S10 Aftermarket Gauge Cluster [All You Need to Know]

S10 Aftermarket Gauge Cluster

 

ISS Automotive offers professional-built, direct-fit replacement gauge clusters for your Chevrolet S10. We offer a lifetime warranty with professional testing on our clusters. The difference is that our clusters are OEM-built clusters and not aftermarket. The problem with aftermarket is that can have issues interfacing the computer and electronics in the vehicle. This results in a loss of functionality in your steering wheel and dash. This is not the case with our clusters as they are made to factory specifications.

Some people might think that aftermarket gauge clusters are a good idea because they are cheaper. The thing is, they are not built to last and you will have many issues with them. With our clusters, you get a lifetime warranty and professional testing. This means that you will not have to worry about your cluster breaking down or losing functionality.

If you are looking for a replacement gauge cluster for your Chevrolet S10, then ISS Automotive is the place to go. We offer OEM quality clusters at a fraction of the cost.

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Where can I buy an s10 gauge cluster?

ISS Automotive offers the best S10 Gauge Cluster Replacement.

You could buy it from a dealer, or from a well-known, cost-effective online store like ISS Automotive. If you are able to do it yourself or find a local repair shop then the instrument cluster is a simple part to replace.

How to change an s10 instrument cluster?

The process of swapping out the instrument cluster in a Chevrolet S10 is not difficult but does require some basic knowledge of automotive electrical systems.

First, disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent any shorts while working on the cluster. Next, remove the trim panel around the cluster using a flat head screwdriver. There are usually two or three screws holding it in place.

Once the trim panel is removed, there will be a few more screws holding the cluster in place. Remove these screws and carefully pull the cluster out of the dash.

To install the new cluster, simply reverse the process. Connect the negative battery terminal, then screw in the new cluster and trim panel. Test all the lights and gauges before putting everything back together.

Is it better to get an s10 instrument cluster repair?

It depends on the issue that you have with your s10 instrument cluster.

These issues below are worth the repair:

  • The speedometer doesn't work.
  • There is a crack in the plastic cover of the cluster.
  • The orange backlight isn't working.

These issues below are not worth the repair:

  • The numbers on the odometer and speedometer are fading away.
  • The needle of the speedometer is slightly pointing to a number that's not your actual speed.
  • The odometer is running slow.

No matter what issue you're experiencing with your cluster, the best thing to do is to bring your s10 to a mechanic and they can help you decide if it's worth the repair.

In case you do decide to get your s10 instrument cluster repaired, make sure to bring it somewhere reputable and that has a good reputation.

What are the common problems of the s10 instrument cluster?

Instrument clusters on all vehicles wear down with time, but some more than others. The s10 has more than the usual problems. Water seems to be the primary reason for the failure of these clusters. If your s10 is getting older you'll have to check to see if it has any cracks or signs of water damage. If so, you'll have to replace it. Luckily they are available at a relatively inexpensive price, especially used ones from a junkyard.

Click here to read: Custom Gauge Cluster [Expert Guide 2022] >

What else can make my s10 instrument cluster fail?

Besides the usual effects of age, your gauges can also stop working because of the following:

  • Water temperature gauge or water temp sending unit not working.
  • Speed sender failing.
  • Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor malfunctioning.
  • The glow plug indicator light stays on when the glow plugs are not working or it stays on when the vehicle is running.
  • Oil pressure sender or gauge malfunctioning.
  • Turn signals or hazards not working.
  • HVAC control is inoperative.
  • The lights on the instrument cluster are burned out.
  • Indicators and needles do not move.
  • All the functions of the instrument cluster stopped working.
  • Check engine light does not come on.
  • The fuel level and voltage gauges not working.

All of the above are problems with components inside of your s10 instrument cluster. When you replace the cluster, all of these problems will be fixed, unless there is another problem with your s10 electrical system.

Where can I get an S10 gauge cluster swap?

If you are wanting to move over your s10 gauges into your new truck, I recommend you start on eBay. There are many people on eBay that will do an s10 cluster swap, and there are various types of setups.

What is an s10 instrument cluster?

An s10 instrument cluster is a cluster that came in the 1990 and 1991 S-series trucks. Including the Blazer, Jimmy, Sonoma, and many others.The instrument includes a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, battery voltage gauge, and coolant temperature gauge.

S10 Custom Dash Kits?

The s10 custom dash or gauges kits have been around for a long time now and even though they might not be as popular as other aftermarket parts. The s10 custom dash (gauges) kits are still very popular with many truck owners.

An s10 custom dash kit is very useful for those who want to upgrade the look of their truck without having to spend a lot of money on aftermarket parts.

The s10 custom dash kits are probably the easiest way for you to upgrade the look of your s10.

Should I get a 2000 s10 aftermarket gauge cluster?

No, in our opinion you should get an OEM replacement cluster that is an exact match.

The 2000 s10 aftermarket cluster would match, but it won't be exact. All of the speedometer readings will be correct, but the gas gauge may read too high. The tachometer may work properly or it may not, depending on the quality of the aftermarket tachometer.

Where can I buy Sweep stepper motor gauges?

A lot of people have been asking about where they can buy sweep stepper motor gauges. You can find one online or from a local vendor. Most of the time, these gauges are pretty rare and can be found on eBay or on forums that specialize in importing Japanese parts.

What is a perimeter-lit air core?

The perimeter-lit air core is a 360° air core meter, which is a "wheel" shaped but flat. It's lit by an electrical current, which makes the air-core meter look like it is glowing. This "wheel" has only two flat lines, but thousands of glowing dots. It is one of the best types of meter to use with a perimeter-lit air core, but it's also the most expensive.

Click here to read: Instrument Clusters [Professional Replacements] >

What are short sweep minor gauges?

Short sweep minor gauges are the things that look like speedo's from a steam locomotive that really gives your car that old-school hot rod look.

 

They are usually used with the tach, oil pressure, water temperature, volt, and fuel gauge right where you used to have them. The only difference is that the sweep hand is a lot shorter. It's been a pretty popular mod for the past 10 years, and it's really easy to do.

How to know if your instrument cluster is the short sweep version?

This is the easiest way to tell if you have the short sweep version. Turn on your ignition switch and look at your instrument cluster. If it has a sweep hand that's twice as long as the little one you're looking at, then it is a regular speedo.

If not, it's the short sweep version that we're talking about here.

How can you install short sweep gauges on your cluster?

The best way to get the job done is to get a general rebuild kit from a salvage yard. They usually have the short sweep gauges included in them. It is a pretty easy install if you're familiar with wiring and soldering. Just follow the diagram that comes with the kit and you'll be fine.

What is included in gauge kits?

Most gauge kit includes the following: a new set of gauges (usually with short sweep minor), new sending units, new backlighting, and new bezels. You may also find that some kits come with a new set of needles or mounting hardware, but this is not always the case.

Upgrades for Your Instrument Cluster

If you want to upgrade your instrument cluster, there are a few things that you can do.

  1. Custom gauge
  2. LED backlighting
  3. Carbon fiber
  4. Electronic speedometers
  5. Gauge face