Code P0650, gauges stopped working on the instrument cluster

CJS913210

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
5.3L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
161,000 MILES

So, I took the truck for a drive after trying to get my parking brakes to work. I was hitting and releasing my e brake to take the glaze off the shoes. Upon doing so my cluster gauges just shut off and my battery light came on. I figured my cluster stopped working so I went and bought a known working instrument cluster, and it does the same thing. Shows what is pictured. Mileage and trip work, also the shift selector, blinkers, hazards, high beams all come up on the dash but none of the warning lights come on the dash when I first turn the key to on. The message center all I get is the battery showing as in the picture and the security flashing sometimes. I’ve checked all my fuses and they all seem to be fine. I’ve ran a separate ground to the black/white wire to the back of the cluster harness still no change. The instrument cluster was absolutely working fine until I hit and released the e-brake while driving. I scanned the truck and came up with code p0650. I’m at a loss.

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

The code is specific to the MIL (malfunction indicator light). However, it sounds a little more involved.

Since you were working on the parking brake, I have a feeling you damaged the ground splice for the instrument panel. On the upper left-hand side of the kick panel, you will find a solid black wire. The black/white wire is specific to the bussed fuse box and washer level switch.

Check to make sure the black wire is not damaged.

If this all checks good, I attached the diagnostics below for the code. Take a look through them and let me know if you are comfortable performing them.

You may want to do this first. If possible, disconnect the connector from the cluster and locate the black wire. See if there is continuity to ground.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. The last pic shows the ground of interest.

Images (Click to make bigger)

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Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 AT 7:58 PM

CJS913210

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi Joe,

I will check this out tomorrow with a friend of mine who's a mechanic. The cluster still works just none of the gauges or warning lights. The cluster lights up and the prnd321 are lit and the odometer/trip are working but that’s the only three things working. I also should have added into my old post that if I leave the cluster unplugged for say 10 minutes or so n then go to plug it back in with the vehicle off the gauges do move up a little almost as if they were doing a reset like how the newer vehicles do a full sweep every time you start the car. Not sure if this will help by giving a little more information. I was doing some research last night and found that what is working on my cluster as mentioned above is coming directly from the PCM it seems like which is why I’m assuming it is the only thing still working. I will check that ground you have mentioned and go through the diagrams you have mentioned and will come back with an update. Thank you

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Thursday, March 3rd, 2022 AT 3:25 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

I suspect it is the ground, but anything is possible. Where you were moving the parking brake pedal is right near it.

If possible, let me know what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Take good care of yourself,

Joe

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Thursday, March 3rd, 2022 AT 6:00 PM

CJS913210

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi Joe, as of tonight I have continuity for ground at the cluster. Also have continuity for the mil wire from the PCM and also the cluster. Tomorrow I am meeting my friend to run the scan tool diags. I will keep you posted as to what happens. I checked the fuses that run the cluster I believe there is 3 of them. Every fuse I pulled with the key on accy turned something off in the cluster but also did not fix the issue as I read on a forum someone did that and their cluster started working again. I will be back in touch after scanner tool diag.

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Friday, March 4th, 2022 AT 4:21 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Sounds good. I appreciate the update.

Please keep in mind, you may find continuity with a DMM, but sometimes a ground will fail when a load is placed on it. If you don't have luck with the scanner, check the ground with the power on to confirm you still have it.

Take care,

Joe