Instrument cluster not working

Both could be correct but I am going to side with the dealer and the cluster being the issue since they inspected it. I imagine they went through the testing that is included below. I attached quite a bit of info but the last couple of pages is what you need specifically the last part of the last page.

The dashes mean then VIN in the cluster does not match the VIN in the BCM. There is a process that is laid out with the scan tool that you can verify that the cluster is the issue.

As for the BCM's involvement in this, the ECM tracks the mileage. It then sends the info to the BCM which sends the info to the cluster to display it.

Let's run through this info and let me know if you have questions. I included the process of programming the cluster but again, you need a scan tool. I would suggest asking the dealer if they did the testing on the last page and if so, then they are correct that the cluster is the issue.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks

Hi,

Angle, yes the true odometer reading will be displayed in the new Instrument Cluster and It's better to buy a new or GMC reconditioned Instrument Cluster they will install it and program it plus you get the GM warranty. And there's a possibility the BCM could be at fault but If the odometer itself is working means the ECM and BCM is doing there job and the problem could be the Instrument Cluster panel.The GMC dealer has an handheld diagnostic scanner to communicate with the ECM, BCM and the Instrument Cluster.They would know what module is not communicating at least they should. I sure do hope this was helpful and let us know If you need more information.

Thank you
Joe Terwilliger

Hi,

The odometer isn't working, it only shows "-" dashes. Same with the trip 1 and trip 2, they only show dashes. Everything else on the instrument cluster panel works. Would the dealer have a report on my diagnostic test for me to ask for it? I don't want to offend anyone. Is the handheld scanner something I could by and do myself?

Thanks,
Angel

Yes. They should have detailed notes about what they found. They normally provide some of this info but not always. I would just call and ask to either speak with the tech and see if he went through the test that I provided or ask to read the notes that they made while they were figuring out what the issue was.

However, based on what I am hearing and the test info that I provided, I think the dealer was correct with what they recommended as the issue.

Most handheld scanners that you would buy for a reasonable cost would not perform what you need. This is a dealer tool and the aftermarket scan tools that give this level of detail are very expensive.

Hi!
Thank you so much for all this information. it’s very helpful. Just a few more questions please.
Do you have a diagram on how to take the cluster out? If I purchase another cluster and put it in myself, would it work? Does it need to be programmed or cloned or would it just pick up where the last 1 left off?

Thanks again,
Angel

I attached the process to replace it and the process to program it. You do need a scan tool to do this and if you get a used one, it will more than likely cause a similar issue to what you have now with the dashes. The dashes indicate a VIN mismatch which means the VIN that is in the cluster does not match that in the ECM. Unfortunately I would say you need to purchase a new unit and then have it programmed.

Hi,
Angel, I just want to give you a heads up on installing and programming a new cluster yourself. Electrical parts are nonreturnable or guaranteed once they are installed and be very careful handling the new cluster for it is a printed circuit board and even a static charge from your hands can damage it. Read the installation procedure carefully every step is essential to a successful ending. Please let us know if you are having any difficulty. We will be happy to answer any questions or send you information to help with a successful repair.

Thank you
Joe T.

So I found out what code, it’s B101E Stored Internal Malif. of Cluster. Any info on that would be greatly appreciated.

I attached the info on this code but this makes it more clear why there are dashes and why they are saying it needs to be replaced. Basically this code is telling you there is an internal failure and the control board is no longer programmed so it is a mismatch of info. That is why the dashes are there. That indicates the same thing.

Looks like I would agree with the shop that the cluster needs to be replaced and programmed.

KaseKenny1,

I’m fine with having to replace it. I just wanted to make sure that’s what was wrong with it before I started paying for high, non returnable parts.

Once the dealer replaces it, will they need to program it or will it just pick up where my old 1 left off? What is cloning?

Thanks,
Angel

Hello,

If your worried about odometer actual reading. Yes, because the readings are stored in the ECM and BCM memories and it will communicate with the new Instrument cluster and display the actual miles. The dealer is just programming the new Instrument cluster to be specific to your vehicle. You see the vehicle never lost the odometer reading.

Thanks
Joe T.

Joe,

Perfect! Does it really need to be programmed or can they just put it in without programming? Not sure if that’s an extra charge.

Yes, they do have to program the new Instrument Cluster to be specific your vehicles VIN.
With the calibration software it can only communicate with the on-board computers in your vehicle. This is so know one can just remove the one you have and use it in another vehicle.
with more miles on to increase the value of their vehicle. I hope you understand now why the instrument cluster has to be programmed. Let us know if you need more information.

Thank you
Joe T.

Joe,

Thank you for all your information. I can’t tell you how helpful it is. Had the dealer explained all this, I wouldn’t be questioning a $498.00 part. Is programming the cluster the same as cloning it?

Thanks,
Angel

Hello,

Yes it is the same as cloning I just never hear it put that way but you are right they taking a new Instrument cluster matching it exactly to the one they removed. Please let us know if you need more information.

Thank you
Joe T.

Joe/KaseKenny1,

So before I went back to the dealer I found a place that I can send the instrument cluster to for them to check and test it. Turns out that nothing is wrong with the cluster. When they plug it in, the mileage comes up and trip 1 and trip 2 have mileage on them. I guess I'll be going back to the dealer telling them to check the BCM and the wiring, unless you have any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Angel

Hello,

I haven't heard back so I'm just checking to make sure you got my question. I could have the BCM checked. Do you have a diagram of location and removal?

Thanks,
Angel

Sorry about the delay. I'm attaching location and removal for the BCM and wiring diagrams below. The wiring diagrams are in cut in 1/2 for easier viewing. Let us know if you need more information.

Thanks
Joe T.

Hello,

Can you tell me what code B101E means?

Thanks,
Angel

Code: B101E 48; Definition: Electronic Control Unit Software Security Code Not Programmed; So it sounds like the BCM is not working correctly. This is where the security is held.

The dealer still thinks it’s the instrument cluster but, I sent it out to have checked and they said nothing is wrong with it. I don’t think they believe me. I told the dealer to order the part and we’ll see if it works. The dealer said I’m not responsible for the part or labor if it doesn’t work but, they want to charge for another diagnostic test. I told them that’s crap considering the code that was given didn’t fix the problem from the first diagnostic test. I’ll let you know the outcome.

Thanks,
Angel

Good morning,

This is sounding more and more like the BCM is the issue since the signal from the vehicle speed sensor goes to it and is sent to the cluster.

Did anyone check the connector at the back of the cluster for and damaged or lose pins? That would also be a possibility.

Roy

Roy,

Not that I’m aware of. I’ll definitely mention that if the cluster doesn’t work. The dealer has ordered the part and we’ll see if they are correct or not. If they aren’t they want to charge me for another diagnostic test. I was told by the dealer the code B101E is a general code for them to start with. If it isn’t correct, they’ll need to go further and do more testing for more money. My issue is why don’t they trouble shoot. I had the cluster tested and they said nothing was wrong with it. If it’s the BCM, I can take that out and have it tested. I’m shocked that a dealer doesn’t do these things. Not only does it narrow it down and pinpoint the issue, it’s less time and money for the owner. Dealers scan check all kinds of things and separate if need be with the scan tool and the computers will tell you what’s wrong. I’ll definitely keep you posted on the outcome.

Thanks,
Angel

I agree. It looks at this point that they are guessing on your dime.

You cannot remove it and test it. That is done in the car and hooked up. They have the equipment for testing but apparently not the person to do the testing or understand how to test it.

Roy

Roy,

That’s what I wanted to avoid. Are codes general or do they point right to the issue? Should they have looked further? Should they be charging for another diagnostic test if the first code was wrong and didn’t fix the issue?

Thanks,
Angel

Codes are general. They point to an area of failure, not the part. There are flow charts that are generated by the code and all the steps need to be followed to determine the failure. A lot of techs do not follow the flow chart and guess based on experience.

Roy