My 04 burb has a problem with the instrument cluster. The part that illuminates the gear you are in is always very dim and when you adjust the light with the switch everything else brightens and dims but this one part of the cluster just doesn't change how bright it is. It next to impossible to see in the day and very dim even at night. Has anyone seen this before? Not sure where to look at on this one.

thanks in advance

 

You probably have a burned out bulb or two. These are soldered in and the cluster needs to be removed to repair. If you can solder you can do it. If not leave it to the professionals.

 

Hi, Tanin Auto Electronix here. We are vendors on the site and can offer some assistance. Though we can't diagnose without seeing a cluster in person as there may be other issues going on besides bulbs going out, we do have a repair service for your 04 Suburban. Check it out here:

2003 - 2006 Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade, Envoy, Trailblazer, Impala, Monte Carlo, Cavalier, Sunfire Gauge Cluster Repair

If for some reason it isn't repairable, we also locate replacements and program mileage into them as well for customers. So give us a call today and reference coupon code CHEVY10LOVE to get 10% off the repair service now through the end of Feb. 2017 on all phone orders! We take excellent care of our Chevrolet Forum friends!

We hope to help you out on the cluster issues and please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Thanks,

 

I can solder very good. Been doing it for many years. I am just weary of pulling the cluster out of the dash. In my experience when you remove stuff like that they never go back in the same and end up with rattles and or squeaks.

 

We also sell DIY parts like replacement bulbs for those who can repair their clusters themselves. There are ways to pad the cluster to help with squeeks too and we can give you more tips on that if you are interested. PM us if you need us!

Thanks,

 

do you do led repairs for gm radios and hvac controlers?

 

Depending on the year of the car, yes we do! Here is a link to one of the radio lighting repair services we offer:

2003 - 2006 Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade, Envoy, Trailblazer, Impala, Monte Carlo, Cavalier, Sunfire Radio Light Repair

and the climate control repair:

Car HVAC Climate Control Repair Rebuild Service

Feel free to contact us with other questions. Happy to help! We also sell DIY kits for the lighting repairs as well.

 

Just had this problem. Youtube shows how. https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DvStMcCHZuRM&ved=0ahUKEwieyOyNkJjSAhWnK sAKHeimCS4QwqsBCCUwAw&usg=AFQjCNFZpoASLeo4NQaD4r18 qwHFdcb-MA. Or search dim suburban gear indicator.

Key awkward points. Removing the instrument bezel and then the cluster means you will have to put it in gear with the stick at 1, so handbrake on. The connector unclips by squeezing the grey part and then the bezel will just manoeuvre out though it is tight. The bezel front and back just unclip but some are swines and you need a small driver to flick the clip in some cases. The video shows marking the position of the needles -this is very important do take time here and make sure the masking tape is well adhered. I used 2 pieces for each needle position. Like the video i used a large cutlery fork to gently lever up the needles. I wrapped masking tape around the fork to protect the dials.

Once the printed circuit board is exposed the video shows you where you look. However you will be hard pressed to see the defects which are fine hairline cracks at the end of the surface mount resistors. I used a jewellers loupe (eye fitting magnifying glass) which made the job a lot easier. Worth buying one they are very cheap.

I checked the entire board and found three other resistors also showing cracks. Just put a tiny amount if solder on the iron and wait till it flows.

Most important part is to take time replacing the needles in the exact original positions. Dont press them hard till you are sure they line up. It took me 2 or 3 goes on each needle - dont rush.

Entire job took less than an hour and now my gear indictor is bright and dims correctly with the rest of the lights.

Although fiddly this is an easy job if you can solder.