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: 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

—————

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.

—————

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!

—————

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.

—————

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.

—————

Date: 28/02/2011

By: Chauncey

Subject: thanks

Thanks for the great instructions and pics. Had 1 broken solder joint. My odometer now lights up again.

—————

Date: 25/02/2011

By: Ed

Subject: 2001 Silverado 1500

Thanks for showing me how to fix my odometer light problem. I've saved your site and hope to find more solutions here as you and others share their solutions. The Chevy dealer wanted to replace my cluster. I'm glad that I waited.

—————

Date: 29/01/2011

By: Steve

Subject: Sigh of releif

I found this webpage yesterday. After reading the above repair, I was off to Wal-Mart. There, I purchased a soldering iron for $5 and change, and a roll of solder for $1 and change. To make a long story short, for under $8, my problem is fixed. Thank you Chris for your solution. Everyone I talked to said I would have to replace the whole instrument cluster. Thanks again for helping me prove them wrong!!

—————

Date: 31/01/2011

By: Chris (Site Adm)

Subject: Re: Sigh of releif

Don't you just love proving them wrong, and the saving money part is good too.

—————

Date: 20/01/2011

By: Wayne

Subject: Turn Signal

'99 Silverado Extended Cab V8 auto.... The turn signal circuit continues to open and close with the lever in th neutral position.... the noise is heard but the lights, both internal and external do not blink..... it just makes the clicking sound constantly. do you have any suggestions?

—————