Instrument panel issues

[Corbinramey1]

I have a 2001 GMC sierra 1500 extended cab. A while back I noticed the dash went blank, no gauges, lights or anything. Around the same time my transmission started having issues, have to start it in first then manual it's way to drive. I plugged in my OBD2 sensor this past weekend and as soon as as I did all the gauges started working again and the lights as well. Put the truck straight in drive and it'll drive like nothing happened. I figure it's an electrical issue that I'm not seeing somewhere. Anyone got any ideas?

 

[stutaeng]

Highly unlikely the cluster is related to the transmission issues. The cluster basically just displays data.

Get yourself a scanner that can read live data, then monitor things like RPM, speed, and temperature. If those are looking good, then you know it's probably a cluster (or wiring) issue.

My 99 started doing a faint reading of the odometer/PRND, and it eventually the lights went out (but all guages still worked fine). I took off the cluster and reflowed the solder joints near the odometer and that brought it back to life. I believe that's common on the 99-02 generation.

For wiring issues, pull up a wiring diagram. Charm.li has all these for free: https://charm.li/Chevrolet/2001/C 1...atics/Cluster Gauges, Fuse Block, Tachometer/

Don't forget to check the basics like fuses and fuseblock wiring integrity. You may simply have a wire with some corrosion or poor ground.

On the transmission, you don't have a P1870 code?

 

[ORVietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon.

Yes, do a live data scanner hook up and look for any codes, not just powertrain codes and report back here. The cluster is an easy get to. Unplug the connectors and inspect. Plug back in and sometimes the unplug and plug back in will clean connections. If decide on a new cluster, contact Digital dash Solutions.

Have a look at this neutral safety switch at the transmission: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=44150&cc=1373004&pt=4584&jsn=791