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Instrument cluster does not light up

Tiny
SSROBERTSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 GMC SIERRA
  • 4.8L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I cannot get the instrument cluster to light up mileage, security, fuel level and temperature gauge. The voltage, speedometer, tachometer (I think), check engine light all come on. I bought a new body control module that was already programmed to my VIN and it does the exact same thing. Even swapped used gauge cluster from the junkyard and it does the exact same thing. I'm at a complete loss on this thing and just need some help. Thanks in advance for any help that can be given.
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Monday, May 3rd, 2021 AT 6:33 AM

42 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning again,

I attached a wiring diagram of the cluster for you to view.

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

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

I also attached the connector. Check the pins I circled for power with the key on. If there is power, then the cluster is the issue. If you are missing power, then it is a wiring issue to the cluster.

Roy
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 5:23 AM
Tiny
SSROBERTSON
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
Thanks Roy, after testing pins above I found out that the orange wire was not getting power. Once hooked up the gauge cluster is now lit up correctly. The only issue now is that when I shut the truck off, the mileage screen and battery light is staying on. Was the orange supposed to be a constant on, or should it be a switched power?
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
It is battery power. It should have voltage all the time.

Did you get power to the orange wire?

Roy
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 5:59 PM
Tiny
SSROBERTSON
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
Yes, I piggybacked it on another wire that has constant on.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 6:02 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, I would have fixed that instead of that repair. Did you check the fuse for power on both sides for the orange wire?

If you have power now and the speedo does not work, then the issue is inside the cluster.

Roy
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 6:14 PM
Tiny
SSROBERTSON
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
I checked the fuse and it had power on both sides. So when you say you would have repaired it, are you meaning run a new wire from the fuse block to the cluster? I can do that if it's what you recommend. I'm not sure if the speedometer is working due to it's not running and driving yet (still need to run that new fuel pump wire, lol).
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Correct. You have overloaded another circuit with your repair.

Run the new wire and make it correct.

Keep me updated on the rest.

Roy
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 6:30 PM
Tiny
SSROBERTSON
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
Okay. I will keep you posted sir! Thanks for all your help again Roy!
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
SSROBERTSON
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
I did not get a chance to run new wires today. But I did verify that the speedometer is working (jumped the fuel pump off the battery to make run). But the message center and odometer lcd are staying lit up with the truck off.
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Wednesday, May 5th, 2021 AT 5:09 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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  • 52,797 POSTS
Back to the cluster itself.

Roy
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Wednesday, May 5th, 2021 AT 5:14 PM
Tiny
SSROBERTSON
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
Okay. Sounds good. Definitely making progress, and I may even get this thing done and not burn it to the ground (that's where I was at with it before your help lol). It's a project but had me stumped. Couldn't have done it without you Roy! As always I will keep you posted.
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Wednesday, May 5th, 2021 AT 5:17 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Sounds like a plan.

Roy
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Wednesday, May 5th, 2021 AT 5:19 PM
Tiny
SSROBERTSON
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
Update: I tried the second cluster I have and the lcd that shows mileage and gear shift position doesn't light up. So the fact of the original one staying on after the key is off I can only assume the cluster is the problem as you stated since I cannot verify otherwise.
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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 2:42 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

We haven't heard from you for a couple of days. Have you replaced the cluster? Also, I do have diagnostics related to the cluster. Let me know exactly what is happening with yours. Hopefully, I will be able to find something specific.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 9:53 PM
Tiny
SSROBERTSON
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
I haven't got a chance to replace the cluster yet. This is a project truck so I work on it in my spare time. My gauge cluster is staying on when I turn the key off. Specially the message center and the odometer lights.
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Sunday, May 9th, 2021 AT 9:59 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Take your time. We will be here when you need us.

Roy
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Monday, May 10th, 2021 AT 3:06 AM
Tiny
SSROBERTSON
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
Okay Roy, here's the update on the cluster: I bought a rebuilt cluster and installed it. I am having the same exact issues as before. Fuel gauge is not working, also the message center and the odometer/shift indicator are staying on with the key off.
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Friday, May 28th, 2021 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, make sure the wires from the cluster to the fuel sender unit. Ohm them out and load test the wiring to be sure there is no corrosion in the harness.

Did you repair that broken wire or still have the overlay hooked up?

Roy
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Friday, May 28th, 2021 AT 10:16 AM
Tiny
SSROBERTSON
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
Is the ohm for the fuel sender the standard GM 0-90 ohm or did they change it on the newer stuff? And I still have that wire overlay because I cannot find a good spot to run it through the firewall and trace it to tap.
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Friday, May 28th, 2021 AT 10:20 AM

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