My 01 Silverado started having some problems about a year ago -- Battery light on -- no 4X4 -- No cruise control -- guages not functioning correctly -- no AC or Heat -- truck would otherwise run fine. I have a tilt steering wheel -- fiddle with the position of the wheel -- everything would work fine.
Then this would not happen again for a while. Well, it just happened again about a week and a half ago and this time all the problems are staying. No more fiddling with the steering wheel. I was told three things..... Could be ignition switch -- could be BCM -- and someone told me today that there is some connection box under the column ($400). I have limited finances. Any idea's? I am leaning toward the ignition switch. How hard would it be to replace this myself? I have the ability - just have never done this before.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

2001 Silverado Z71 5.3 with 156K and happy but hot!!

 

Start by pulling the column covers off and looking for any broken wires.

 

Have a 2001 silverado and my fuel gauge, my temperature gauge, my heater blower, my shift indicator, and my 4x4 buttons not working. I replaced the ignition lock cylinder about a month ago. Shortly after that everything would flash then it was fine. Now it's completely out. I have checked every fuse in the truck, replaced the relays, checked every ground I could find, and took the gauge cluster apart and checked the solder joints. Any help is appreciated.