Dash gauges not working Silverado [Fixed]
Dash gauges or gauge cluster usually refers to the set of gauges installed on a vehicle's instrument panel used for monitoring temperature, fuel level, voltage, and oil press.
A common example would be a truck speedometer and tachometer gauge. If a gauge or cluster of gauges is broken or malfunctioning, the problem may range from a faulty light bulb to needing replacement.
Dashboard gauges are typically electrical components that require delicate wiring, so troubleshooting for broken dashboard gauges requires the knowledge of how the gauges work and what to look for when testing each part of your circuit.
Faulty lights, If the lights inside your cluster aren't working, you may need to replace a bulb. Replacing a light in your truck gauge cluster isn't a difficult process, but you should know how to test your cluster's wiring before removing the panel.
If you know something about troubleshooting truck instrument clusters then it will be less expensive and less time-consuming to repair your dashboard gauges yourself.
But if you are not comfortable doing it on your own, you can bring it to a mechanic and have it fixed professionally.
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Why did all the gauges on my dashboard stop working?
The gauges from the instrument cluster are important for monitoring the status of your vehicle.
It is important to monitor the temperature, oil pressure, speed, etc since it can make you aware of any problems before they become too large to handle.
In most cases, the reason why gauges are not working in your Silverado is due to the fact that the device has been overloaded by an electrical surge from shorting out your battery or from a faulty alternator.
You need to check:
- The battery and the connections of the cables.
- The wiring harness connects to the alternator and makes sure that there is no damage or loose connections.
- The alternator is making sure that the electrical systems of your vehicle are working properly.
- If the wiring harness is not the problem, you should check your oil press switch.
- You might also check for any bad fuses that control the dashboard gauges in your Silverado.
- Most of the time it's a loose connection so you might need to tighten them up to solve this problem.
- Check the stepper motors - When the stepper motor overheats it will stop working and this can cause your gauges to stop working.
- Terminals - where the stepper motors wires connect to, if they are corroded they might not work properly.
- Speedometer Cable - It might be seized or corroded, this will make it difficult for the instrument cluster to communicate with your speedometer.
- The connections for the odometer might be corroded.
- Engine temperature - if the temperature sensor of your engine is faulty it might be stuck on hot or cold and this will cause the gauges to malfunction.
- Modules - If you have a wiring harness with multiple modules and there is a malfunction in one of them it could cause the rest of the gauges to stop working.
- Circuit board - the circuit board of your instrument cluster might be damaged and needs to be replaced.
- Gauge issues - This can be due to faulty backlight, the film of the instrument cluster might be peeling off or it could also be due to corrosion.
Make sure you know the source of the problem, what you can do is consult an expert who can repair your Silverado truck.
Also Read: How to tell if an instrument cluster is failing
How do I reset my Silverado instrument cluster?
You can easily reset your Silverado instrument cluster.
Do the following:
Step 1 - Turn your ignition switch to the off position, wait for about 10 seconds.
Step 2 - Turn the ignition switch to the on position, wait for 15 seconds and start your Silverado.
Your gauges should now be working fine.
You might also need to check the fuses and change any that are faulty.
If your Silverado overheats then you will need to change a faulty thermostat.
If you need any more help please feel free to contact us ISS Automotive for more info.
Where is the fuse for the instrument clusters?
The instrument clusters fuse is located under the dash on the passenger side of your Silverado.
The fuse box is black in color.
It has a diagram of the instrument panel, Fuses with labels might also be noted.
Find the one that says "Instrument Cluster" and replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage.
If you need any more help please feel free to contact ISS Automotive for a quote on a repair.
Does the BCM control the instrument cluster?
The body control module or BCM is responsible for controlling the instrument cluster, if something goes wrong with the BCM it will affect the gauges of your Silverado.
If they are not working properly, you will need to change them.
How to Diagnose dash gauges issues on Silverado
If your Chevy Silverado tachometer, oil pressure gauge, coolant temperature, or other dashboard gauges are not working you may need to troubleshoot them.
There are several gauges and many different control modules and wiring circuits in your Silverado, this makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact issue without a diagnostic scan.
The first thing that you can do is to check all of your fuses and their corresponding circuits.
You can usually find the fuse under the hood of your Silverado. It is black in color and it's labeled with a diagram of your dashboard and the label for your gauges.
If you change the fuse and it is still not working then your next option is to check for voltage at the instrument cluster with a digital voltmeter.
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Here is how to do it:
First, you will need to turn the ignition switch to the off position and then remove the instrument cluster from your Silverado.
After that, you should set your digital voltmeter to the 20 volt DC range and check for voltage between the white wire and any bare metal portion of the cluster.
If there is power then use a wiring diagram to determine which circuits are powered by that wire. If there is no voltage present then you will need to check for a possible short.
First, remove the connectors from every wire in the cluster and inspect them for any corrosion or damage.
After that, check for loose, corroded, or damaged connectors on the harness and change them with new ones if you find any.
If your gauges are still not working after checking the fuses, the circuits, and doing a voltage test then you might have a defective instrument cluster.
You will need to replace it with a new cluster.
Testing the BCM for faulty Instrument Cluster
You will need a digital voltmeter for this test.
The BCM or body control module is located underneath the dash of your Silverado to the left of the steering wheel.
You will need to unplug it in order to test for faulty wiring between the BCM and the instrument cluster.
Start by removing the connectors from all of the wires in the cluster and set your voltmeter to DC voltage.
In order to test for voltage, you will need to use the wiring diagram for your Silverado to determine which circuits are powered by each wire.
Follow the circuits that you find to their corresponding components and test for voltage between them.
If you determine that there is no power then the problem might be in the BCM or in the instrument cluster itself.
If you determine that there is power in some circuits but not all then the problem could be in the wiring harness or in the connectors.
You will need to check for continuity across all of the circuits in your harness using a wiring diagram. If there is no continuity then you will need to change the harness.
If the wiring is okay then it might be a problem with your instrument cluster so you will need to replace it.
Troubleshooting instrument cluster power problems
If you find that there is power in some but not all of the circuits then the problem could be with your instrument cluster.
First, you should remove the connectors from all of the wires and test for continuity.
If there is no continuity then your next option is to disconnect the instruments one by one and test for voltage.
If you find voltage in the circuit to only one instrument then it is most likely that that instrument is defective.
You will need to replace it. If you find voltage in the circuit to more than one instrument then that means that your wiring harness is corroded or damaged.
You will need to replace it. If you find no voltage then the problem could be with your BCM or your instrument cluster.
Start by removing the connectors from each wire and testing them for any corrosion or damage.
If there is no voltage then you will need to check for a possible short.
First, disconnect the connectors from each wire one by one and test them for continuity.
If there is no continuity then your next option is to open up the harness and check for any damage.
If you find any corroded or damaged components then you will need to change them.
If you determine that there is no short in your wiring harness then it might be a problem in your instrument cluster.
If your computer doesn't read the cluster then there might be a problem in one of your vehicle's circuits.
You will need to check each circuit for continuity using a wiring diagram.
If there are no breaks in the circuits then it is best to have a mechanic check your instrument cluster before you replace it.
What are the common problems with Chevy Silverado instrument cluster?
The most common problems with Chevy Silverado instrument cluster are as follows:
- Faulty BCM
- Incorrectly wired instrument cluster
- Stepper motor failure
- Gauge needle separation
- Dashboard cracks
- Burned out light
- Computer glitch
- Intermittent problems
- Check engine light on all the time
- Incorrect speedometer readings
- Inaccurate recommended reading
- If none of the gauges work
- Permanent loss of functionality
- Electrical problems
How much does it cost to fix Silverado instrument cluster gauges?
The cost of a Chevy Silverado instrument cluster can range from $200 for a used one to as much as $1500 for an OEM unit.
There are kits available that contain all of the needed parts for around $300.
You can also check with your local junkyard for one that is in good condition.
It will cost you around $50 for an aftermarket unit.
How to fix Silverado instrument panel lights not working?
There are a few common things that can cause Chevy Silverado instrument cluster lights not to work.
Make sure that your ignition is turned on and that your truck battery is charged or that you have a jumper in place.
To test the light bulbs, remove them from their sockets one by one and check to see if they are okay.
If you notice that there is no power in the circuit then try replacing the bulbs before removing any of the fuses.
If you notice that there is power in the circuit but not to all of the bulbs then your problem could be in the BCM or your instrument cluster.
You will need to check for any fuses that are blown out and replace them if necessary.
Silverado gauge cluster stopped working, how much does it cost to repair?
The cost for repairing your Chevrolet Silverado instrument cluster can range from $200 to $400 depending on the part and how extensive the damage is.
It could cost you more if you need to replace your BCM or your instrument cluster.
How do I fix my Silverado instrument panel?
There is a wide range of things that can cause the Chevy Silverado instrument panel to not work.
Check your BCM and instrument cluster first. If there is no power to your instrument panel then disconnect and check the fuses.
If they look okay then you will need to replace them.
If you have power in the circuit but not to your instrument panel then your next step is to check the bulbs.
Make sure that they are not blown. If they are then you will need to replace the bulbs before anything else.
If you determine that your instrument cluster or your BCM is okay then you will need to determine whether or not you have a short in your wiring harness.
If there is no power at all then you will need to open your instrument cluster and check for any damage.
After checking and repairing your wiring harness and instrument cluster if they still do not work then you will need to replace the BCM.