PRNDL display missing?

[61_FL_Apache]

Is it possible this digital display can fall out of the cluster? We bought a 2000 Silverado 1500 last week and this was missing. The seller said it had 180k. We put a scan tool on it and it said 264k. Lets say when we told them that, they took the low offer I gave them.

So, this is something I want to get fixed. Looking at a couple videos, this looks like its soldered in place. That makes me wonder why it was missing. Im guessing to hide the actual miles.

Is this a part that can be replaced or is it better to get another cluster?

Thanks for the input guys!

[homemade87]

I would get another cluster . The one in there is most likely not the original anyway . The mileage is stored in the cluster as well and will be off from the pcm . At close to 300,000 I don't think its a big deal any way . If it is you could send it to one of these cluster repair people on line .

Different cluster should be a plug and play .

[hatzie]

The PRNDL dim or not lighting at all is usually a problem with solder joints on the seven SMT resistors to the Left of the cluster plug.

The traces and pads are fairly thin and they will easily delaminate from the circuit board if you use too much heat.

If you don't have a decent temperature controlled soldering iron and some experience with repairs like this then I'd farm this one out.

Look up the user behind the jeffescortlx YouTube channel. Instrument clusters are his thing. If I didn't do my own electronics repairs I'd contact him.

Here's one of his fixit videos...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FL-whCgspw

[61_FL_Apache]

Its clearly missing. you can see the PC board thru the window.

I agree with replacing the cluster.

Thanks for the replies!

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

Its clearly missing. you can see the PC board thru the window.

I agree with replacing the cluster.

Thanks for the replies!

That vfd doesn't just fall off the circuit board. That many pins are exceedingly difficult to remove. It was done on purpose.

I'd contact the cluster repair guy I mentioned. He likely has the replacement parts and may come in cheaper than a replacement.

[wnc mountain]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

Is it possible this digital display can fall out of the cluster? We bought a 2000 Silverado 1500 last week and this was missing. The seller said it had 180k. We put a scan tool on it and it said 264k. Lets say when we told them that, they took the low offer I gave them.

So, this is something I want to get fixed. Looking at a couple videos, this looks like its soldered in place. That makes me wonder why it was missing. Im guessing to hide the actual miles.

Is this a part that can be replaced or is it better to get another cluster?

Thanks for the input guys!

There are a few solders on the board that can be redone and the PRND display will be good as new. Did mine and its been great ever since. I'll see if I can find the pics.

[wnc mountain]

Here is where to resolder.

[61_FL_Apache]

Thank you for the info WNC, but my display is completely missing. I will need to find a replacement cluster.

[hatzie]

He's driving a 2000... 1999-2002 are not the same as the 03-07 clusters. There are resistors and connectors that develop cracked solder joints but not in the same location.

That missing Vacuum Fluorescent Display can be replaced by a competent technician. The mileage won't be questionable if you go this route.

A speedometer tech that knows his stuff can set the odometer of a replacement cluster to match the value in your PCM... No fraud so no Imperial entanglements.

A local guy has a 2000 Sierra 2500HD DPW truck in his private stash that I've cannibalized interior bits from in exchange for cash. She had a rough life before the rust set in. Last time I looked she had a complete cluster but she has no battery. If enough of the wiring is still intact I'll try it out next time I'm over there. If the gauges sweep when the ignition is switched on it's probably worth buying and cleaning up. IIRC it has the trans temp gauge and the odd square LCD in the upper left corner of the panel.

1999 to 2002 PRNDL Fix

[61_FL_Apache]

secondary question. Does the cluster store the odometer count or does that come from the ECU?

[homemade87]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

secondary question. Does the cluster store the odometer count or does that come from the ECU?

I do know the cluster does store the miles . But where in the cluster is another question. I remember the dealer sending off clusters for repair and setting the miles also to the vehicle .