Repair your GM 03-06 guage cluster

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06-27-2010, 03:33 PM
foggy

Repair your GM 03-06 guage cluster

Are any of your gauges sticking or not working at all?
Here is how to fix them.
Parts needed
solder gun
new stepper motor
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...r/IMG_1177.jpg

1. make sure vehicle is completely warmed up, this is for when you mark the needle position.
2. Remove bezel.
3. Remove 4 bolts holding cluster, and then unplug cluster.
4. Remove front of cluster. 3 clips on top and 2 clips on bottom.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...r/IMG_1204.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...r/IMG_1205.jpg
5. Put on blue tape to mark needle position.
6. Plug cluster back into vehicle. Start vehicle and mark needle positions. Turn vehicle off and mark needle position again.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...IMG_1204-1.jpg
7. Gently pull off needles.
8. Pull off gauge face.

Here is what it looks like after needle and face removal.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...r/IMG_1180.jpg

9. Now you need to remove the back plate. 4 clips on top, 3 clips on bottom.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...r/IMG_1207.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...r/IMG_1206.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...r/IMG_1181.jpg
10. Determine which gauge you need to fix. Do not apply a lot of heat to the circuit board. Apply just enough to liquefy the solder, and pull the stepper motor out. There is 4 solder points for each stepper motor.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...IMG_1203-1.jpg
11. After stepper motor is remove, put the new stepper motor in and re-solder.
12. Reassemble in reverse order, but do not attach front of cluster at this time.
13. After needles are in place, plug cluster into vehicle and check needle placement with vehicle warm.
You can verify mph needle placement with a GPS unit.
14. Once you are satisfied with all needle placements, you can install the front of cluster. Install the cluster in vehicle and reattach bezel.
06-27-2010, 08:35 PM
Duct_tape123

Great write-up. I want to know if I can add the trans temp to mine. All I need to buy is one stepper motor with needle and the HD gauge face, correct?
06-27-2010, 09:54 PM
foggy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duct_tape123

Great write-up. I want to know if I can add the trans temp to mine. All I need to buy is one stepper motor with needle and the HD gauge face, correct?

I already tried that, but the gauge cluster has to be programmed for the new gauge.
06-29-2010, 10:18 PM
Next Level

So does that mean it can be added, but just needs to be programmed for. If thats the case then I am going that route instead of paying someone for a whole new cluster just to get a tranny guage. Can the stepper motor go in any way or is there a certain clocked position????
06-30-2010, 10:52 AM
Duct_tape123

How and who can program the clusters? I would love to be able to add the trans temp without having to buy a new cluster.
06-30-2010, 04:39 PM
foggy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Next Level

So does that mean it can be added, but just needs to be programmed for. If thats the case then I am going that route instead of paying someone for a whole new cluster just to get a tranny guage. Can the stepper motor go in any way or is there a certain clocked position????

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duct_tape123

How and who can program the clusters? I would love to be able to add the trans temp without having to buy a new cluster.

Yes, you can add it, the spot is on the circuit board for it. If you look at the second last pic above you can see where the stepper motor will go. You will also need to add a light for that gauge. The stepper motor can only go in one way. You can look on ebay for someone to program it. I would think that most of the people offering rebuilds can program it for you.
If interested I have a new gauge face that has the trans temp on it for sale. i also have some needles for sale, depending on what length needle stem you have.