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The instrument (gauge) cluster is your guide to the car engines internal operations; if it goes out, youll be basically "driving blind." In this case, the project car is a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, a truck that was recalled for instrument cluster failure. As it turns out, every stock gauge cluster will go out eventually, as the speedometer will eventually start reading incorrectly. The fix is to replace the cluster, which is about a 30-minute process.
Step 1
Park the truck on a level surface and set the parking brake. Place your key in the ignition and turn it to the "On" position, but do not crank over the engine. Tilt the steering column down and place your foot on the brake pedal. Shift the automatic gear lever to its lowest position.
Step 2
Grip the dashboard bezel around the gauge cluster and radio with your hands and pull it towards you to release the clips that hold it in place. Then pull the bezel away from the dashboard and set it out of the way. For a vehicle other than an 04 Silverado, look for screws or bolts that hold the bezel around the instrument cluster in place, and remove them using the appropriate tool.
Step 3
Unbolt the stock gauge cluster from the dashboard, using the 1/4-inch ratchet and socket. Pull the cluster towards you, then unplug the wiring harness from the cluster, using your hands.
Plug the replacement cluster into the wiring harness and bolt it into the dash using the 1/4-inch ratchet and socket. Reinstall the dashboard bezel using your hands, and push it in place until it clicks into the dash (for other models, reinstall the dashboard bezel by reattaching the removed screws or bolts). Shift the car back into park, take the key out of the ignition and tilt the steering column back to its original position.
Tip
- For cars other than a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, the instrument cluster removal process is similar. Look for a bezel that goes around the instrument cluster and remove it. This can be done by either removing clips or using a Phillips-head screwdriver or a 1/4-inch ratchet and socket to remove the screws or bolts holding it in place. Next, unbolt or unscrew the instrument cluster from the dash.
Items you will need
- 1/4-inch ratchet and socket set
- Replacement gauge cluster
