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: 12/10/2009

By: Chris

Subject: Re: Great 20 minute fix!!!

I've rec'd so many emails saying basically the same thing, glad it's working now. I haven't had a problem with the tow/haul, would have to see it.

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Date: 22/09/2009

By: Mike

Subject: thanks for the info

I have had the intermittent problem with the gear selector/ odometer for years. I have had it apart before but I was afraid to pull the circuit board off & breaking it. I knew there was a short & I had made plans to take it out & take it into work & have our electrician help me but could not find the right time to do without the truck. With your help I had it fixed within an hour. working great so far.
PS
I have also replaced many light bulbs in the radio in my truck & also in my wifes GM vehicle
Thanks again for your help

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Date: 21/09/2009

By: KJ in Texas

Subject: Great info

Gas gauge been broke for 5 years....was using the odometer until it went out. Your web site was spot on (same pin with a bad connection as the one in your pics). Thanks for posting!!!!

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Date: 29/05/2009

By: Anthony

Subject: My bad!

The pix r great! wish I saw them 1st! It was nice seeing everything I did was right though.

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Date: 25/05/2009

By: Anthony

Subject: More Help

Before I read this I removed the cluster and got the front and back cover off. I didn't see any solder issues on the back of the board and didn't want to break it trying to get to the inside, it seemed to be a sealed unit. Any ideas?

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Date: 25/05/2009

By: Chris

Subject: Re: More Help

If you follow the instructions precisely you won't have an issue, I've received tons of email from other people who have fixed the problem with this aid. I think you are stuck on not separating the stepper motors section, once you do that, you will see the odometer pins soldered onto the board. By only removing the covers, you will not expose the issue. Good Luck, if you are local I could look at it for you.

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Date: 29/05/2009

By: Anthony

Subject: Re: Re: More Help

Got it! The 2 end pins were loose. It works great now! Thanks! Some pix would have helped, but the info was on the money.

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Date: 20/06/2009

By: mark

Subject: Re: More Help

worked great thank alot 20 mins and i was done

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Date: 06/04/2009

By: Mark

Subject: Thanks

Thanks. Your well writen and illustrated step by step instructions saved my Dad a bunch of money.

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Date: 16/03/2009

By: Scott

Subject: Genius

This very frustrating problem lost me over 15 buyers for my truck. Sold the truck to the very next person. This repair saved me tons of money, & let me get a fair price for a good truck. Thanks

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