Cluster conversion

Tiny
MICHAEL GOSNEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 GMC S15
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
I converted from digital to analog and followed a diagram from Oregon university which also stated that you can essentially connect color to color on the change over. I ended up with "check gauges", e brake warning lights on without the ignition on. The fuel gauge is the only one that did not work. I removed the bulbs for the lights that were on and I am hoping someone has done the same conversion and can give me some idea what connections may be wrong and need changing.
Thursday, October 18th, 2018 AT 3:38 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening.

What year is the donor cluster?

I attached the connector diagram for the digital with the pins and description.

Roy
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Thursday, October 18th, 2018 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL GOSNEY
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Thank you Roy, it looks like it is the same as what I got. The analog cluster was out of an 1989.
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Friday, October 19th, 2018 AT 4:01 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Do you have power to the fuel sender from the cluster? If so, what is the voltage?

With the old cluster, were the lights on for the sit bag?

Roy
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Friday, October 19th, 2018 AT 5:03 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL GOSNEY
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Nothing on the old cluster worked eccept the e brake light flashed and had bright indicator?S?Upposedly it's a capaciter that goes bad and now I've taken closer look at digital and it had been attempted to be re-soldered. Pretty bad attempt since they damaged 4 of the wire lines on the circuitry. Still no way of telling if a new cap. Was installed. An interesting thing though, the e brake light on new cluster flashes as it did in old cluster. The 1 pin that's supposed to be hot with key off is correct so how is it affecting the other dash lights that should be off?
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Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 AT 2:24 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Try this. Unplug the ECM and see if the lights go out.

Roy
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Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 AT 2:28 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL GOSNEY
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
  • 1989 GMC S15
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I converted my cluster from digital to analog and followed an online, university of Oregon guide that seems raved over from feedback. My problems seem only mine since I have seen no notice of trouble by others. My cluster had a few lights like check gauges soon, battery and a couple others. They were lit without key on, also now heater is on without key and it will drain battery in about two days maybe three. I have checked several times for mistakes but none found. The 34 pin to 18 pin plug diagram was followed to a fault even and checked many times also. All the wire colors matched up and I am wondering if anyone known of had similar trouble and if so, what was fix. After the swap, I finally had speedometer and oil and temperature gauges, turn indicators, bright ind and dash lights but no gas gauge. Is there maybe a more accurate or thorough guide to go by or?
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Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 AT 4:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SONOMAJOE2021.KABOOM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Could I please get a copy of color of wires at back of digital cluster on 1990 Sonoma 4.3? Installed analog but so speedometer or bright light indicator (I put in analog from 1992) s10.
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Thursday, October 14th, 2021 AT 6:34 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Sure. I am attaching the wiring diagrams for the digital cluster on this vehicle.

Here is a guide that will help with testing these circuits if needed:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Please let us know if you need more help. However, I would suggest getting a new post started just so we can get all the details for your specific vehicle and situation.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Thanks
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Sunday, October 17th, 2021 AT 8:33 AM

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