first...

Easiest way to do it is mount your LEDs on the board, then run the power to the board and whichever LEDs don't light up, just flip them around and you'll be golden !!

I am using a 12 volt car battery trickle charger

Sorry for a late reply, it's hard to say what exactly is causing the scrolling language issue without testing the cluster first. And as far as powering up the cluster on the bench, connect pins B9, B11, A11 to positive and B12, A12 to negative and everything should power up... Good luck my friend !!

if it's just on of the gauges acting up then it will be your gauge motor going bad... if the whole cluster is shutting down then it will be the board issue

If the screen is not coming on at all, then the problem most likely going to be somewhere else, sound like a power delivery to the screen is absent. Mileage is stored on a different chip. I do mail in repairs. So If you want to send your cluster in I can get it repaired, let me know if it's something you'd be interested in

Scrolling languages usually means a fault within the main chip that drives the whole cluster... And there is no real good way to replace that chip. At this point you may want to source another used cluster,

Your gear selector light going out is most likely due to broken solder joints

well there you go... if something breaks, don't fix it. Chances are as time goes on it'll fix itself. Problem solved. That's how fixed my last relationship :)

It's hard to pinpoint an issue over the Internet. Because whenever I open up the cluster with any sort of an issue I do troubleshooting in different sectors on the circuitboard to figure out what the root of the issue may be. I do have people send me their clusters all the time for repairs, so that's always an option

@@fix206 how much you charge for the repair, where are you located. Please send me all details. Is about a 2004 Silverado with only back light and turn signals working. I'm in South Florida.

Sounds like a loose connection somewhere on the board

I don't have the pin out, I;m just just using a plug with pigtails where 3 pink wires come together for power and then 2 black wires go to the ground...

It is definitely something where I would have to go in and probe around to find an issue.

Did you already replace the RPM gauge stepper motor ?

It's going to be a board issue

I assume you are talking about the lower display, it sounds like the actual vacuum fluorescent display is going out and would need to be replaced. Hard to tell for sure though without actually doing some testing

Has the cluster already been rebuilt ? Or is it still virgin from the factory?

It could be several different reasons for your cluster to behave the way it does. Hard to tell for sure without doing some testing first. I do offer mail in repair service if you are interested...

Sorry for the late reply, I can definitely fix your cluster. Just have to do some testing first to determine what's causing the issue. I do have people mailing me the clusters that need to be repaired. Let me know if you're interested and I'll send you my contact information

I'm having the same problem with my cluster

The problem that you're experiencing is caused by the motors that run the gauges. Those motors are going out and the only way to remedy the issue is by having the motors replaced. Normally whenever I replace the motors I always do a few other adjustments within the cluster that may cause different problems. So if you'd like you can ship me your cluster, I would get it rebuilt and send it right back to you the same day that I receive it. Let me know if you're interested

Shoot me an email to hadiji7551@faxapdf.com

The only way to remedy that would be to swap out the blue LEDs for another color of your choice..

Normally whenever I rebuild a cluster I do more than just resolder broken connections. I rebuild the entire cluster where I take care of multiple problems that these clusters have. Full rebuild runs $150

Sorry, I normally don't stock the lenses

Fix206 thanks anyways

Unknown driver pops up because the cluster is being powered up outside of a vehicle

@@fix206 sounds good....thank you

Chip that I worked on in the video has a bit larger sized legs that I can see quiet clearly... Just have to have a pretty steady hand and take your time in lining it up... Sometime I;ll use a magnifying glass just to make sure that everything is lined up just right. The chip I used I actually pulled off of a parts cluster I had sitting around

I used a plug that I cut out of a Silverado truck at the wrecking yard

I have seen that problem before, but never worked on it. As far as I know the issue lies in the MCU which is the main micro processor on the board. Those things are usually not being replaced due to cost

It is caused by silver migration on the back side of the board. You need to clean it and recoat with conformal coating.

I highly doubt that any of the issues that you're having are caused by the fuel gauge.

Unfortunately the issue that you are experiencing is completely different from the issue that I fixed. Especially if you end up with a battery draw. The problem you are having is with the main processor on the circuit board which unfortunately cannot be corrected. Your best bet is to get another cluster

Thanks bud

Three pinks get bunched up together go to the positive and also two of the black wires that would make up your ground

I believe there are 3 pink wires that you would run to + and I two black ones that would run to - and that will power the cluster up

@@fix206 thank you for the response

Any particular size batt you hook it up to?

Hey Craig, did you ever get this fixed? Was the answer about the pink and black wires helpful?

Most vehicle store mileage in the cluster... Some will do a combination cluster/body control module.

@@fix206 Interesting. My 2004 Silverado needs new stepper motors for gauges, only the tach and fuel gauge work anymore. There was a recall on those but my truck wasn't in the VIN group according to the dealer :(

For sure repair just about any problem you have, I do repair these clusters locally and I also do have people mail them in from other states. Removing the cluster is super simple, only takes a couple of minutes. Let me know when you're ready to ship and I'll send you some contact information.

@@fix206 where are you located? I am in Reston Virginia area.

I'm in Seattle area

But I do have people ship me their clusters on the regular. Let me know if you want to send yours in, I'd be happy to get it all fixed up for you

I also have the same problem but the lights by the a/c controls and raido flicker as well. I have to play with the wheel that controls the interior dimming to fix this sometimes. Any input? Its a 2004 chevy silverado 1500.

Haha... What's up bro? How have you been? We got to get together and catch up one of these days !!!

@@fix206 I wish. I saw your channel accidentally and I was like Dima.!!!???

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@@fix206 All ordered 👌🏼

Sure you can make your own... These power supplies are pretty basic... I just use an older car battery charger as a power supply

@@fix206 Awesome thanks I'm working on that now. Have you ever had an issue with the cluster scrolling thru languages and won't do anything else? Everything on the board looks fine but I don't know what controls that so its hard to pinpoint the issue.

I am using an original wiring harness that I cut out of a parts truck at the wrecking yard. Just connect three pink wires together that is your positive and black wire is your negative. Run that to 12V and cluster should power up

@@fix206 what pins are you using? which are positive and which are negative?

If you look at your wiring harness to the cluster, you'll need to use the two pink wires and one orange for your positive power. And two black wires will be your ground. If you got those five wires hooked up then your cluster will power up on the bench

@@fix206 I am building my connector - I dont have the wiring harness and need to know that actual pins you used. Thank you

First I have to do some testing to see what's causing the issue. It would be hard to say what the problem is without taking a look at the circuitboard first. It may be a bad screen or a bad connection somewhere on the board. I do have people ship me their clusters for repairs. Let me know if you're interested

No, I believe your problem is a failing main chip on the circuit board that is unfortunately not replaceable :(

I'd have to do some testing to figure out what's causing the issue...

get a magnifying glass at look for cracks in the resistors. That's what happened to mine. There are good videos on youtube about that. looks like an easy fix

If you already went over all of the usual problem spots, then it's gonna be pretty hard to guess what else I can be without actually doing some testing first.

Hey did you ever get the cluster fixed. Your description is what mine is doing. I’m curious to know what your solution was.

Unfortunately there isn't a fuse that you can replace to make things better, an internal cluster component failure is what's causing your issue. I do offer mail in cluster repair service, let me know if you'd be interested in something like that.

Sounds like a dimmer switch issue

@@fix206 i will check that. Maybe that is the issue because clock also became dim. Thanks for your support. I will let u know once i will solve it. What is your suggestion about dimmer switch. It is repairable, repair will work or i should change it?

Because if it was a cluster only issue the radio would not be affected. But since lights dim on two separate pieces of equipment at the same time dimmer switch is the only thing I can think of. Those switches aren't expensive, try your local auto parts store and a wrecking yard first since that will be the cheapest option. Hit up your dealership last

The black burnt spot in the corner of the screen suppose to be there... Yes I can can fix the odometer error issue if you ship the cluster to me

​@@fix206do you have a video of that repair by chance

There is a black plastic pole that sticks out of your cluster, push it down and hold it until word 'English" is displayed and then let go. That should fix it... Let me know how it works out

I have tried that numerous times in the past . the screen will just cycle through the same normal readouts , change engine oil , low fuel level , and so on. but still in French of course . no matter how long I hold the post button down no other options for language show up . the screen just goes blank . but some thing told me to try it again , but this time with the key turned to the on position but not actually starting the engine . then , by gosh , it worked . thank you very much for your help . I feel like an idiot because I knew that post was the key but I kept trying the exact same thing over and over again expecting a different outcome . now onto the next problem with that old truck . and thank you for making these video's for old chevy trucks , I like all of them . I will be checking my inst panel for weld cracks and my gas gauge sometimes works and seems to go out or come back on when I hit a big bump in the road . I know the little motor is good , as I had a new dash put in at the dealership . nearly 500 bucks is way too much to do the first time , and I will not spend that kind of money a second time for the same problem . you vids are very well presented and easy to learn from . on to the next one .

Awesome that it all worked out.. I'm glad I could be of help... Cheers Chris !!!

@@chrisbright5583 you could have saved time and frustration by learning French. Or getting a French maid.

Your fuel sending unit has an open sector

What is the year and model of you vehicle ?

Sounds like you may have an electrical issue other then just the cluster... Because the door functions have nothing to do with the cluster

That's the trickiest part of the whole repair... It probably took 5 minutes just to perfectly line the chip up then I used soldering iron to solder one of the corner legs down to the board and then check alignment once again and if all is good then solder the chip in with hot air.. As I said it's tricky buy if you take your time you'll be good with no bridging

@@fix206 Wow. Did not know that was possible. Also, must be low temp solder. Thanks for the response.

Both my hot air station and soldering station are temperature adjustable down to 1 degree. So I can set it as cool or as hot as I want.

Hi! I have a 2004 chey suburban issues with the cluster. Sometimes woks, and sometimes it work.....but the lights on the cluster work at all the time, so I'm confused. Help please!!!

@@albertosanchez1894 you have cracked solder joints

Sounds like you may have a bad light switch on your dashboard to the left of the steering wheel

@@fix206 thank you. I have ordered a new switch.

Sorry for the late reply, I've been out of town for the past couple of weeks but if you are interested you can email me at Drear543210@gmail.com with your contact information and I will get back to you.

Are you talking about the cluster stalling or the vehicle?

Yes you can !! What is the year and model of your vehicle?

Yes it can be replaced... I've replaced them many times... I have some on hand them if you need one

@@fix206 thanks for your response I appreciate it I already bought a use cluster ,can the screen be remove and install on mine

Yes it can

@@fix206 is it the same process using that heat gun Heating all at once ? Then pulling the whole piece out

There are lot's of legs that connect that screen to the circuit board. You would have do use a solder sucker to desolder each leg first and only then you'll be able to remove the green from the board.

I use a digital hot air station

3 pinks and 2 blacks

@@fix206 do you connect both of the blacks together?

yes all pinks go together as well as the blacks