Instrument cluster replacement instructions?

Tiny
CMDTYSUP
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 50,000 MILES
The cluster is out I checked the fuses all good. I was told I need a rebuilt cluster can you help?
Monday, August 22nd, 2011 AT 12:17 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
To replace the cluster isn't too difficult. You will, however, need to remove the trim panel which surrounds it. This video will help

https://youtu.be/_HEC44xENxw

If you look at the first two pictures below, I included the directions for the removal of the trim panel. The remaining pictures are specific to the replacement of the instrument cluster itself.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have additional questions. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Tuesday, June 1st, 2021 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
FCAMACHO013
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 89,000 MILES
When the gauge cluster is replaced the truck listed above does the new cluster need programming in order to display the proper mileage?
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 12:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Good morning,

The cluster must be programmed using either a tech 2 scan tool or a personal laptop with all the proper passes to the GM technical site for downloading the programs.

Below is the procedure but I do not see where mileage is part of it. You will most likely need to take your old cluster to the dealer with your truck for them to install the mileage with there factory scan tool. They will not take your word for the mileage at all. They must see it.

Roy

SERVICE PROGRAMMING SYSTEM (SPS) DESCRIPTION

The service programming system (SPS) allows a technician to program a control module through the data link connector (DLC). The information transfer circuit that is used at the DLC is the same serial data circuit used by the scan tool for retrieving diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), displaying data, clearing DTCs, etc. This procedure offers the ability to install software/calibrations matched to a particular vehicle.

Most control modules have 2 types of memory. The software/calibrations reside in the flash memory. The 2 types of memory are listed below:
- Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM)
This type of memory allows selected portions of memory to be programmed while other portions remain unchanged.
Certain learned values reside in the EEPROM, such as:
- The vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The crankshaft variation learned position
- The software/calibrations identification numbers
- The control module security information
- Flash Read Only Memory
Flash Memory Flash memory has increased memory storage capacity. During programming, all information within this type of memory is erased, and then replaced with entirely new information.

Service Programming Methods
The 4 methods of programming a control module and the proper tools for each method are as follows:
- Remote Programming:
- The Tech 2 or other scan tool, Techline Terminal or a personal computer equipped with General Motors Corporation authorized programming software-The Tech 2 or other scan tool is used as an interface between the vehicle and the Techline Terminal or a personal computer.
- The control module is installed in the vehicle
- Pass Thru Programming:
- The Tech 2 or other scan tool, Techline Terminal or a personal computer equipped with General Motors Corporation authorized programming software-The Tech 2 or other scan tool is used as an interface between the vehicle and the Techline Terminal or a personal computer.
- The control module is installed in the vehicle.
- Off-Board Remote Programming, Vehicle NOT Available:
- The Tech 2 or other scan tool, off-board programming adapter (OBPA), Techline Terminal or a personal computer equipped with General Motors Corporation authorized programming software-The Tech 2 or other scan tool is used as an interface between the vehicle and the Techline Terminal or a personal computer.
- The control module is NOT installed in a vehicle
- Off-Board Pass Thru Programming
- The Tech 2 or other scan tool, off-board programming adapter (OBPA), Techline Terminal or a personal computer equipped with General Motors Corporation authorized programming software-The Tech 2 or other scan tool is used as an interface between the vehicle and the Techline Terminal or a personal computer.
- The control module is NOT installed in a vehicle

All 4 methods may not be available for every vehicle.

For information on programming a control module using one of the methods listed above, refer to Service Programming System (SPS) (Remote Procedure)Service Programming System (SPS) (Pass-Thru Procedure)Service Programming System (SPS) (Off Board Remote Procedure)Service Programming System (SPS) (Off Board Pass-Thru Procedure).

Before Programming A Control Module

IMPORTANT: DO NOT program an existing control module with the identical software/calibration package. This procedure is not a short cut to correct a driveability condition. This is an ineffective repair. A control module should only be programmed when the following occurs:
- When a service procedure instructs you to replace the control module. The service part control module does not contain operating software or calibrations.
- General Motors Corporation releases an updated software/calibration package.

Ensure that the following conditions are met before programming a control module:
- Vehicle system voltage:
- There are no charging system concerns. All charging system concerns must be repaired before programming a control module.
- The battery voltage is greater than 12 volts but less than 16 volts. The battery must be fully charged before programming the control module.
- A battery charger is NOT connected to the vehicles battery. Incorrect system voltage or voltage fluctuations from a battery charger may cause programming failure or control module damage.
- Turn OFF or disable any system that may put a load on the vehicles battery. Turn OFF or disable system such as:
- Daytime running lights (DRL). Applying the parking brake, on most vehicles, disables the DRL system.
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
- Cooling System fans, etc.
- The ignition switch is in the proper position. The scan tool prompts you to turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. DO NOT change the position of the ignition switch during the programming procedure unless instructed to do so.
- All tool connections are secure:
- The RS-232 cable
- The connection at the DLC
- The voltage supply circuits
- The OBPA
- DO NOT disturb the tool harnesses while programming. If an interruption occurs during the programming procedure, programming failure or control module damage may occur.
- If you are performing the pass-through programming procedure using a notebook computer without the power cord, ensure that the internal battery is fully charged.

After Programming A Control Module
The powertrain may operate slightly different after a control module software/calibration update. Operating the powertrain through various driving conditions allows the control module to re-learn certain values. The control module must re-learn the following after a software/calibration update:
- Fuel trim correction
- Idle air control (IAC) learned position
- Automatic transmission shift adapts

Other learned values only re-learn by performing a service procedure.

If a control module is replaced the following service procedures may need to be performed:
- The crankshaft variation learn procedure
- The engine oil life reset procedure
- The idle learn procedure
- The inspection/maintenance complete system set procedure
- The vehicle theft deterrent password learn procedure
- The throttle position (TP) sensor learn procedure
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 12:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SEAN SILBERHOLZ
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
  • 1993 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 13,000 MILES
Hi, I am having a problem with my fuel cluster in my truck k1500 model. My fuel pump has been replaced three times. The first time the pump was bad the second time the gauge would not work and it kept shutting off. The tank had so much rust in it. It was causing it to shut off. The third time I had the tank replaced and the pump. All the grounds were cleaned. So I was told the cluster was bad. My oil pressure gauge acts up to. When I start to drive it starts at sixty and goes past it. Once it starts to warm up it starts to work it will sit at thirty and when I drive it goes a little under sixty. I want to put an external fuel gauge in it how do I do it?Thanks.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 12:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,883 POSTS
Hello Sean,

The clusters go bad in those trucks all the time, here is a video of one getting replaced after it has sent in to get rebuilt.

https://youtu.be/_HEC44xENxw

Please let us know what happens.

Best, Ken
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 12:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SEAN SILBERHOLZ
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
Probably going to have it fixed I got one quote of 200 to 300 just for me to take it out and have it sent off by dealership. But still making calls. I just want to keep the same cluster with the exact miles on it. Thanks.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 12:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,883 POSTS
If you want they sell stepper motor kits on ebay and you can replace it yourself for about $15.00 bucks.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 12:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACISNEROS38
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 6.0L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
Fuel gauge is stuck at a 1/4. The fuses check out to be fine. I need to replace the cluster
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 12:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,883 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like the cluster is having a problem which tie in the cruise and fuel gauge. Lets try to fix those first to see if it effects the other problem if not you will need to start new questions of each. To be sure you can do a CAN scan which goes over the entire system. here is a video:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Here is a video on how to change out the cluster but I would check the connector connection at the rear of the cluster. here is a video:

https://youtu.be/_HEC44xENxw

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 AT 12:34 PM (Merged)

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