Instrument cluster not working properly

Tiny
MULLIKIN59
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 131,000 MILES
Gas gauge not working security light comes on, all of the lights start flashing and the odometer reads error. None of the gauge's work. When it does this and the car loses some power, then the odometer goes back to the mileage and the other symbol lights stop flashing and the car runs normally.
Thursday, June 9th, 2022 AT 8:42 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Just to be clear when this happens, the engine never shuts off, but you just lose a little bit of power.

This sounds like a cluster issue but the place to start is checking for codes.

The fact that you are getting an error message means the cluster is "seeing" the issue which means there should be codes stored in the system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Depending on the codes we will be able to run through some testing but if I am correct then we will most likely need to replace the cluster.

Here is a video on a GM truck that is not exact but will be similar to your process:

https://youtu.be/_HEC44xENxw

Let's start with codes and go from there but the fact that it appears the cluster is the only thing that acts up when this happens makes me think it is a cluster issue.

Thanks
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Friday, June 10th, 2022 AT 9:38 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,959 POSTS
Thanks for the video, yes, the clusters have gone bad which will cause the issue in the video. Here is a generic guide on how to replace the clusters which and can find online with the instructions for your car in the diagrams below:

https://youtu.be/_HEC44xENxw

You will need to have the current milage and VIN for the rebuilder. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Friday, June 10th, 2022 AT 9:44 AM

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