all gauges will stopping working?

2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
190,000 MILES • 4.2L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
BLAZ85
  • MEMBER
  • 54 POSTS
While driving the vehicle the following will intermittently occur: All lights on the instrument panel will illuminate, all gauges will stopping working, however both the tachometer and speedometer continue to operate normally. There are no adverse effects upon drivability. Occurrences are very random, it could happen every day or go for a week or more without an occurrence. The duration is also very random, it could last for a few seconds, a few minutes or the entire day. The advent of cold weather does not seem to have any effect upon its frequency.

I have run the codes and vehicle has no active nor stored codes. I have also checked Fuse No. 24 which powers the panel, fuse and its socket are clean and bright with no signs of any corrosion. I am not sure where the panel is grounded so I have not checked the ground.

It is my understanding that many GM vehicles of this vintage had problems with instrument panels due to cracked solder joints and this may be our problem. There are many on EBAY offering rebuild services for this vintage GM panels.

I would like your thoughts on this issue and also location of panel ground so I check it.

Thank you in advance for your reply!
Dec 7, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,832 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Yep, you nailed it, the cluster is going bad and needs to be rebuilt, I would remove the panel and send it in for the repairs which should fix the problem. Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
Dec 8, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Avatar
BLAZ85
  • MEMBER
  • 54 POSTS
Thank you for your quick reply. That was what I suspected. We will just have to pull panel and get rebuilt or just live with it as it operates properly the vast majority of the time.

Thank you again. You guys are the greatest!!!
Dec 10, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,832 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
You are welcome, we like helping people out, please use 2CarPRos anytime :)
Dec 11, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.