To help others fix the same problems I've encountered.


Welcome to my website

I recently purchased a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 Ext Cab, I really like the truck but it had a few little issues I wanted to fix. The first issue was the stereo backlighting, just about all of the lights were burned out, so after removing that and resoldering all new bulbs (all ten) onto the circuit board, it now works perfect.

The next issue to tackle was the problem of the odometer/gear selector panel not lighting up, actually it lighted up intermittently but was very annoying. Now the avid interneter I am I figured that other people had the same problem and a resolve to the problem would be easy to find on the net. Well was I right, many people had the same issue however I was wrong about finding a fix for it, I've looked everywhere on the net to find out how to fix it, the only solution I found was to have the instrument cluster replaced, anywhere from 180 to 500 dollars. The way I looked at it was chances are it's a problem thats fixable, so I ripped mine apart and found the issue. I created this space on here for other people to see the step by step instructions so you can fix yours for the low cost of FREE, no parts required, just solder. I'm assuming that its the same issue with most since the symptoms are basically the same. I would say that the manufacturer of the circuit board didn't put enough solder on the joint and from movement the little bit of solder that was there easily breaks. I will say that I'm your average joe will some experience soldering but not much, even if you can't solder, you could still break it down and bring it to an electronics shop to solder it, it takes less than 1 minute to solder once you take it apart. I hope that this helps at least one person out there save money, all that I ask in return is you tell me that it helped you out and if you have questions let me know. Have a good day and good luck, Chris.


Topic: Questions, Comments, General

Date: 20/11/2011

By: tim

Subject: !

thanks! thinking we need to donate some money to you for the post and learning...

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Date: 14/09/2011

By: Tim

Subject: Odometer & PRNDL

Worked Great!!!!

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Date: 16/08/2011

By: Kenny Coates

Subject: Mileage?

Does the correct mileage appear?

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Date: 21/08/2011

By: Chris (Site Adm)

Subject: Re: Mileage?

It will be the correct mileage

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Date: 15/07/2011

By: Richie P.

Subject: Dash lights

Thank you so much for your post. I had the same nagging problem for over a year. I came upon you post the other day and followed it to the tee. Sure enough I found a loose solder spot. works great now. can't thank you enough, I don't think I would have figured this one out on my own.
Sincerely,
Richie P. in Alaska

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Date: 29/05/2011

By: jim hendrix

Subject: odometer

Thank you sir! I found your site thru a search and have had my cluster out before in the past and knew exactly where and what you were showing. I went right to the exact spot where no solder was and sure enough it was loose and had been giving me problems for a while. I had beat on the dash and cluster for a while and kept it coming and going, til the other day it just quit for good. It’s fixed now, but my service engine soon light has came on and won’t go off, figured it was because I messed with the electrical or something here. Do you have any suggestions on how to clear the SES light? Thanks a million! You are a fine fellow to to go the trouble to help people out like that!
Thanks. Jimmy

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Date: 30/05/2011

By: Chris (Site Adm)

Subject: Re: odometer

I suspect the engine light being on is likely a coincidence. There is really nothing that I know of in the dash which could set it off or something you could have done under there, but I suppose anything is possible, I'd say have it checked, but first unhook the battery for a while then reconnect, if that doesn't clear it I'd say have it scanned.

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Date: 29/05/2011

By: jim hendrix

Subject: odometer fix

Thank you sir! I have had this cluster out before in the past when it was intermittent but didn't know where the problem was. I found your site and it was spot on! Took my cluster back out today, saw the loose or "no solder", re-solder all connections and it works like a champ. Only problem I have now is the "service engine soon" light came on and I don't know how to get it to clear?
Thanks again you are a fine human being for going the extra mile to help folks and save them some trouble and cash!

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Date: 15/05/2011

By: Ken D

Subject: After years, my odometer is working 100%

When I saw what a tight fit it was to re-solder that pin, I just wadded up some electrical tape to push the pin 1 & 2 wires apart....that did the trick, at least for now. Pin 1 was very loose.

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Date: 20/04/2011

By: Mike

Subject: Thanks

My odometer and drive indicator are now working again. I figured it was a cold solder joint, I just didn't know where or how to remove the back circuit board. Thanks for the excellent pictures and explanations.

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