Instrument Cluster Repair
 

Has anyone had any experience with repairing the cluster...speedometer, fuel gauge, etc? The 2005 we have has a definite problem with speedo and possibly fuel gauge. I've seen 4 or 5 businesses/individuals on Ebay that advertise rework/repair of the instrument cluster. From what I understand they have to remove and solder a new component to each gauge needed repair. These components are pretty inexpensive but a person must have experience in working with these things from what I've determined. Anyway, I've located a place 250 - 300 miles from my home in which these repairs are done. It will cost me to send it over and then $70 to repair and ship back to me. So for around $80- $85, it can be repaired. Certainly beats $400 or so for replacing the cluster through GM!

Also does anyone have a step by step in removing the cluster? I know that there are only 4 screws that hold the cluster in place but it's getting to that which I'm not too sure of.

Thanks!

I know someone that can do it, pm me for details.

My niece has a 04 with this problem - intermittent fuel gauge a speedo.
Whats entailed on repairing this, if I was to do it myself?

You know how to solder? Replacing motors?

Thank you for the replys. I did remove the cluster (pretty easy job) and have sent it to the fellow that is in the next state to me. He has a very good rating on Ebay so I figured it would be OK. I should have back later this week. I'll let you know the out come when I get it back in the car.

Yes I do, I have a lots of experience with it. I've repaired digital dashes from the early 80's. What kind of motors are we talking about?

Skidoofan, do you have the ebay link for the repair guy? I might consider this route if its faster.

Yes, the one I used is www.speedometerrepairguy.com. You can also find his repair services on Ebay. I'm pretty sure you can find the stepper motors on Ebay as well pretty cheap. I just have no experience soldering these types of things. I picked this repair location because it was in Minnesota so pretty close to where I live. There are a few out there on the web. I believe I've seen Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas locations. The one I picked has a 99.9% rating on Ebay with like 3500+ favorable comments and 4 negative. Hope that helps you out.

Good luck. I personally know of someone that could fix it, like I posted before. Good luck

Complete
 

I received the instrument cluster back this past Wednesday. Installed in car and everything seems to work great! If anyone is having speedometer or other instrument related problems, this is the way to go to avoid replacing cluster. What a waste.....good for the dealer - bad for the consumer. I know there are a ton of people out there that are having these same issues. I had corresponded with the sales person at the dealership where we purchased this vehicle. I was told that because of the mileage on this vehicle, it was not uncommon for failure! I told her that I didn't think the issue had anything to do with mileage or age....but more likely a GM problem. I than emailed her 40 + complaints from ONE website dealing strictly with 2005 Impala's!
I wouldn't hesitate sending your cluster in for repairs. The shipping was pretty cheap to send off and th $70 covered the repairs and shipment back to me. Removal and reinstallation was a breeze. I found directions on a website and was very easy to do.

What did it run you total?