I’m going to have to agree with Way2old and the dealer; instrument clusters are only serviced as a unit. You have a one in a hundred chance that it’s a loose connection.
I’ve had to replace two instrument clusters on two different GM’s this past month.
The first one was obvious that it was the cluster; by holding the cluster in your hand and flexing (twisting) it, the fuel gauge would change. The last one I did was because the speedo would stay at 80Klm pre-hour as if it was zero and start going up normally from there.
Had to use a Scan tool to diagnose that one; by putting in a request through the scanner to pulse all the gauges from low too high. They all did except for the speedo it only hick-upped.
Both were replaced with rebuilt units from an authorized GM repair facility.
They were about the same price as you mentioned but the core charge (deposit) on the old one’s were more then the cost of the replacement. The rebuilder wants to make sure they get the old ones back.
It’s a shame/crime that the cost is so high because you know that when they get the defective unit; they’re only going to repair/replace the defective portion of the cluster and run the rest through a test board.
Rebuilt? no I’d say repaired?
I’ve call local electronics repair facilities and they’ve told me that they cannot get complete or the proper information needed to perform the repairs. Also the testing unit required is worth more then what they’re willing to pay.
The last thing they told me was that the licensing required by the government was like jumping through hoops of fire to get. The licensing all has to do with odometer tampering; I guess if clusters were easily repaired with out some form of regulation; every used car out there would have less then 20K on them.
You remember the sales man pitch; it was only driven on Sundays by a little old lady. LOL
So I guess we’re all stuck with the inflated cost of this repair; all due to people trying to screw people if they get a chance too? We all know or should know that I’m not just talking about the automotive industry.
Tell me how a “reasonably priced” lawyer is worth $150.00 an hour?
To do what? Tell you that yes that person just did you, as he/she (the lawyer) is bending you over his/her desk
Is it right No but we’ve all helped dig this hole we’re in.
Sorry for going off topic.
Dan.
