off topic 2003 GMC assistance needed..

All,

With little history, I'm the new (wrencher) owner of a gmc. Problem number one: there are no dash lights/indications except a yellow engine=shaped outline. We are talking no odometer, temperature, pressure, speed, nothing. I do believe I saw the glow plug indicator, briefly,(temp was warm), and that's about it.

I checked the fuses, did not see any cleared.

Those in the know, I'd appreciate any advice. Willing to troubleshoot...

details: 2003 gmc DURAMAX, single rear axle, Allison transmission, cab and half, auto, 4x4, 2500HD, don't know what else just yet.

If your response(s) can restrain from "truck brand wars", well, I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance, I really need the help.

D.

There was a problem with the dashboard in the GM pickups in the 2003-2005 years. You can Google and see hundreds of posts about dash issues. I know this does not help you a lot but it does mean there is experience with this issue out there.

Those trucks have myriad dash cluster issues. It used to be just the stepper motors failed, but as they age I have been seeing them do more and more odd stuff. Start by checking the fuse labeled IPC in the under hood fuse block. If it is good and everything else in the truck operates, it is safe to say the ignition switch is good. I would then steer towards the cluster. You can take the cluster apart and reflow the solder on the power transistors on the circuit board. They are the little rectangle things clustered around the board. The bad ones show as darkened. Just flow the solder and that may fix it. Also, check the rear of the board for signs of corrosion starting under the coating, been starting to see that, too. If you want a fool proof repair, buy a Dormant lifetime warranty cluster, they actually test theirs. The places that advertise the cheap ones just do the motors, backlighting, and send it back to you. They do not fix the other problems.

I had the same problem….gauge cluster had to be replaced. was a recall but mine was past the time period. 600.00 was about what it cost if I remember correctly

BTW, I bet yours would drain the battery overnight if your truck did not have two. I have been seeing this a lot, too. It is almost always the cluster when I get dead battery complaints on these trucks.

I would add fuse box issue as a possibility also, make sure you have power to the cluster at the connector at cluster even if the fuse is good , before you buy a cluster , but cluster is a likely failure. See plenty of fusebox issues also.

I would buy an ALLDATAdiy.com subscription for that truck, only 20 bux or so for 3 years.

Bad cluster.

Allan

I just replaced my instrument cluster in 04 chevy. Rebuilt one was $228 from NAPA and it took about one hour to replace the old one. Easy job.

I had to replace one backup bulb, one stop light bulb and one top brake light bulb in my 2003 Tundra. That has been the sum total of electrical problems with that truck.

Hey Dick2, how does your comments about your Tundra in any way help out the original poster asking for help?
Tom

All,,

I sent the entire dash cluster fro a rebuild, and chose the LED light upgrade. I'll let you know the results, so far around 200 bucks.

Thanks to all that replied. I looked at all the fuses, they were good. Had a few momentary gages working, but they did not stay operable.

Off it went.

D.

(quoted from post at 19:35:38 06/13/15) All,

With little history, I'm the new (wrencher) owner of a gmc. Problem number one: there are no dash lights/indications except a yellow engine=shaped outline. We are talking no odometer, temperature, pressure, speed, nothing. I do believe I saw the glow plug indicator, briefly,(temp was warm), and that's about it.

I checked the fuses, did not see any cleared.

Those in the know, I'd appreciate any advice. Willing to troubleshoot...

details: 2003 gmc DURAMAX, single rear axle, Allison transmission, cab and half, auto, 4x4, 2500HD, don't know what else just yet.

If your response(s) can restrain from "truck brand wars", well, I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance, I really need the help.

D.

Click to expand...

ts the instrument cluster. I've been rebuilding them for over 5 years now. $150

(quoted from post at 19:35:38 06/13/15) All,

With little history, I'm the new (wrencher) owner of a gmc. Problem number one: there are no dash lights/indications except a yellow engine=shaped outline. We are talking no odometer, temperature, pressure, speed, nothing. I do believe I saw the glow plug indicator, briefly,(temp was warm), and that's about it.

I checked the fuses, did not see any cleared.

Those in the know, I'd appreciate any advice. Willing to troubleshoot...

details: 2003 gmc DURAMAX, single rear axle, Allison transmission, cab and half, auto, 4x4, 2500HD, don't know what else just yet.

If your response(s) can restrain from "truck brand wars", well, I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance, I really need the help.

D.

Click to expand...

Recently been through this on my 2003 Chevy 2500 gasser. Same issue.

Took it to the dealer and they found that the cluster needed re-coded with updated software. Cost me around $150 out the door.

BJ

(quoted from post at 19:35:38 06/13/15) All,

With little history, I'm the new (wrencher) owner of a gmc. Problem number one: there are no dash lights/indications except a yellow engine=shaped outline. We are talking no odometer, temperature, pressure, speed, nothing. I do believe I saw the glow plug indicator, briefly,(temp was warm), and that's about it.

I checked the fuses, did not see any cleared.

Those in the know, I'd appreciate any advice. Willing to troubleshoot...

details: 2003 gmc DURAMAX, single rear axle, Allison transmission, cab and half, auto, 4x4, 2500HD, don't know what else just yet.

If your response(s) can restrain from "truck brand wars", well, I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance, I really need the help.

D.

Click to expand...

Recently been through this on my 2003 Chevy 2500 gasser. Same issue.

Took it to the dealer and they found that the cluster needed re-coded with updated software. Cost me around $150 out the door.

BJ