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: 12/12/2010

By: C W Jones

Subject: Finally

Thank you very much. I've been seaching for information on the web for a long time. Your page is the first and only that has been of any help.

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Date: 18/11/2010

By: Chris

Subject: Worked like a charm

Thank you so much for this DIY! This saved me about $140 and more importantly about 8-10 days of down time on my truck. I removed the cluster myself, and had an electronics repair shop do the repair for $30. I printed out your step by step instruction, and they got it done and now my odometer and Gearshift selector work perfectly.

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Date: 06/11/2010

By: Rick

Subject: heat/ac backlight

Fixed my odometer and radio illumination! Thanks.
Can the heater control unit be repaired? The 4 buttons below the fan and temp controls don't illuminate. Mabey they don't any way but if they do , can they be fixed?

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Date: 22/11/2010

By: Chris (Site Adm)

Subject: Re: heat/ac backlight

They don't light up on my truck either, perhaps they are supposed to? Not sure. Maybe I'll take a look sometime.

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Date: 31/10/2010

By: Ken

Subject: Odometer Fix!!!

Thanks Mr. Fixit!!!! You have a great site with well defined pictures and instructions which I followed to the tee, and it works!!!!!! Thanks again.

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Date: 29/09/2010

By: Bud Grant

Subject: ABS and Check Engine Lights

My ABS warning light and Check Engine lights come on once in a while. I've never found anything wrong yet! Can the light bulbs be removed? It's on my old beater Silverado.

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Date: 29/09/2010

By: Chris (Site Adm)

Subject: Re: ABS and Check Engine Lights

If it has the message center it easily can be, refer to the instructions and you will see the plug, if its just the bulb type, you just have to remove the bulbs, first by removing the cluster, good luck.

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Date: 22/09/2010

By: Aaron

Subject: Odometer fixed!

You are the man! This was an easy fix and saved lots of $$$!

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Date: 25/08/2010

By: Tony

Subject: Thanks!!

I found your site months ago and saved it. I been telling myself, "I need to fix that, I need to fix that!" but never did.... I just did! It was so easy. Now, when I get my oil changed, they can actually see the milage!

Thanks!

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Date: 02/08/2010

By: luke

Subject: damn right

you're a god! Found this site and saved 300 dollars fixed my dads truck! I'd shake your hand for givin me the means to do so thanks a million!!!!

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