Replaced 2 bad step motors on a seat dash today, this video was very informative thank you. Dealings with these kind of jobs is very tricky and requires a lot of patience and if you have that you'll do just fine. Cheers!
THANK YOU!!! With the help of this video and another one to show me how to disassemble my dashboard, I replaced the faulty stepper motor (dead speedometer) in my GM instrument cluster and now it is up and running once again! I could not have done it without the knowledge you have shared here - again, MANY THANKS!!!
I replaced all five stepper motors in my 2033 Silverado. The most difficulty I had was getting the cluster back into position and the plug reconnected. I have experience with soldering and the plunger vacuum solder sucker. I do appreciate the video you created to help show the process. My tach was the only motor that showed fluctuations but replacing all while I had the cluster out seemed a good idea. Thanks Doc. NOTE: I used the truck's connector as my calibration bed. It didn't destroy the circuit board so maybe I just got away with it. I'd be happy to hear if others have used this method also.
I've had good results following this video's direction using a pencil soldering iron and cheapie solder sucker (which by the way had a significant amount of suction). You just have to be careful and make sure you don't apply too much heat to the circuit board otherwise you will burn it and ruin it. Like it or not, manufacturers use some pretty fragile components and unfortunately is the way cars are built nowadays. Yes agreeing with DocSpeedometer, experience is the best teacher and after you've done several of these dash assemblies successfully, they become pretty easy to do. My recommendation would be once you have the instrument panel open, replace ALL the stepper motors at once.
Is the lens and the the overlay one pice together, or can u pull the overlay off or maybe even the lense? I'm wanting to get to the overlay to paint it.
My oil pressure gauge was pegged out so I replaced the sender unit, that did not fix it. I did zero out the gauge hoping it would stay. How ever after running for a few minutes it went back to being pegged out. Is this something to do with the servo motor?
have a quick question for you. several members of my family drive 00-07 gm auto's and I have learned to replace the stepper motors from your video. I have made and still making a few mistakes getting the needles in proper place when replacing them. I noticed in the video a plug you use. did you make that power plug or do you know where I could purchase one. thanks and your video is one of the best!!
Doc, would I be able to get the plans for your test jig! I have a harness with wiring diagram. I have been able to turn the lights on and hear the stepper motors move but I don't have the PRND321 or DIC display. I guess you have to tie other inputs together for these to work. I know there are signal inputs (computer/digital) for everything to work. What is your workaround?
( 2003 Malibu) I saw your video on stepper motor replacement, found it very helpful although I'm finding it difficult to find the proper motor. The motor in mine are not x27 168, but a round metal casing covering copper winding's with four long pins( no soldering)Any help in locating this type would be helpful. Thank you
Hello...what is the part number of the stepper motor I should have on hand before I remove the cluster, to minimize down time, the vehicle is 2003 GMC Sierra (only the Speedo is dead and/or erratic. thank you
I just did the led upgrade and resoldered some resisters to fix my display and prndl but I forgot to mark the location of the needles. I did not replace the stepper motors, and now my truck thinks I have a dead battery and no gas. How can I fix this without replacing the stepper motors?
Please help, before to replace my rpm stepper motor (it wasn’t working) my indicator lights haven been working neither, only check engine and battery light works, after I replace the stepper motor my rpm still doesn’t work and the indicator lights neither, I am pretty sure the stepper motors is fine, what else could be? Circuit board? All fuses working fine
Is it possible to repair or replace the instrument that changes language? My 04 Silverado keeps scrolling on its own and now it wont respond to the plunger at all. Thanks much
It is possible to repair yes, I do this repair as part of my rebuild service, please visit www.drspeedometer.com or email me directly at fred@drspeedometer.com
All the videos show how to replace the 03-07 instrument clusters. I have a 2001 Gmc Sierra and only the temp guage does not work. But no body shows how to fix the 2001....its always 2003 and above. Will the new cluster motors work in my 2001
Yes this is a common issue but the fix is not DIY friendly at all, I can repair it for you if you like - please visit www.drspeedometer.com or email me at fred@drspeedometer.com
Great video as far as explanation, but you should've put tape underneath the needles and marked them where they zero out at before removal, instead of making us find someone that calibrates clusters.
I speak from experience. This is NOT an easy job, nor is it for beginners. Removing solder from PCB's is difficult, unless you spend about $100 on a decent soldering iron and soldering sucker (that attaches to the iron). I bought that blue piece of crap solder sucker that you see in the video, and believe me it does NOT do a good job of removing solder at all. The suction is VERY weak. The connections are VERY tiny and are difficult to see without a magnifying device above your work area. While he makes it look easy, remember he's done this before, and has good equipment (as all shops typically do). Also the 2005 Monte Carlo LS model I have has a completely different gauge layout (only uses 4 stepper motors). Who knew that Chevy would do something that stupid and use different gauge clusters for the same model year and trim package? I had to give up completely after spending over $50 bucks on these replacements (from this company), 3 hours trying to remove the old solder, and not having the $300 to have someone else do this. Note you need to BE VERY careful when removing the dash trim panel that surrounds the 05 LS model. It can crack and break VERY easily (especially the colder the weather gets). If it has never been removed before the clips break, and cannot be easily glued (even Gorilla glue won't fix stress cracks or breaks). Finally. I have no idea why GM never recalled these cars due to this issue? This to me is a safety issue. You may not know if you'll run out of gas, your car is overheating, how fast you are going, or if your engine is revving too high.
+kjemradio Hi there, yes it can be difficult if it's your first time de-soldering, I recommend people practice on a junk circuit board out of an old radio or something so they can get a feel for it first - if it's their first time. The biggest issue we see is just getting the circuit board too hot during the solder removal, as long as you don't use one of the large solder guns you're usually good to go. As for removing the solder the best option is definitely a solder removal station like you mention. I've had good results with the red solder bulbs also but they're getting harder to find. The solder suckers like in the video work well also but you have to really get the tip right down there on the work and pop the trigger before the solder cools off again - it takes a few practice runs to get the timing just right. Thanks for sharing your experience, experience is always the best teacher!
+Doc Speedometer Wanted to update you all. These stepper motors are fantastic. I FINALLY replaced the 4 on my Monte Carlo LS 05 model (yes mine is the weird cluster with only speed, fuel, temp, and tach guages and below the tach there is the info window). The advice I would recommend for people doing this is to buy the right equipment. I spent the $24.99 on a proper desoldering iron (the one with the red suction ball), and also purchased a good soldering iron that allows for temp adjustment. It only took about 35 minutes for me to fix them all with the right gear. The only hang up was the motor for the speedometer, but that's due to my attempt at using those cheap 5 dollar solder suckers, and old soldering iron. Once it was free replacing was a snap. DO NOT buy those cheap soldering suckers. They are too much of a hassle, and rarely work properly. Remember you get what you pay for. Also you may have to calibrate a few times to get it exactly where you need them. If it is 5 MPH then set the needle stop point about 5 MPH below the 0. Same with the temp, fuel, tach and so on. Mine is still about 2 MPH under actual (meaning the needle is a bit above the 0 mark when turned off (i confirmed this by using my GPS and test driving) but I can live with that. If others can't deal with that then keep setting it and at some point it should be at the proper markers. One last thing. This was a class action lawsuit over this issue with GM, but GM still charged $500 to replace the cluster. Probably due to the bankruptcy in 2008! HIGHLY RECOMMEND these stepper motors!!!!
When this happens after a motor has been replaced it is a sign that the circuit board has been damaged during the repair attempt. The thin silver solder pads can easily be melted right off. If that happens that gauge's needle will act like yours is acting.
When this happens after a motor has been replaced it is a sign that the circuit board has been damaged during the repair attempt. The thin silver solder pads can easily be melted right off. If that happens that gauge's needle will act like yours is acting.
Honestly the best most straightforward video I've ever watched on this procedure.
And I've watched many!!
Great work, thank you much.
Replaced 2 bad step motors on a seat dash today, this video was very informative thank you. Dealings with these kind of jobs is very tricky and requires a lot of patience and if you have that you'll do just fine. Cheers!
THANK YOU!!! With the help of this video and another one to show me how to disassemble my dashboard, I replaced the faulty stepper motor (dead speedometer) in my GM instrument cluster and now it is up and running once again! I could not have done it without the knowledge you have shared here - again, MANY THANKS!!!
I replaced all five stepper motors in my 2033 Silverado. The most difficulty I had was getting the cluster back into position and the plug reconnected. I have experience with soldering and the plunger vacuum solder sucker. I do appreciate the video you created to help show the process. My tach was the only motor that showed fluctuations but replacing all while I had the cluster out seemed a good idea. Thanks Doc. NOTE: I used the truck's connector as my calibration bed. It didn't destroy the circuit board so maybe I just got away with it. I'd be happy to hear if others have used this method also.
I've had good results following this video's direction using a pencil soldering iron and cheapie solder sucker (which by the way had a significant amount of suction). You just have to be careful and make sure you don't apply too much heat to the circuit board otherwise you will burn it and ruin it. Like it or not, manufacturers use some pretty fragile components and unfortunately is the way cars are built nowadays. Yes agreeing with DocSpeedometer, experience is the best teacher and after you've done several of these dash assemblies successfully, they become pretty easy to do. My recommendation would be once you have the instrument panel open, replace ALL the stepper motors at once.
AWESOME VIDEO...what's the soldering wire size and brand that you used? thank you in advance
what power supply did you use to power the cluster/ thank you.
Can you make a video on the 1997 ck1500 stepper gear fix
Doc Speedometer, if you don't mind me asking, what do you use for a power supply to calibrate the steppers? Thanks in advance
I saw the final test with all arrows in zero but if the truck originally had 1/4 of a fuel left in the tank, how this will work. Thanks
Is the lens and the the overlay one pice together, or can u pull the overlay off or maybe even the lense? I'm wanting to get to the overlay to paint it.
My oil pressure gauge was pegged out so I replaced the sender unit, that did not fix it. I did zero out the gauge hoping it would stay. How ever after running for a few minutes it went back to being pegged out. Is this something to do with the servo motor?
have a quick question for you. several members of my family drive 00-07 gm auto's and I have learned to replace the stepper motors from your video. I have made and still making a few mistakes getting the needles in proper place when replacing them. I noticed in the video a plug you use. did you make that power plug or do you know where I could purchase one. thanks and your video is one of the best!!
+Tammie Scarbrough thanks for the support :) Yes we made that harness from an instrument cluster plug.
Doc, would I be able to get the plans for your test jig! I have a harness with wiring diagram. I have been able to turn the lights on and hear the stepper motors move but I don't have the PRND321 or DIC display. I guess you have to tie other inputs together for these to work. I know there are signal inputs (computer/digital) for everything to work. What is your workaround?
( 2003 Malibu) I saw your video on stepper motor replacement, found it very helpful although I'm finding it difficult to find the proper motor. The motor in mine are not x27 168, but a round metal casing covering copper winding's with four long pins( no soldering)Any help in locating this type would be helpful. Thank you
what power supply did you use to power the cluster ?
Hello...what is the part number of the stepper motor I should have on hand before I remove the cluster, to minimize down time, the vehicle is 2003 GMC Sierra (only the Speedo is dead and/or erratic. thank you
I did that to my trailblazer but still not working. Any suggestions.
I just did the led upgrade and resoldered some resisters to fix my display and prndl but I forgot to mark the location of the needles.
I did not replace the stepper motors, and now my truck thinks I have a dead battery and no gas.
How can I fix this without replacing the stepper motors?
Please help, before to replace my rpm stepper motor (it wasn’t working) my indicator lights haven been working neither, only check engine and battery light works, after I replace the stepper motor my rpm still doesn’t work and the indicator lights neither, I am pretty sure the stepper motors is fine, what else could be? Circuit board? All fuses working fine
I have an 01. What is different?
I just need to replace the front glass how is that done
What about a 2000 chevy c25 long bed with vortec engine???
Is it possible to repair or replace the instrument that changes language? My 04 Silverado keeps scrolling on its own and now it wont respond to the plunger at all. Thanks much
It is possible to repair yes, I do this repair as part of my rebuild service, please visit www.drspeedometer.com or email me directly at fred@drspeedometer.com
Question: Where is ododometer info stored? Can I swap the cluster for another one and maintain odometer info? Thanks!
No the odometer (mileage) record is stored inside the gauge cluster so swapping the gauge cluster out will cause you to show the incorrect miles.
I went through all the steps you showed. recalibrate my gauges . Pulled it back out put the cover on and now my gauges are all messed up again
Rob dog?
Thanks, great video.
All the videos show how to replace the 03-07 instrument clusters. I have a 2001 Gmc Sierra and only the temp guage does not work. But no body shows how to fix the 2001....its always 2003 and above. Will the new cluster motors work in my 2001
autozone should be able to tell you which stepper mottors will work for your truck
How is that that thing that u test the cluster and where can I get it and I can I buy it
Thats a specific gm tool called a tech2 when I worked for gm they cost about $2000
thank you some much worked like a charm.
What if Odometer indicates Error on a 2005 Silverado?
Yes this is a common issue but the fix is not DIY friendly at all, I can repair it for you if you like - please visit www.drspeedometer.com or email me at fred@drspeedometer.com
Great video as far as explanation, but you should've put tape underneath the needles and marked them where they zero out at before removal, instead of making us find someone that calibrates clusters.
This video shows you how to recalibrate your cluster...
does this work for escalade?
I speak from experience. This is NOT an easy job, nor is it for beginners. Removing solder from PCB's is difficult, unless you spend about $100 on a decent soldering iron and soldering sucker (that attaches to the iron). I bought that blue piece of crap solder sucker that you see in the video, and believe me it does NOT do a good job of removing solder at all. The suction is VERY weak.
The connections are VERY tiny and are difficult to see without a magnifying device above your work area. While he makes it look easy, remember he's done this before, and has good equipment (as all shops typically do).
Also the 2005 Monte Carlo LS model I have has a completely different gauge layout (only uses 4 stepper motors). Who knew that Chevy would do something that stupid and use different gauge clusters for the same model year and trim package?
I had to give up completely after spending over $50 bucks on these replacements (from this company), 3 hours trying to remove the old solder, and not having the $300 to have someone else do this.
Note you need to BE VERY careful when removing the dash trim panel that surrounds the 05 LS model. It can crack and break VERY easily (especially the colder the weather gets). If it has never been removed before the clips break, and cannot be easily glued (even Gorilla glue won't fix stress cracks or breaks).
Finally. I have no idea why GM never recalled these cars due to this issue? This to me is a safety issue. You may not know if you'll run out of gas, your car is overheating, how fast you are going, or if your engine is revving too high.
+kjemradio Hi there, yes it can be difficult if it's your first time de-soldering, I recommend people practice on a junk circuit board out of an old radio or something so they can get a feel for it first - if it's their first time.
The biggest issue we see is just getting the circuit board too hot during the solder removal, as long as you don't use one of the large solder guns you're usually good to go.
As for removing the solder the best option is definitely a solder removal station like you mention. I've had good results with the red solder bulbs also but they're getting harder to find. The solder suckers like in the video work well also but you have to really get the tip right down there on the work and pop the trigger before the solder cools off again - it takes a few practice runs to get the timing just right.
Thanks for sharing your experience, experience is always the best teacher!
+Doc Speedometer Wanted to update you all. These stepper motors are fantastic. I FINALLY replaced the 4 on my Monte Carlo LS 05 model (yes mine is the weird cluster with only speed, fuel, temp, and tach guages and below the tach there is the info window).
The advice I would recommend for people doing this is to buy the right equipment. I spent the $24.99 on a proper desoldering iron (the one with the red suction ball), and also purchased a good soldering iron that allows for temp adjustment. It only took about 35 minutes for me to fix them all with the right gear. The only hang up was the motor for the speedometer, but that's due to my attempt at using those cheap 5 dollar solder suckers, and old soldering iron. Once it was free replacing was a snap. DO NOT buy those cheap soldering suckers. They are too much of a hassle, and rarely work properly. Remember you get what you pay for.
Also you may have to calibrate a few times to get it exactly where you need them. If it is 5 MPH then set the needle stop point about 5 MPH below the 0. Same with the temp, fuel, tach and so on. Mine is still about 2 MPH under actual (meaning the needle is a bit above the 0 mark when turned off (i confirmed this by using my GPS and test driving) but I can live with that. If others can't deal with that then keep setting it and at some point it should be at the proper markers.
One last thing. This was a class action lawsuit over this issue with GM, but GM still charged $500 to replace the cluster. Probably due to the bankruptcy in 2008!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND these stepper motors!!!!
I've done several with a $20 soldering iron and the LEDs as well. Just takes time, steady hand, and patience.
Repairing parts in clusters and solding is not all that difficult. It just takes time.
I did it. Soldered rather decently. But now all my fuel gauge does is shake. Everything else works fine
When this happens after a motor has been replaced it is a sign that the circuit board has been damaged during the repair attempt. The thin silver solder pads can easily be melted right off. If that happens that gauge's needle will act like yours is acting.
You really should practice a bit more before publishing how-to instructional videos ;)
Kidding. Tremendous work. Very helpful. Made my job a success.
And now my speedometer only climbs and climbs lol
When this happens after a motor has been replaced it is a sign that the circuit board has been damaged during the repair attempt. The thin silver solder pads can easily be melted right off. If that happens that gauge's needle will act like yours is acting.
No tyour not! your shiowing us what to do once we get it ou of thahh