2003 GMC Yukon Oil Pressure gauge Dropping to zero then jum

Hi Chadintx. Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation.

Check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge, if normal replace the oil pressure switch. If abnormal could mean oil pump and engine bearing.

Does the gauge ever stick in any one position, like when turned off or on(engine not running), is it at zero. If it sticks at times, it is most likely a fault with the gauge. The sensor is a three wire sensor, with a 5 volt source across a resistor, to a ground, and a signal wire the transmits a varying voltage return. All of these wires originate from the ECM. You could measure the voltage on the signal wire at the ECM, signal is tan/white, when it is jumping around and see if the signal is steady, that may also indicate a gauge fault. The cheapest would be to replace the sensor and see if that fixes it. It can have a problem in either component. Another way, if the gauge needle is sticking, is to run a gauge sweep test and see if it has fluid movements. This requires a scan tool that can communicate with the IPC. There was a special policy coverage added to the original warranty for gauge needle fluctuation that only lasted until 7 yrs/70k miles. The failure may apply, but you would have no coverage from GM. Here is a copy of the info. Note: Not all of the information on the bulletin is included, I just gave whats pertinent.

#07187C: Special Coverage Adjustment - Instrument Panel Cluster Gauge Needle Function - (Mar 20, 2009)

Subject: 07187C -- SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT - INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER GAUGE NEEDLE FUNCTION

Models: 2003-2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT

2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT (U.S. ONLY)

2003-2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE

2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE (U.S. ONLY)

2003-2004 GMC SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL

2005 GMC SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL (U.S. ONLY)

THIS BULLETIN IS BEING REVISED TO INCLUDE CERTAIN 2005 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES IN THE U.S. ADDITIONALLY, FOR U.S. 2003-2005 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES, GM WILL PROVIDE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC) ONLY, AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER FOR VERIFIED FAILURES BETWEEN 70,001 MILES (110,001 KM) AND 80,000 MILES (130,000 KM). ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS, INCLUDING LABOR TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER, WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUSTOMER. DEALERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RETURN OF THE CUSTOMER'S IPC BACK TO THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE CENTER. PLEASE DISCARD ALL COPIES OF BULLETIN 07187B, ISSUED SEPTEMBER 2008.

Condition
Some customers of all 2003-2004 model year and certain U.S. 2005 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles have reported that one or more of the instrument panel (IP) cluster gauges stick, flutter, or become inoperative. This may cause inaccurate readings, including the speedometer and fuel gauge.

Special Coverage Adjustment
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 7 years or 70,000 miles (110,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.

Dealers are to replace the instrument panel cluster after the condition has been verified. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

For verified failures between 70,001 miles (110,001 km) and 80,000 miles (130,000 km) on U.S. Vehicles, dealers are to provide the customer with an instrument panel cluster (IPC) only. Any additional costs, including labor to replace the instrument panel cluster, will be the responsibility of the customer. Dealers are responsible for the return of the customer's IPC back to the Electronic Service Center.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after September 28, 2007 for 2003-2004 model year vehicles, and March 23, 2009 for 2005 model year vehicles, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to September 28, 2007 for 2003-2004 model year vehicles, or March 23, 2009 for 2005 model year vehicles, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Vehicles Involved
Involved are all 2003 and 2004 model year and certain U.S. 2005 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles built within the following VIN breakpoints:

YEAR
DIVISION
MODEL
FROM
THROUGH

2003
GMC
Yukon
3J100003
3J346327

2003
GMC
Yukon
3R100006
3R320129

2004
GMC
Yukon
4J100002
4J333371

2004
GMC
Yukon
4R100002
4R323250

2005
GMC
Yukon
5J100012
5J193294

2005
GMC
Yukon
5R100004
5R199229

2003
GMC
Yukon XL
3G100020
3G348252

2003
GMC
Yukon XL
3J100006
3J346324

2003
GMC
Yukon XL
3R100002
3R320042

2004
GMC
Yukon XL
4G100023
4G340744

2004
GMC
Yukon XL
4J100001
4J333378

2004
GMC
Yukon XL
4R100004
4R323210

2005
GMC
Yukon XL
5G100029
5G199661

2005
GMC
Yukon XL
5J100001
5J191982

2005
GMC
Yukon XL
5R100003
5R199219

Parts Information - U.S. And Canadian Dealers Only
Instrument panel clusters (IPC) required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from the Electronic Service Centers. The vehicle mileage will be required when placing an order. Refer to GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 1.5.9, for specific procedures. To eliminate keeping the customer's vehicle overnight, customers are being told to contact the dealership to arrange a service appointment and to supply their VIN. Dealers are to pre-order the IPC identifying the part from the Electronic Parts Catalog using the VIN filter so it will be at the dealership on the day of the scheduled appointment.

1. The customer will contact the dealership to arrange an appointment and provide their VIN.

2. Contact a GM Authorized Electronic Service Center to order an exchange and arrange for delivery of the pre-exchange product.

3. All units will be shipped FedEx Ground (US) or Purolator (Canada).

4. After removal of the defective unit, return the defective core to the Electronic Service Center using the supplied pre-paid Automatic Return shipping (ARS) label.

5. Failure to return the product within 30 days to the Electronic Service Center will result in a charge to the Dealer's Open Parts Account.

Parts Information - Export Dealers Only
For Export Dealers Only: Order appropriate instrument panel cluster from General Motors Service and Parts Operation (GMSPO).

Customer Notification
General Motors has notified customers of 2003-2004 vehicles of this special coverage on their vehicles (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly). Customers with 2006 vehicles have been provided with a court-approved notice of the settlement.

Service Procedure
Important: There are pre-programming instructions for 2003 model year instrument panel clusters (IPC). In order for the engine hours to set to their current value when the IPC is replaced, carefully read and follow the instructions below. This information is applicable for 2003 model year IPCs only. An add time of 0.1 for the pre-programming requirement is published in the Claim section of the bulletin.

2003 Model Year Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Pre-Programming Instructions
Install the IPC. Ensure everything is connected properly. The replacement IPC requires SPS Programming and IPC Setup procedures to be performed. It does not matter which procedure is performed first.
Start the engine and then select IPC Setup. You must have the engine running before performing the IPC Setup.
Select IPC Setup. With the engine running, enter the appropriate mileage and engine hours.
Select "OK". Review the pop up asking you to verify the mileage and engine hours. Move the pop up out of the way if necessary to view the verification screen. This may require a click and drag of the dialog box.
Verify that the mileage and engine hours are correct and select "OK". DO NOT turn the ignition OFF until the engine has "run" for approximately seven (7) minutes. Allowing the engine to idle for this period of time allows the IPC to accumulate 1/10th of an hour and write the correct engine hour value to the permanent memory.
The engine must be running before set up is performed and run for approximately seven minutes after the user selects "OK" confirming their mileage/engine hour inputs. After approximately seven minutes, shut the engine OFF and complete the event. The seven minute clock starts after you select "OK", confirming the entries.

Note: Based on feedback from technicians, we are currently making changes to the "IPC Setup" application which will include several enhancements to the set up screens. These are scheduled to be released and available in TIS2WEB very soon.

Important: Only IPC conditions listed in the Condition section of the bulletin are covered under this special coverage program. In a small number of vehicles, the condition may be intermittent and the gauge sweep test may not always verify the condition.

IPC Performance
IPC performance may be affected by the following conditions:

"Â Cold temperatures

"Â Temperature fluctuations

"Â High humidity

"Â Driving over rough surfaces such as dirt roads or potholes

Customer Comments and Observations
Customers who describe gauge performance as jumpy, sticky, slow or erratic. Gauge performance may also be described as being inoperative or inaccurate. For example, for a period of time the speedometer may appear to move normally but be inaccurate and not return to zero (0) after the vehicle comes to a stop. This inaccurate condition may be more or less pronounced during the drive cycle and may, for a time, return to normal operation. A Tech 2 sweep test may not reveal the condition.

Perform a gauge sweep test to determine/verify that an IPC gauge is sticking, stuck, or inoperative. Using the Tech 2, navigate to the following screens to perform the gauge sweep test: Body -> Instrument Panel Cluster -> Special Functions -> IPC Gauges -> Display(s) Test.
"Â If one or more of the gauges are sticking, stuck, or inoperative. Replace the IPC. Refer to Step 2.

"Â If the Tech 2 gauge sweep test does NOT verify the condition but a customer's comments and observations include information that it outlined in the IPC Performance and/or Customer Comments and Observations section of the bulletin, replace the IPC. Refer to Step 2.

"Â If the Tech 2 gauge sweep test does NOT verify the condition and a customer's comments and observationis do NOT include information that is outlined in the IPC Performance or Customer Comments and Observations section of the bulletin, do NOT replace the IPC. Submit a claim for Perform Tech 2 Gauge Sweep Test.

Important: If the IPC is to be replaced, record the vehicle odometer and engine hour (where applicable) value from the original IPC.

Remove the instrument panel cluster. Refer to the appropriate vehicle IPC removal and installation procedure in SI.
Install the new instrument panel cluster. Refer to the appropriate vehicle IPC removal and installation procedure in SI.
J2534 Pass-Thru or Tech 2 Legacy Pass-Thru Programming Method for the IPC

Important: If Pass-Thru programming fails, call Techline Customer Support Center (TCSC) at 1-800-828-6860 (English) or 1-800-503-3222 (French). A "Candi" module is necessary.

CALIBRATION INFORMATION
Do not attempt to order the calibration number from GMSPO. The calibration numbers required for this service procedure are programmed into control modules via a Techline Tech 2 Â scan tool and TIS 2 Web with the calibration update. Use TIS2Web version 8.5 for 2007 (available on 08/20/07). If you cannot access the calibration, call the Techline Customer Support Center at 1 800-828-6860 (English) or 1-800-503-3222 (French) and it will be provided.

Notice: Before reprogramming, please check the battery condition to prevent a reprogramming error of any of the modules due to battery discharge. Battery voltage must be between 12 and 16 volts during reprogramming. If the vehicle battery is not fully charged, use approved Midtronics PCS charger, a fully charged 12V jumper, or booster pack disconnected from the AC voltage supply. Be sure to turn off or disable any system that may put a load on the battery, such as automatic headlamps, daytime running lights, interior lights, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, radio, engine cooling fan, etc. A programming failure or control module damage may occur if battery voltage guidelines are not observed.

The ignition switch must be in the proper position. The Service Programming System (SPS) application 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.

Make certain all tool connections are secure, including the following components and circuits:

"Â The RS-232 communication cable port

"Â The connection at the data link connector (DLC)

"Â The voltage supply circuits

DO NOT disturb the tool harnesses while programming. If an interruption occurs during the programming procedure, programming failure or control module damage may occur.

DO NOT turn OFF the ignition if the programming procedure is interrupted or unsuccessful. Ensure that all control module and DLC connections are secure and the TIS terminal operating software is up to date.

Verify that there is a battery charge of 12 to 16 volts. The battery must be able to maintain a charge during programming. Only use approved Midtronics PCS charger, a fully charged 12V jumper, or booster pack disconnected from the AC voltage supply to maintain proper battery voltage during programming.
Important: IPC Programming and IPC Setup are required after installing the IPC. First select IPC Instrument Panel Cluster from the Supported Controllers screen to perform the first calibration. After completing the first programming event, complete the IPC Setup. Select IPC/IPC Setup from the Supported Controllers screen. The odometer mileage and engine hour information (where applicable) is required to perform the IPC Setup. Follow the TIS2WEB instructions.

Important: For information about odometer mileage and engine hour setup, please refer to Technical Service Bulletin 07-08-49-015.

Reprogram the instrument panel cluster (IPC). Refer to SI and Service Programming System (SPS) documentation for IPC programming instructions, if required.

He probably just disconnected it. In theory it should almost be similar to key on engine off, and no pressure. It is going to go to one extreme or the other, it all depends on how the logic is written. Most of the time it should go low(zero). As far as the motor, knowing that these clusters have issues that would cause GM to extend coverage, you may repair one, and have another fail soon after. If the replacement stepper motors are reputable, and you have a knack for soldering to circuit boards, then that would be cost effective. I believe an exchange cluster can run upwards of $250 plus labor, and would need programmed with odometer and engine hours at a dealer.