2009 Silverado Instrument Cluster Problems [All You Need to Know]
The common 2009 Silverado instrument cluster problems are backlighting issues with the speedometer, tachometer, and fuel indicator. Same thing as the older models as well as the newer ones.
The first thing to do is check fuses and relays. If those are all good, then you need to check your wiring for shorts, breaks, etc.
If everything is good there, then it might be time to look at the cluster.
Click here to find your Silverado Instrument Cluster >
How do you know if a cluster is bad?
There are a few ways to tell if your instrument cluster is going bad.
The first way is if the lights on the cluster start flickering or dimming. This is usually an indication that there are issues with the backlighting.
Another way to tell if the cluster is going bad is if the gauges start acting erratically. The same issue can happen with all the gauges in that the motor starts to fail.
List of common issues:
- Inability to read gauges
- Backlight fails or dims
- Gauges start acting erratically
- Speedometer, tachometer and fuel indicator have lighting issues
- Clock fails
- Odometer quits working
- Trip meter malfunctions
- Malfunctioning gear indicator
Might be time to replace your instrument cluster.
How do I reset my GM instrument cluster?
You can reset your GM cluster by doing the following:
1. Turn off your vehicle's ignition.
2. Remove the key from the ignition and open the door to access the instrument panel.
3. Locate the small hole in the bottom right-hand corner of your cluster.
4. Insert a pin or paper clip into the hole.
5. Hold it in for 10 seconds and remove the pin or paper clip from the hole.
6. Turn on your vehicle's ignition to see if it solved the problem.
If it didn't work, you will need to take your vehicle to the dealer and let them reset it.
What causes the cluster with gauges to go on and off?
This is a common problem with GM vehicles. The cause of the problem might be the dust building up on the circuit board, causing the gauges to not work properly.
The other possible cause is the gauges hitting against wires while opening and closing, ripping them out. This can be caused by a collision or opening and closing the truck door too hard.
This is a common, minor problem that can be fixed by opening the panel on top of the dash, pulling out the gauges, and cleaning them. Clean the circuit board as well.
It might help to use a little dielectric grease on wires and connections before reassembling the dash.
Click here to read: Cost of Instrument Cluster Repair & Replacement >
Is there a fuse for the instrument cluster?
Yes, there are 3 fuses in the underhood fuse block that provides power to the cluster. They are #30 (cluster), #31 (starter solenoid), and #32 (headlamp delay relay).
#30 is a 10 amp fuse and #31 and #32 are 2 amp fuses.
If one of those 3 fuses is open then the LEDs in the cluster will not work.
Under normal conditions, all of the LEDs are off when the engine is running.
If most or all of the LEDs are on, then you have a problem with the cluster.
Can you drive without a gauge cluster?
Yes, but it will be pretty hard. You can drive it only for a few minutes and you need to make sure the engine temp is above 0 Celsius (32 F).
You can drive it only on a flat, straight and clear road.
If you see an engine temperature higher than normal, stop driving immediately.
What are the symptoms of a bad instrument cluster?
The instrument cluster is the part that displays information such as your vehicle speed, indicator lights, and fuel gauge.
If this cluster is not working correctly, your vehicle may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- A speedometer that works intermittently or not at all
- Fuel gauge that does not work properly
- A tachometer that displays an inaccurate reading
- Check Engine light is on
- The lights on the instrument panel do not work as they should.
- The Circuit board in the instrument panel is damaged.
- Telltale lights stay on or blink.
- Hazard warning flashers that do not turn off.
- The ignition switch is stuck in the on position
If you notice any of these symptoms, have your instrument panel checked immediately. Only an authorized dealer should diagnose the cluster if you have a problem with one of the above symptoms.
Can you reset the gauge cluster?
You can try resetting it by disconnecting the battery and then immediately reconnecting it. This will reset all the memories (windows, locks, etc.)
If your gauges are stuck on/erratic this should fix it.
I have actually heard of this working!!
If not your gauges are probably stuck in memory mode.
There is a reset for that also.
You have to pull each one of the fuses from under the dash itself.
1-4 way flashers (one in the middle right by the hood release)
the heater control (underneath left of the steering column)
and then finally the fuse for your cluster (third one down at the rear)
You should see 4 fuses if you pop the cover off.
The third fuse will be the cluster fuse.
Pull that fuse and wait a few minutes then put it back in. You should see some numbers on your gauges now. Hold the trip button down and the odometer will show a menu with a lot of options.
One of them is reset. Hit that and all should be well.
How do I reset my Chevrolet Silverado instrument cluster?
What you'll need to reset the cluster in a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado are:
A clear view of your Silverado's speedometer. The key is in the ignition. A flathead screwdriver.
Instructions:
1. Turn the ignition to "ON" but not start. The power should be on, but without starting the engine, pump the gas pedal three times. This is important because the needles act differently when you start the engine.
2. After step one, press and hold the odometer reset button while turning the ignition to "START" (without pushing the gas pedal). Keep holding the odometer reset button until all the needles reach the zero position. If you release the button before all the needles reach zero, or if you don't hold it long enough, your Silverado's cluster will not be cleared.
3. If you did all this correctly, the speedometer reading should read "0." After step three, remove the flathead screwdriver and release the odometer reset button. The Silverado's gauges will now be set to "factory" condition.
If the problem persists, then there is most likely something wrong with your vehicle's instrument panel or the speedometer cable that runs from the transmission to the instrument panel. If you experience problems with your speedometer, then get it fixed immediately.
If this doesn't work for some reason, then you should take your Silverado to a Chevrolet dealership and have them check out the problem.
What are the common problems of the instrument cluster?
The cluster in the Silverado is susceptible to many problems. Some of these are:
- Lights don't illuminate when the vehicle is started.
- Warning lights don't come on when there's a problem in the vehicle's electrical system.
- Failure of the electrical system to hold memory.
- Gauges not working or flickering.
- Modules not working.
- Failure of the Silverado cluster to hold correct values.
- Connection issue between the vehicle's body control module and the cluster.
- Ignition switch problems.
Getting these problems fixed can save you a lot of time and money.
How much does it cost to fix instrument clusters?
The cost to fix the cluster for the 2009 Silverado can vary depending on where you take it and how much the dealer charges. The average price to fix clusters is $200.
How much is the replacement Chevrolet Silverado instrument cluster?
The price of a Chevrolet Silverado cluster is $300-$610.
Where to buy a replacement instrument panel?
You can buy a replacement Chevy Silverado instrument panel from any GM dealership or online shop. At ISS Automotive, we offer OEM-quality replacement instrument panels with a lifetime warranty.
Feel free to contact us at 1-800-548-1195 or search for your replacement from the below link.
Can you repair a Silverado cluster?
Yes, the Silverado cluster can be repaired by replacing the defective part. The average cost of the repair is $200.
What to do if the Chevy Silverado cluster is broken?
If your Chevy Silverado cluster is broken or defective, you can simply replace it with a new unit without expensive repairs. However, you need to know how to remove a Chevy Silverado cluster.
How to remove a Chevy Silverado instrument cluster?
The procedure for replacing the cluster is rather simple. You will need to remove the steering wheel and two screws in the lower part of the cluster. After that, you can easily pull the cluster from the dashboard.
How can you find a replacement instrument panel for Chevy Silverado?
You can use the VIN code to identify your Silverado truck model, year of production, and trim level. It will let you find the proper instrument cluster for your truck.