cluster going wacko

[Stove]

I have had this happen one other time. Today I start my truck head to the farm and start loading stuff. Probably ran 10 minutes before shut down. I hop back in and start it up and have a dead fuel, volt, and oil pressure gauges. I did not have my efi-live with me, called the wife to bring it on the way by. I moved the truck everything seemed normal, shut it down and after the 3 rd restart it went normal and hasn't missed a lick since.

The last time it did this I had my truck washed and the underbody done, and the next morning it did the same thing. Only happened one time. Last night we did get some rain.

Could it be a grounding issue?

later

 

[samfraser]

GM has a nasty reputation for crappy clusters, i've replaced them in my 02, 03 05, and 07. Its the cluster, don't waste your time trying to find an electrical gremlin. Just my $.02.

 

[Tom S.]

What you describe is indicative of the batteries either getting ready to crap out, or loose/corroded battery terminals. Low voltage will cause the cluster to stop working. Clean the terminals and make sure they are tight. If it does it again, check the batteries.

Yes, the clusters do go bad, but the problem as you described it doesn't sound like the cluster.

 

[WilliamBos]

What you describe is indicative of the batteries either getting ready to crap out, or loose/corroded battery terminals. Low voltage will cause the cluster to stop working. Clean the terminals and make sure they are tight. If it does it again, check the batteries.

Yes, the clusters do go bad, but the problem as you described it doesn't sound like the cluster.

I agree. Usually when the clusters go, a gauge will read on the high side. Example, when My folks cluster let go, at idle, the speedo read 160km ( 100MPH. ) Stepper motors are the weak points.

 

[Duranali]

here is the bulletin on all of the clusters from 03 to 07 classic. they will replace your cluster under warranty as long as you are under 70,000 miles.

Service Information
Unit Repair Manual | Sierra, Silverado (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 2037454
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#07187A: Special Coverage Adjustment-Instrument Panel Cluster Gauge Needle Functions - (Nov 8, 2007)


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


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

2003-2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE

2003-2004 GMC SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE SERVICE PROCEDURE IN THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN REVISED. IN A SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES, THE GAUGE SWEEP TEST MAY NOT ALWAYS CONFIRM THE CONDITION. PLEASE REVIEW THE SERVICE PROCEDURE IMMEDIATELY.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DUE TO PART AVAILABILITY, THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE IS BEING ADMINISTERED IN PHASES. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED AS EACH ADDITIONAL PHASE IS RELEASED.

CUSTOMERS ARE BEING INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT IF THEY BELIEVE THEIR VEHICLE HAS THIS CONDITION. THE CUSTOMER IS BEING ASKED TO PROVIDE THE VIN SO THE IPC CAN BE ORDERED IN ADVANCE OF THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT. THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT. DEALERS ARE TO OBTAIN THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WHEN SCHEDULING A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WILL BE REQUIRED WHEN PLACING AN ORDER FOR THE IPC.

Condition
Some customers of 2003-2004 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 vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after September 28, 2007 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, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2003-2004 model year 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
Cadillac
Escalade
3R100001
3R320163

2004
Cadillac
Escalade
4R100006
4R323240

2003
Cadillac
Escalade ESV
3G117982
3G348029

2004
Cadillac
Escalade ESV
4G100001
4G343605

2003
Cadillac
Escalade EXT
3G100002
3G343890

2004
Cadillac
Escalade EXT
4G100005
4G343604

2003
Chevrolet
Avalanche
3G100001
3G347428

2004
Chevrolet
Avalanche
4G100011
4G344788

2003
Chevrolet
Silverado
31100001
31412794

2003
Chevrolet
Silverado
3E100001
3E381150

2003
Chevrolet
Silverado
3F100001
3F259060

2003
Chevrolet
Silverado
3M100001
3M112290

2003
Chevrolet
Silverado
3Z100001
3Z361857

2004
Chevrolet
Silverado
41100005
41435572

2004
Chevrolet
Silverado
4E100001
4E403760

2004
Chevrolet
Silverado
4F100001
4F269046

2004
Chevrolet
Silverado
4M100006
4M112271

2004
Chevrolet
Silverado
4Z100002
4Z353683

2003
Chevrolet
Suburban
3G100007
3G348254

2003
Chevrolet
Suburban
3J100007
3J346322

2003
Chevrolet
Suburban
3R100004
3R319989

2004
Chevrolet
Suburban
4G100010
4G344801

2004
Chevrolet
Suburban
4J100031
4J333376

2004
Chevrolet
Suburban
4R100001
4R323241

2003
Chevrolet
Tahoe
3J100001
3J346326

2003
Chevrolet
Tahoe
3R100014
3R320162

2004
Chevrolet
Tahoe
4J100005
4J333379

2004
Chevrolet
Tahoe
4R100003
4R323252

2003
GMC
Sierra
31100002
31412793

2003
GMC
Sierra
3E100003
3E381153

2003
GMC
Sierra
3F100008
3F259040

2003
GMC
Sierra
3Z100004
3Z900320

2004
GMC
Sierra
41100001
41435571

2004
GMC
Sierra
4E100002
4E403758

2004
GMC
Sierra
4F100005
4F269047

2004
GMC
Sierra
4Z100001
4Z900747

2003
GMC
Yukon
3J100003
3J346327

2003
GMC
Yukon
3R100006
3R320129

2004
GMC
Yukon
4J100002
4J333371

2004
GMC
Yukon
4R100002
4R323250

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


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 will notify customers of this special coverage on their vehicles (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).

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:

• Cold temperatures

• Temperature fluctuations

• High humidity

• 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.
• If one or more of the gauges are sticking, stuck, or inoperative. Replace the IPC. Refer to Step 2.

• 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.

• 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® 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:

• The RS-232 communication cable port

• The connection at the data link connector (DLC)

• 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.
Claim Information
For vehicles repaired under the terms of this special coverage, submit a claim with the information indicated below:

Repair Performed
Part Count
Part No.
Parts Allow
CC-FC
Labor Op
Labor Hours
Net Item

Perform Tech 2 Gauge Sweep Test
N/A
N/A
N/A
MK-95
T5685
0.2
N/A

Replace & Reprogram IPC (inc. Gauge Sweep Test)
N/A
N/A
N/A
MK-95
T5686
0.9*
$20.00**

Add: 2003 MY Vehicles (Addt'l Vehicle Run Time)
0.1

Customer Reimbursement (Canadian & Export Dealers/US CAC)
N/A
N/A
N/A
MK-95
T5688
0.2
***

* Labor time includes 0.2 hours administrative allowance.

** The amount identified in the "Net Item" column represents the amount allowed for IPC exchange.

*** The amount identified in the "Net Item" column should represent the customer reimbursement amount.


Customer Reimbursement - For US
All customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for the special coverage condition will be handled by the Customer Assistance Center, not by dealers.

A General Motors Customer Reimbursement Procedure and Claim Form is included with the customer letter.

Important: Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 6.1.12, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement and the form.

Customer Reimbursement - For Canada and Export
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition described in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer within one year. Repairs must have occurred within the 7 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 110,000 kilometers, whichever occurs first.

When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:

• Proof of ownership at time of repair.


• Original paid receipt confirming the amount of unreimbursed repair expense(s) (including Service Contract deductibles), a description of the repair, and the person or entity performing the repair.



Dear General Motors Customer:

As the owner of a 2003 or 2004 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV or Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, or Tahoe; or GMC Sierra, Yukon, or Yukon XL vehicle, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.

This letter is intended to make you aware that some of these vehicles could develop a condition where one or more of the instrument panel gauge needles may stick, flutter, or become inoperative. This may cause inaccurate readings, including the speedometer and the fuel gauge.

Do not take your vehicle to your GM dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has this condition.

What We Have Done: General Motors is providing owners with a special coverage that extends the warranty on the instrument panel cluster for the condition described above. If this condition occurs on your 2003 or 2004 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, or Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, or Tahoe; GMC Sierra, Yukon, or Yukon XL within 7 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge.

What You Should Do: Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. If you believe your vehicle has this condition, contact your GM dealer to schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. Your dealer will inspect the vehicle and if the condition is found, your dealer will replace the instrument panel cluster. When calling your dealer, please have your 17 character vehicle identification number (VIN) handy so your dealer can ensure that the cluster will be available on your appointment date. Keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.

Reimbursement: The enclosed form explains what reimbursement is available and how to request reimbursement if you have paid for repairs for the special coverage condition.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below. The Customer Assistance Center’s hours of operation are from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday.

Division
Number
Text Telephones (TTY)

Cadillac
1-866-982-2339
1-800-833-2622

Chevrolet
1-800-630-2438
1-800-833-2438

GMC
1-866-996-9463
1-800-462-8583

Guam
1-671-648-8650


Puerto Rico - English
1-800-496-9992


Puerto Rico - Español
1-800-496-9993


Virgiin Islands
1-800-496-9994



We are sorry for any inconvenience you may experience; however we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure

07187

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION


© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

 

[SfcJones]

What you describe is indicative of the batteries either getting ready to crap out, or loose/corroded battery terminals. Low voltage will cause the cluster to stop working. Clean the terminals and make sure they are tight. If it does it again, check the batteries.

Yes, the clusters do go bad, but the problem as you described it doesn't sound like the cluster.

I agree. Usually when the clusters go, a gauge will read on the high side. Example, when My folks cluster let go, at idle, the speedo read 160km ( 100MPH. ) Stepper motors are the weak points.

I agree also since it happened to me

 

[Stove]

Alright I'm thinking I have something else going on.

I was driving this AM, still dark. My lights went dim for a second, and then back to normal. Volts dropped way off, than came back.

Batteries were new before winter snow plowing(napa spiral cells). I suppose one could be going bad, or the alternator is getting ready to take a dump.

I guess that I am going to the the bats load tested to see if that revels something.

 

[srode]

Does anyone know if this is just Spedo and Fuel Gauge or if it applies to other gauges not working right? I thought it was any gauge but when I called the local dealer the service dept said only Speedo / Fuel Gauge. My oil gauge is acting up - not a biggie - not big enough to warrant pulling the cluster and replacing stepper motors yet anyway, but for free I would get it fixed. I'm under 7 years and 70,000 miles.

 

[Tom S.]

The battery issue tended to effect multiple gauges. You issue sounds like the stepper motor on the oil gauge.

 

[Trailrider]

The battery issue tended to effect multiple gauges. You issue sounds like the stepper motor on the oil gauge.

Is the stepper motor covered under the GM's extended 7 yr/70,000 mile warranty on faulty IPCs? I've got an 03 gaser with the 5.3 - everything works find but yesterday the oil gauge suddenly goes to max pressure with the truck showing no other symptems of anything.

 

[srode]

Is the stepper motor covered under the GM's extended 7 yr/70,000 mile warranty on faulty IPCs? I've got an 03 gaser with the 5.3 - everything works find but yesterday the oil gauge suddenly goes to max pressure with the truck showing no other symptems of anything.

same thing I saw - but back to normal now - it's done it a couple times now. Curious if it's covered too or just the Speedo and Fuel gauge stepper motors.

 

[Trailrider]

Gotta be the "stepper motor"

same thing I saw - but back to normal now - it's done it a couple times now. Curious if it's covered too or just the Speedo and Fuel gauge stepper motors.

Didn't know what a "stepper motor" was, then I looked carefully at my oil pressure gauge. When I turn the engine off with the ignition still on you can hear a clicking noise that's in time with the gauge needle as it notches down one click at a time. Obviously the same mechanism causing the needle to move in jerks is making the clicking noise. This must be a bad acting gauge stepper motor.

A post in another truck forum stated dealers have been replacing IPCs when there's only been a bad stepper motor. For warranty replacement, the TSB points to an inoperative gauge in the cluster. While the speedometer and fuel gauges are specifically mentioned, it doesn't exclude the oil pressure gauge or problems of any gauge caused by a defective stepper motor. So I think an oil pressure gauge acting up will allow a dealer to replace the entire IPC under an unexpired warranty. It'll depend on the interpretation of my Service Advisor on Wednesday. It'll be at least a $300 repair otherwise.

 

[srode]

Thanks, let me know what you hear.