Silverado Instrument Cluster

[FKNA]

I have a 2004 Silverado 2500HD. About two weeks ago the RPM gauge started working eratically. Sometimes the needle doesn't move at all, sometimes it will be showing 6,000 rpms when I know that it be somewhere around 2,000 rpm.

First question: Could there be anything else OTHER than the gauge that could be causing the problem?

Question #2: After a quick google search it appears that the ENTIRE instrument cluster has to be replaced and I can't merely replace the RPM gauge. Is that true?

Question #3: If I do have to replace the entire instrument cluster does anyone have any suggestions for an instrument cluster upgrade?

If I have to go through the time and the expense of replacing the cluster, might as well see if there are any instrument clusters that I like better. Such as maybe a digital cluster.

Thanks,
Dwayne

[cruizerman]

If ti ends up being the cluster, send it to mrwhizard.com They do complete refit and repairs of these clusters.

[tooblue]

The instrument clusters are really easy to fix. I repaired 2 clusters today. Speedo on one and tach and battery gauge on the other. There is a guy that sells the Stepper motors that drive the gauges 14.00 per motor. All of the stepper motors are the same for all gauges. The Stepper motors come with instructions. If you have soldering skills and able remove the gauge cluster.. 6 mins at most to remove. Take cluster apart- 5-6mins,, Remove all gauge needles,, 3mins,, de-solder bad stepper motor remove stepper-3-4mins. Replace and solder new stepper motor in 3-4mins. Re-install all gauge needles-5mins. Re-assemble cluster 5-6mins. Re-install cluster in truck-tahoe 6mins. REALLY not that bad!!! Roger

[E-Dogg]

First question: Could there be anything else OTHER than the gauge that could be causing the problem?
Don't know for sure but the tell tail signs you have is what I experienced on my 03 Hoe. Fix = stepper motors.



Question #2: After a quick google search it appears that the ENTIRE instrument cluster has to be replaced and I can't merely replace the RPM gauge. Is that true?
You don't replace the gauge, it's the stepper motor that's malfunctioning.


Question #3: If I do have to replace the entire instrument cluster does anyone have any suggestions for an instrument cluster upgrade?
See answers to #1 & #2


If I have to go through the time and the expense of replacing the cluster, might as well see if there are any instrument clusters that I like better. Such as maybe a digital cluster.
See answers to #1 & #2

If I can do it, anybody can. You can either buy one stepper motor to replace your RPM or buy all and replace them all at once. And maybe...get a kick a$$ overlay and needles to spruce up the boring OEM piece?

As Roger mentioned - pretty easy to do. Even a cave man can do it. :naughty:

[FKNA]

Thanks for the info. This is definitely a job I can handle. One last question. Where can I get the stepper motors? Local auto parts store? Anyone have an online link?

[tooblue]

Thanks for the info. This is definitely a job I can handle. One last question. Where can I get the stepper motors? Local auto parts store? Anyone have an online link?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/03-06-Chevy-Silverado-Tahoe-Sierra-Instrument-Cluster_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33675QQihZ002QQitemZ120071044787QQrdZ1

That is the person on EBAY that I purchased them from. I wish GM sold the component separate (stepper motor) but they will only sell the complete cluster. The shipping time on the steppers is about 5 days. Roger

[Bob T]

This was "just in time" for me. My oil pressure gage is whacking out; looks like this solution is better than buying the cluster.

FSC Rocks!

[Jake06]

Just recently i replaced my guages. The replacement came out of a junkyard so instead of taking just the front i took the whole set up with the stepper motors and lights and all. Since ive had these guages in my oil pressure guage does not work and when i fill up my gas tank it takes a couple times turnin the truck on and off untill it will show when my gas has gone up. Do you think this is because of the stepper motors? if it is i have the old ones and i can switch them over. BTW this is an obs truck

[tooblue]

Just recently i replaced my guages. The replacement came out of a junkyard so instead of taking just the front i took the whole set up with the stepper motors and lights and all. Since ive had these guages in my oil pressure guage does not work and when i fill up my gas tank it takes a couple times turnin the truck on and off untill it will show when my gas has gone up. Do you think this is because of the stepper motors? if it is i have the old ones and i can switch them over. BTW this is an obs truck
Yes I would say the stepper motors If the vehicle is 03-06. As E Dogg mentioned above several of his were out and the fix was the Steppers.. Roger

[Jake06]

you were saying that if the vehicle is a 03-06 .. mine is a 97