I found that the stepper motors zero out when you first turn the key on so I connected the panel after installing the motors but before installing the needles. Temporarily connect the panel to the vehicle. Then turn the key on (don't start the engine) and let the motors "Zero" and install the needles to zero on the printing and it worked beatifically, Then re-assemble the whole thing. Speedometer track my GPS to within 1/2 MPH!
There was a recall in several GM cars that use these panels but Trailblazer wasn't among them but the part is the same. Go figure - maybe you can get GM to pony up for the repair but my dealer wanted $550 so I bought the parts for $40 and replaced all the stepper motors.
Wow, you're using Q-tips to remove solder. I use a small Radio Shack copper braid roll, coated with dry flux paste to remove solder. Interesting!!!!!!! I actually learned something from you today Sir.
Mr. Caston you're the best! The cheapest repair was $189 plus $300 core deposit. My total cost was $30 for motors and $10 for a cheap solder iron set. Amazing instruction! Thank you.
@dzinity28 happy for you and not too bad of a deal. It is a bother to do all that soldering but....since the gauges have needles???? how do ou know it's "exactly"? Mine and probably yours too were not working so a little bit of error is ,in my opinion, much better than not working at all. You think?
Just did this, here's the needle removal trick. They do come off with enough force, but it would be easy to mar the surface with the amount of force it takes without doing this. Lay a thin piece of cardboard, like you get in purchased item on each side of the needle, tucked in as close to the needle pivot shaft. Then stick a dinner fork under the needle, and push it through picking up contact with the cardboard on the other side. Then use the wedge force to lift the needles.
Thank you!! Just what I needed to see! I saw on Ebay that some were advertising upgraded motors that addressed design issues in the originals. Do you have any knowledge of which ones to look for or if its just a gimmick?
Thanks for the Video! Just finished repairing the cluster in my wife's Trailblazer. Your video was a great help. I used an OBD2 computer and GPS to check the calibration of all the gauges, and with a little tweaking, all is great. Ignore toddis43's comments. If he doesn't like what he sees, or doesn't have constructive criticism, make his own video and go somewhere else and keep his mouth shut. Thanks for your help!
It works now. Everyone in my household is happy and we saved a ton of money. So what if it's not "properly" calibrated? It's bettter than not working at all.
Hi . I am interested in doing this repair to my 2005 Trailblazer. How can I get the motors? I need to get the Speedometer, gas, volt, oil pressure .only works tach and water temp. please let me know . thanks
@rcaston19 $7 times 6 or 7 motors plus shipping? Have it done right with a warranty for $99. We'll replace any bad lights and fix other known issues with this cluster. It will never fail again. autoxpresstech
Great video. A few questions for you...I had a bulb burn out for the fuel gauge. I couldn't tell from the video but is the bulb part of the stepper motor assembly? Also, I noticed when you were removing the tape that some of the gauges moved after you had set them. Does that mess up the calibration of where you had aligned them on the tape marks?
Thanks. The bulbs are soldered to the circuit board just like the stepper motors. I assume that with a bit of research the bulbs could be located and purchased. The alibration could have been slightly altered but compared to totally inoperative gauges the error is acceptable.
Thanks. This helps. I'm sure I can do this myself...
amtz0318 1 week ago
Thanks man! You really help me out.
pudgybear100 1 month ago
I found that the stepper motors zero out when you first turn the key on so I connected the panel after installing the motors but before installing the needles. Temporarily connect the panel to the vehicle. Then turn the key on (don't start the engine) and let the motors "Zero" and install the needles to zero on the printing and it worked beatifically, Then re-assemble the whole thing. Speedometer track my GPS to within 1/2 MPH!
Orbitman901 1 month ago
@Orbitman901 EXCELLENT!
rcaston19 1 month ago
There was a recall in several GM cars that use these panels but Trailblazer wasn't among them but the part is the same. Go figure - maybe you can get GM to pony up for the repair but my dealer wanted $550 so I bought the parts for $40 and replaced all the stepper motors.
Orbitman901 1 month ago
Where did you get the motors from?
pudgybear100 1 month ago
You are a true hero thanks
jmarshall769 1 month ago
Did you have to replace all the steppers, if the speedometer is the only one that needs to be fixed? Just asking before I work on mines
nyrican26 2 months ago
Wow, you're using Q-tips to remove solder. I use a small Radio Shack copper braid roll, coated with dry flux paste to remove solder. Interesting!!!!!!! I actually learned something from you today Sir.
Xclibur2001 3 months ago
Comment removed
gaborn73 5 months ago
Mr. Caston you're the best! The cheapest repair was $189 plus $300 core deposit. My total cost was $30 for motors and $10 for a cheap solder iron set. Amazing instruction! Thank you.
gaborn73 5 months ago
Great video! It is amazing how easy it is to fix anything when somebody as good as you teach others in simple ways
REDBUNNY01 6 months ago
Nice Job mister! God knows I don't have the money for GMC Dealer.
TinyandReba 6 months ago
Nice informative video, pretty thorough. Thanks for sharing.
alcarames1 7 months ago
I sent mine to the guys at gm cluster fix on facebook for $75 and lifetime warranty.... my mph are exactly the same as my gps....
dzinity28 7 months ago
@dzinity28 happy for you and not too bad of a deal. It is a bother to do all that soldering but....since the gauges have needles???? how do ou know it's "exactly"? Mine and probably yours too were not working so a little bit of error is ,in my opinion, much better than not working at all. You think?
rcaston19 7 months ago
Just did this, here's the needle removal trick. They do come off with enough force, but it would be easy to mar the surface with the amount of force it takes without doing this. Lay a thin piece of cardboard, like you get in purchased item on each side of the needle, tucked in as close to the needle pivot shaft. Then stick a dinner fork under the needle, and push it through picking up contact with the cardboard on the other side. Then use the wedge force to lift the needles.
Rick32644 8 months ago
Thank you!! Just what I needed to see! I saw on Ebay that some were advertising upgraded motors that addressed design issues in the originals. Do you have any knowledge of which ones to look for or if its just a gimmick?
Aus1957 8 months ago
Thanks for the Video! Just finished repairing the cluster in my wife's Trailblazer. Your video was a great help. I used an OBD2 computer and GPS to check the calibration of all the gauges, and with a little tweaking, all is great. Ignore toddis43's comments. If he doesn't like what he sees, or doesn't have constructive criticism, make his own video and go somewhere else and keep his mouth shut. Thanks for your help!
Jeffrich308 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
if you want to get spedo dead on, use gps to get accurate speed and adjust the needle that many mph. great video!!
vipersinu2 11 months ago
if you want to get spedo dead on, use gps to get accurate speed and adjust the needle that many mph.
vipersinu2 11 months ago
Thanks, great demo...I lost my speedo and fuel gauge on 04 Silverado
vtskier777 1 year ago
what about the other issues with these clusters? there are several. i would send it to a repair service.
toddis32 1 year ago
What other issues?
rcaston19 1 year ago
wtf? doesn't look like very good calibration of the gauges. the marks u put on the tape were huge! your speedo is probly off 4 mph!
toddis32 1 year ago
It works now. Everyone in my household is happy and we saved a ton of money. So what if it's not "properly" calibrated? It's bettter than not working at all.
rcaston19 1 year ago
Hi . I am interested in doing this repair to my 2005 Trailblazer. How can I get the motors? I need to get the Speedometer, gas, volt, oil pressure .only works tach and water temp. please let me know . thanks
adoracion41 1 year ago
I got mine on ebay. cheap too. type GM X25168 Stepper Motors in the ebay search box. I just found some for $7.00 each.
rcaston19 1 year ago
@rcaston19 $7 times 6 or 7 motors plus shipping? Have it done right with a warranty for $99. We'll replace any bad lights and fix other known issues with this cluster. It will never fail again. autoxpresstech
AutoXpressTech1 8 months ago
Great video. A few questions for you...I had a bulb burn out for the fuel gauge. I couldn't tell from the video but is the bulb part of the stepper motor assembly? Also, I noticed when you were removing the tape that some of the gauges moved after you had set them. Does that mess up the calibration of where you had aligned them on the tape marks?
mdotman11 1 year ago
Thanks. The bulbs are soldered to the circuit board just like the stepper motors. I assume that with a bit of research the bulbs could be located and purchased. The alibration could have been slightly altered but compared to totally inoperative gauges the error is acceptable.
rcaston19 1 year ago