Dash Guages

[ross1147]

So, not quite sure if this topic goes under this thread or not. I’ve used the search function to try to find any relating topics and I haven’t found any that sound the same. I’ve been having trouble with the dash gauges in my ’03. They aren’t turning on when I start the truck. It’s been going on now for 3 months or so. At first, they would take about 15-20 seconds to turn on after the truck was started. I figured it was a voltage thing because I could always hear my lift pump speed up right when the gauges kicked on. Thought maybe it was a computer thing? But now, the gauges don’t turn on. I still hear the life pump speed up, but the dash is still blank. The first time this happened I was trying to leave a store and drive back home so I just started driving it home without gauges. About half way home I was a little mad so I slammed my hand on the dash above the gauges and it turned on! So now, every morning before I go to work I have to give the dash a slap for them to work. So, I’m thinking it probably a short now or something in the dash.
My question is how do you get to the gauges? Can I just take the front plastic off (the one that goes around the steering wheel and radio)? Of do I have to take the whole dash off to look around? Figured I would ask before I started tearing stuff apart. Thanks.

[rapidoxidationman]

Here's the thread I started about it:

http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/showthread.php?t=36811

I'm thinking there's a relay somewhere that is getting weak that charges everything. The low voltage condition at startup (when the glow plugs are lit) wouldn't yield enough current to fire the relay and I'm guessing that now the relay is just plain bad. Not SURE if that's the case, but it makes sense to me.

I wrecked the truck before it got to the point you're at, so it isn't a problem for me anymore...

[ross1147]

That does make sense. Any idea where the solenoid would be located? I'm thinking it has to be in the dash maybe behind the gauges? Wonder if I could even find that part? Thanks for the help.

[ross1147]

So I finally got my gauges fixed. I ended up sending them off to someone in MN and he fixed them up and sent them back good as new. He fixed all the backlights, put all new stepping motors in, brightened the gear display. Only cost 65 bucks. Much better than the 475-550 the dealership quoted me.

[MikeyB]

So I finally got my gauges fixed. I ended up sending them off to someone in MN and he fixed them up and sent them back good as new. He fixed all the backlights, put all new stepping motors in, brightened the gear display. Only cost 65 bucks. Much better than the 475-550 the dealership quoted me.

Could you provide info regarding who fixed it please? My gear indicator/odometer is out
on my '01 Duramax and would love to get it fixed.

Thanks,
Mike

[More Power]

In looking at my "2001 Wiring Diagrams and Electrical Information" book, page 1-293, there are no relays that deliver electrical power to the Instrument Panel Gauge Cluster. Power arrives at the IP via the CRUISE 10a fuse, IGN-0 10a Fuse, IGN-1 10a fuse, and the RADIO 15a fuse.

So, aside from verifying power through these fuses, there is also the G-105 ground connection that would need to be verified before suspecting the IP. IP connector A8 is the ground (blk/wht wire).

Jim

[ross1147]

Mike,

The guys name is David Ruberg. The website is www.speedometerrepairguy.com (http://www.speedometerrepairguy.com). You can buy his repair off ebay or I just emailed him and asked how much to make the check out for and sent it to him with the gauges. He has a turn around time of 24hrs from when he gets them. So, overall I think it took 6 business days to get them back and I sent them from CA. Just have to get use to driving around without gauges in the truck, but its not like they worked anyways. Just looked really ghetto. I used my gps to know my speed. There are cheaper repairs out there but I think he did a great job.

V/R

Ryan

[MikeyB]

Ryan,

Thanks for the info. I came across his business while I too was looking for someone to fix my gauges after I got an estimate from the stealer. Nice to know he does a good job and the truck can be driven sans gauges without any ill affects. Now I just have to get the gumption up to tear apart the dash!

Thanks again,
Mike

[More Power]

Getting the IP out is fairly easy and straightforward. Remove the dash bezel surround first, then the 4 screws holding the IP, then unplug the electrical connector. It's easy...

Jim

[cowboywildbill]

I pulled a cluster for a friend of mine. He sent it to the same guy. About a week later he got it back and I reinstalled it. It worked great very pleased with the repair.