Need new instrument cluster

[DenaliAK]

I'm sure this has been covered repeatedly, but I don't honestly have a lot of time to research. I need a new cluster. Would prefer to get brighter LED style than OEM. Where should I look and are they easy to replace on my own (mechanic said there was one plug for the whole gauge cluster?)?

It's an '03 Denali, BTW. My oil pressure gauge is toast plus about a third of the bulbs aren't working.

 

[xanatost]

Replace the old lights with LED's ( should be plug and play. Plenty of write ups on line). Have you checked your oil sending unit or the wiring?

 

[The 'ER]

In 03 they switched to soldered bulbs. As far as aftermarket I know a couple people that tried them and we unhappy. You could always try a junk yard for an Esky cluster. I know a guy who has one but he just won't part with it yet.

 

[DenaliAK]

Yeah, the bulbs are a PITA since they are soldered. My sending unit is only a few months old, so that's not the problem.

Anyone use these ebay re-manufacturing people? You send them your cluster and they repair and send it back to you? I'm a little skeptical on sending my entire cluster away for several days, but I don't much feel like spending $600 on a new one either.

 

[mharders]

Try shooting scottyboy a PM. He has done a few led conversions for members here and he might have the knowledge to fix your other issue.

 

[DenaliAK]

Try shooting scottyboy a PM. He has done a few led conversions for members here and he might have the knowledge to fix your other issue.

Roger that. Thanks for the tip.

 

[ScottyBoy]

True. I can fix it. Its just a stepper motor. Let me see how much the stepper motors are. I replaced a set for someone before, but he supplied them. He said he bought them off eBay. I charge $50 to swap the bulbs to LEDs. And probly only another $20 (plus parts) to swap the stepper motor. So I am guessing roughly about $100 plus shipping. (Or $70 if you supply the stepper motor.) The shipping from AK to Louisiana and back will probly cost a good bit tho. Even still, that's still a lot cheaper than the guy who charges $300 or more for a "full rebuild". Plus you won't have to deal with any mileage programming which can cost you another $100 or more.

 

[bikerglasses]

LED's are plug and play prior to 03?



Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[ScottyBoy]

LED's are plug and play prior to 03?



Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

Yes, but only the cluster. Everything else in the dash and doors is soldered in.
Here is how to easily swap the bulbs to LEDs on a 00-02.
http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16850

 

[DenaliAK]

True. I can fix it. Its just a stepper motor. Let me see how much the stepper motors are. I replaced a set for someone before, but he supplied them. He said he bought them off eBay. I charge $50 to swap the bulbs to LEDs. And probly only another $20 (plus parts) to swap the stepper motor. So I am guessing roughly about $100 plus shipping. (Or $70 if you supply the stepper motor.) The shipping from AK to Louisiana and back will probly cost a good bit tho. Even still, that's still a lot cheaper than the guy who charges $300 or more for a "full rebuild". Plus you won't have to deal with any mileage programming which can cost you another $100 or more.

Sounds good. I'm sure shipping will be another $100 or so, but still cheaper than going another route. Not sure how soon I'd be able to do this, either. So far I've been crazy busy this summer.

Is it true that there is only one "plug" to the entire cluster? The mechanic said I just pop the dash off, unscrew the cluster and there's one connector for everything on there so it's really easy.

 

[sparks]

on the 02's there is definitly only one plug. its right in the top of the cluster. if i were gonna guess i would say that the 03+ would be the same format.

 

[ScottyBoy]

Yes, just one plug in the top of the cluster. And just four 7mm screws holding the cluster in. Just pop off the dash bezel, grab a 7mm nut driver and undo the four screws, then lift it out and unplug it. Takes all of 3-4 minutes total to remove it.

 

[DenaliAK]

Cool. I'll check on shipping when I have a chance and see what that would run me, roughly.

 

[Jizzay]

Hey DenaliAK, I just bought a new Escalade cluster (silver face w/blue led's) for my '04 Yukon off Ebay (probably the guy you're talking about) about 2 months ago. I am 100% satisfied. Paid $400, but worth every penny. I had to pay the deposit, but I sent them back my old cluster right away so it was refunded within 3 days.

Install was 10 min, plug and play. It upgrades the whole look of the interior. One of my fav. mods by far. I'll try and take some photos and post in the morning.

 

[ScottyBoy]

Cool. I'll check on shipping when I have a chance and see what that would run me, roughly.

I did some LED work for a guy in Anchorage once. It was a big box with the cluster, AC panel, Headlight switch, foglamp switch, and door switches. I specifically remember UPS wanted like $60 for ground, so I used the Post office which was like $35. But the post office took damn near 3 weeks to get it there. I'm not sure what he paid to ship them to me, but he used the Post office as well. This was also over a year ago, so I am sure rates have changed.

 

[DenaliAK]

USPS Priority Mail is almost always the cheapest and fastest way to ship to or from Anchorage, so I'd probably go that route. UPS is ridiculous. Since I'm just doing the cluster I'd assume it wouldn't cost as much, but like you said, rates have changed.

Do you have the LEDs to completely change out the cluster or would I need to get those on my own? I'm really not going for "a look", I just want some new bulbs and figure good LEDs should last forever.

 

[Jizzay]

Ok, here are some photos.

 

[gitrduun]

Hey Scotty are the 03 + 100% plug and play? Mileage and all? I'm looking into getting a 3/4 tonne cluster cuz I want the trans temp gauge

 

[DenaliAK]

Ok, here are some photos.

Looks pretty nice. I'll still probably go with Scotty, though.

And speaking of that, I think I'll do this sooner rather than later. Driving around town today was driving me insane because the low oil pressure chime was going off constantly. I'm about ready to tear the dash out right now.

What's the turn-around time on your end, Scotty?

 

[ScottyBoy]

Looks pretty nice. I'll still probably go with Scotty, though.

And speaking of that, I think I'll do this sooner rather than later. Driving around town today was driving me insane because the low oil pressure chime was going off constantly. I'm about ready to tear the dash out right now.

What's the turn-around time on your end, Scotty?

Pm sent with more details.