Gear selector display dim

[SK101]

My dads 2003 c1500 Silverado has a curious problem.
The PRND21 display is super dim. To the point that on a sunny day you dont know what gear you are in.
All the other displays are as bright as they should be
Anyone else had this problem and know whats going on?

 

[ORVietVet]

I had the same problem on my 2005 Tahoe and a couple of the gauges were slightly dimmer than others. I did a new cluster with Digital Dash Solutions.

 

[Tonimus]

The vacuum fluorescent display is going bad. It happens. You can replace the cluster or replace the VFD. Replacing the VFD can be a PITA if you don’t have desoldering tools. You could also replace it with a late model cluster that has LEDs instead of the VFD.

 

[ORVietVet]

At DDS, they will send you a return label and you can send back your old cluster and then they will give you a lifetime warranty on the new one.

 

[Marky Dissod]

cough
What does one do if they have a 2002? Looks like Digital Dash Solutions has none for prior to 2003.

 

[ORVietVet]

cough
What does one do if they have a 2002? Looks like Digital Dash Solutions has none for prior to 2003.

Ask them anyway, in case, or they have another company recommendation.

 

[ORVietVet]

Check this link out: https://circuitboardmedics.com/chevrolet/?_bc_fsnf=1&Model=Silverado&Part[]=Instrument+Cluster&Part[]=Odometer

Circuit Board Medics

They do not do the entire cluster for the 2002 Silverado but they do the Gear Selector and the Odometer repair of your cluster. For 1999 thru 2002. Looks to be $199.00 plus I don't know but contact them.

 

[JorgeS]

I would try the repair myself before sending it.
The repair is VERY easy, and takes little time (probably less than you'll spend boxing it and shipping it).
If you have any experience at all with a soldering iron, you can do this. Mine had the issue, and the repair procedure solved it.
The issue is that [edit] the solder on [end edit] several SMD (surface mounted device) resistors in the cluster crack, making the display dim. You simply open up the cluster, ant touch the soldering iron to the ends of these SMD resistors. The solder reflows, and the crack disappears. If you want a little added margin, you add a very small amount of solder to the joints.
Here's a short concise video showing the repair:

 

[SK101]

Well that seems easy enough. I should probably take the mirror off and see if i can get the temp/compass working again too.

 

[JorgeS]

Just re-read my post and realized I'd left some verbiage out...now corrected.
Sorry if I caused somw confusion. The resistors don't crack, just the solder at the ends.

 

[dcairns]

8 or so years ago, I had the same problem and did the same thing JorgeS did, works great. Just need some basic soldering skills.