2004 Silverado

[duct_tape123]

I have a 2004 silverado 5.3L with 46xxx miles, I just bought this truck at the beginning of July. I'll be driving along and the oil pressure slowly starts to drop and then goes all the way to zero. The same thing happens with the tach. The truck keeps running and the oil is full. This has happened to me twice now, and it makes mad because I spent quite a bit of money on this truck. Any ideas of whats wrong?

[E-Train]

Bad gauge cluster maybe, or wiring issue

[duct_tape123]

But I don't understand why BOTH the tach and the oil pressure hit zero. AutoZone said it sounds like a computer problem, I think I'll take it to a dealer tomorrow and have them check it out.

[badasschevy]

Bad gauge cluster maybe, or wiring issue

i would say its the cluster aswell, my wifes 04 with 31k on it was doing something similar and was replaced under warranty.

the 03,04, chevy and gm trucks are known for the guage cluster problems.

heres some info from another site.

03-04 GMT800 07187 - Special Coverage Adjustment/Instrument Cluster

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GM PARTS BULLETINS & INFORMATION - TO CADILLAC, CHEVROLET AND GMC DEALERS

Subject:Bulletin GMP07-174 - Special Coverage Adjustment #07187– Instrument Panel Cluster Gauge Needle FunctionMessage #:VSU20071575

DESCRIPTION:

SPECIAL COVERAGE Adjustment #07187– SEPTEMBER 28, 2007

DUE TO PART AVAILABILITY, THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE IS BEING ADMINISTERED IN PHASES. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED AS EACH ADDITIONAL PHASE IS RELEASED.

CUSTOMERS ARE BEING INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT IF THEY BELIEVE THEIR VEHICLE HAS THIS CONDITION. THE CUSTOMER IS BEING ASKED TO PROVIDE THE VIN SO THE IPC CAN BE ORDERED IN ADVANCE OF THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT. THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT.

Some customers of 2003-2004 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles have reported that the instrument panel (IP) cluster gauges stick, flutter, or become inoperative. This may cause inaccurate readings, including the speedometer and fuel gauge.

This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 7 years or 70,000 miles (110,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.

Refer to Special Coverage Adjustment #07187 for further information

EFFECTIVE DATE:

Initial owner mailing is scheduled to begin: Phase 1 9-28-07

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Instrument panel clusters (IPC) required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from the Electronic Service Centers. Refer to GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 1.5.9, for specific procedures. To eliminate keeping the customer's vehicle overnight, customers are being told to contact the dealership to arrange a service appointment and to supply their VIN. Dealers are to pre-order the IPC identifying the part from the Electronic Parts Catalog using the VIN filter so it will be at the dealership on the day of the scheduled appointment.

1. The customer will contact the dealership to arrange an appointment and provide their VIN.

2. Contact a GM Authorized Electronic Service Center to order an exchange and arrange for delivery of the pre-exchange product.

3. All units will be shipped FedEx Ground.

4. After removal of the defective unit, return the defective core to the Electronic Service Center using the supplied pre-paid Automatic Return shipping (ARS) label.

5. Failure to return the product within 30 days to the Electronic Service Center will result in a charge to the Dealer's Open Parts Account.

[Aaron813]

As stated its a bad cluster my 2000 5.3 LT does it also but with the gas gauge

[duct_tape123]

Thanks man. I went to a dealership today and they said that they could not replace the cluster unless they see the problem occuring. The problem with that is that it only happens every once in a while, and I can't leave work on my lunch(when it has occured both times) to go to the dealership. Should I try a different dealership or not worry about the problem? They checked my VIN and I am covered under the replacement program.

[Aaron813]

Thanks man. I went to a dealership today and they said that they could not replace the cluster unless they see the problem occuring. The problem with that is that it only happens every once in a while, and I can't leave work on my lunch(when it has occured both times) to go to the dealership. Should I try a different dealership or not worry about the problem? They checked my VIN and I am covered under the replacement program.

Honestly unless you start to notice a real problem I wouldnt even worry about it but if you are concerned bitch till they give you another one

[BJD3]

Buy a scangauge and don't worry about it.

If it were me though, I would probably go to like eBay and get a cluster from there.

Two good resources are

FullSizeChevy.com For more technical information

GM-Trucks.com For (IMO) a better community.

EDIT: If you are in with someone in a dealership, have them do it.

Edited October 11, 2008 by BJD3

[mcnaught82]

The stepper motor are bad on the 2 gauges. Common problem with all GM Trucks. They have a newer version of the motor out that you can replace but you have to solder it in.