Instrument cluster not working properly

GERALD ALDRIDGE

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA
3.8L
V6
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
109,000 MILES

Car listed above is an SS Indy edition made in Canada. All gauges are crazy except speedometer it works normal. Does it have the stepper motors?

Friday, August 20th, 2021 AT 2:19 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

Some of the instrument clusters could have stepper motors. I don't have the specifics on the Canadian model, but I did find a technical service bulletin that may be of interest to you.

As far as the gauges, what exactly is happening? Have you checked all connections? I know there were some models that the IC would fail, but I'm not sure what exactly is happening for you.

I attached the TSB below. The primary complaint was noise, but it also included gauges not working correctly.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Friday, August 20th, 2021 AT 9:41 PM

GERALD ALDRIDGE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Speedometer and fuel gauge work fine. Boost, temperature, oil don't start where they should so they are way off from being correct. The tachometer only works for a few minutes and then just drops and stays on zero.

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Saturday, August 21st, 2021 AT 8:00 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

If they all started working like this at the same time, I don't think it's a stepper motor issue. I suspect the cluster itself is shorted internally. If the gauges are starting higher than they should, they have to be getting a signal (power).

I attached a general diagnostic test to confirm there is communication between the IC and related modules. Take a look through it and let me know if it is something you are comfortable doing.

Let me know.

Joe

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