My Yukon Denali Cluster Doesn't Show The Right Gear. Help!
Is your Yukon Denali’s gauge cluster not showing the right gear? You’re not alone. Far from it, actually. This is a common problem some early 2000s Yukon Denali owners have faced over the years.
When you shift gears and the gauge cluster isn’t responding correctly, what’s going on? Your gauge cluster must be either showing the wrong gear or not showing a shift between gears. Sometimes this issue is accompanied by other issues, such as the inability to lock and unlock the doors remotely.
You can attribute this problem to one of these three issues:
- Faulty transmission position sensor
- Bad wiring
- An issue within the instrument cluster
To pinpoint the cause of the issue, you want to check each part.
Checking The Transmission Position Sensor
Image Credit: CarTreatments
The transmission position sensor is an electronic sensor. It tells the transmission control module (TCM) which position the transmission is in. What happens when the transmission position sensor is malfunctioning? The TCM relays the wrong information to the instrument cluster. Also, there could be a mismatch between the gear selector lever and the sensor input signal.
Some Yukon Denali owners have reported the following codes related to this issue:
- P0700: Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0708: Transmission Range Sensor Circuit High Input
You'll find the transmission position sensor on the driver's side of the transmission. The most common signs of a malfunctioning transmission position sensor include:
- Trouble starting or moving the vehicle
- Trouble switching gears
- The transmission going into a different gear than you selected
- The transmission being locked into one position (limp mode)
If your SUV has a faulty transmission position sensor, you'll have issues with the transmission. If your transmission shifts correctly but the gauge cluster isn't showing the right gear, then you probably don't have this issue.
It's best to bring your vehicle to a mechanic so they can diagnose a bad transmission position sensor.
Checking The Wiring
If your transmission position sensor is fine, then the wiring may be bad. With bad wiring or connector(s) present, the TCM may not receive the correct information from the transmission position sensor. If the wiring between the TCM and the gauge cluster is bad, the gauge cluster may not receive the correct information from the TCM. There may be other issues with the gauge cluster if this is the case.
Check the wiring and connectors between these parts:
- The transmission position sensor and the TCM
- The TCM and the gauge cluster
Unplug the connectors and look for corrosion. Check the wiring harnesses for chaffed insulation. If the wiring looks good, then the problem may be the instrument cluster.
Determining If The Gauge Cluster May Be The Issue
The wiring within the gauge cluster may be bad. The wiring may be corroded, loose, or disconnected. If this is the case, you have two options:
- Repair the gauge cluster
- Replace the gauge cluster
If you're not sure if your gauge cluster is malfunctioning, you can remove it from your vehicle and then mail it to us. Our skilled technicians can take it apart and fix any issues they find. We've been repairing automotive gauges for 70 years, and gauge clusters since they were invented.
If you're pretty sure that your gauge cluster is acting up, you can replace it. We offer replacement gauge clusters, including this one for 2003-2006 Yukon Denali SUVs. The cluster will come to you with your mileage set and ready to install. There is no programming necessary.
If you need help navigating this issue, you're welcome to contact us.