Speedo Stuck?

monkers · December 21, 2010

got im my trk the other day (03 2500 HD 6liter) and the went about a mile and noticed the speedo was reading about 30mph faster than i was doing. shut the trk off and it stayed on 30mph, went to where i was going and did what i had to do (5minutes) when i started it it was normal.......then it did it again yesterday? anyone have any ideas?

Stevens03 · December 21, 2010

The stepper motor is going bad. You can either buy the motor and replace it,... if you can sauder a new cluster which can be had for under $300 on ebay with free shipping and mileage transfer

sonjaab · December 21, 2010

There is a TSB out for free repair/replacement depending on mileage.

IF your outta the mileage limits there are several cluster rebuilders

on e-bay for less than $200.

You can swap the cluster yourself easily!

Document ID# 2037454

Subject: Special Coverage Adjustment-Instrument Panel Cluster Gauge Needle Functions #07187A - (11/08/2007)

Models: 2003-2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT

2003-2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE

2003-2004 GMC SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL

THE SERVICE PROCEDURE IN THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN REVISED. IN A SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES, THE GAUGE SWEEP TEST MAY NOT ALWAYS CONFIRM THE CONDITION. PLEASE REVIEW THE SERVICE PROCEDURE IMMEDIATELY.

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. DEALERS ARE TO OBTAIN THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WHEN SCHEDULING A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WILL BE REQUIRED WHEN PLACING AN ORDER FOR THE IPC.

Condition

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 one or more of the instrument panel (IP) cluster gauges stick, flutter, or become inoperative. This may cause inaccurate readings, including the speedometer and fuel gauge.

Special Coverage Adjustment

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.

Dealers are to replace the instrument panel cluster after the condition has been verified. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after September 28, 2007 are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to September 28, 2007, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Vehicles Involved

Involved are certain 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 built within the following VIN breakpoints:

Parts Information - U.S. and Canadian Dealers Only

Instrument panel clusters (IPC) required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from the Electronic Service Centers. The vehicle mileage will be required when placing an order. 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 (US) or Purolator (Canada).

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.

Parts Information - Export Dealers Only

For Export Dealers Only: Order appropriate instrument panel cluster from General Motors Service and Parts Operation (GMSPO).

Customer Notification

General Motors will notify customers of this special coverage on their vehicles (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).

Service Procedure

Important: There are pre-programming instructions for 2003 model year instrument panel clusters (IPC). In order for the engine hours to set to their current value when the IPC is replaced, carefully read and follow the instructions below. This information is applicable for 2003 model year IPCs only. An add time of 0.1 for the pre-programming requirement is published in the Claim section of the bulletin.

2003 Model Year Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Pre-Programming Instructions

Install the IPC. Ensure everything is connected properly. The replacement IPC requires SPS Programming and IPC Setup procedures to be performed. It does not matter which procedure is performed first.

Start the engine and then select IPC Setup. You must have the engine running before performing the IPC Setup.

Select IPC Setup. With the engine running, enter the appropriate mileage and engine hours.

Select "OK". Review the pop up asking you to verify the mileage and engine hours. Move the pop up out of the way if necessary to view the verification screen. This may require a click and drag of the dialog box.

Verify that the mileage and engine hours are correct and select "OK". DO NOT turn the ignition OFF until the engine has "run" for approximately seven (7) minutes. Allowing the engine to idle for this period of time allows the IPC to accumulate 1/10th of an hour and write the correct engine hour value to the permanent memory.

The engine must be running before set up is performed and run for approximately seven minutes after the user selects "OK" confirming their mileage/engine hour inputs. After approximately seven minutes, shut the engine OFF and complete the event. The seven minute clock starts after you select "OK", confirming the entries.

Note: Based on feedback from technicians, we are currently making changes to the "IPC Setup" application which will include several enhancements to the set up screens. These are scheduled to be released and available in TIS2WEB very soon.

Important: Only IPC conditions listed in the Condition section of the bulletin are covered under this special coverage program. In a small number of vehicles, the condition may be intermittent and the gauge sweep test may not always verify the condition.

IPC Performance

IPC performance may be affected by the following conditions:

• Cold temperatures

• Temperature fluctuations

• High humidity

• Driving over rough surfaces such as dirt roads or potholes

Customer Comments and Observations

Customers who describe gauge performance as jumpy, sticky, slow or erratic. Gauge performance may also be described as being inoperative or inaccurate. For example, for a period of time the speedometer may appear to move normally but be inaccurate and not return to zero (0) after the vehicle comes to a stop. This inaccurate condition may be more or less pronounced during the drive cycle and may, for a time, return to normal operation. A Tech 2 sweep test may not reveal the condition.

Perform a gauge sweep test to determine/verify that an IPC gauge is sticking, stuck, or inoperative. Using the Tech 2, navigate to the following screens to perform the gauge sweep test: Body -> Instrument Panel Cluster -> Special Functions -> IPC Gauges -> Display(s) Test.

• If one or more of the gauges are sticking, stuck, or inoperative. Replace the IPC. Refer to Step 2.

• If the Tech 2 gauge sweep test does NOT verify the condition but a customer's comments and observations include information that it outlined in the IPC Performance and/or Customer Comments and Observations section of the bulletin, replace the IPC. Refer to Step 2.

• If the Tech 2 gauge sweep test does NOT verify the condition and a customer's comments and observationis do NOT include information that is outlined in the IPC Performance or Customer Comments and Observations section of the bulletin, do NOT replace the IPC. Submit a claim for Perform Tech 2 Gauge Sweep Test.

Important: If the IPC is to be replaced, record the vehicle odometer and engine hour (where applicable) value from the original IPC.

Remove the instrument panel cluster. Refer to the appropriate vehicle IPC removal and installation procedure in SI.

Install the new instrument panel cluster.

Customer Reimbursement - For US

All customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for the special coverage condition will be handled by the Customer Assistance Center, not by dealers.

A General Motors Customer Reimbursement Procedure and Claim Form is included with the customer letter.

Important: Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 6.1.12, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement and the form.

Customer Reimbursement - For Canada and Export

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition described in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer within one year. Repairs must have occurred within the 7 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 110,000 kilometers, whichever occurs first.

When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:

• Proof of ownership at time of repair.

• Original paid receipt confirming the amount of unreimbursed repair expense(s) (including Service Contract deductibles), a description of the repair, and the person or entity performing the repair.

Dear General Motors Customer:

As the owner of a 2003 or 2004 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV or Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, or Tahoe; or GMC Sierra, Yukon, or Yukon XL vehicle, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.

This letter is intended to make you aware that some of these vehicles could develop a condition where one or more of the instrument panel gauge needles may stick, flutter, or become inoperative. This may cause inaccurate readings, including the speedometer and the fuel gauge.

Do not take your vehicle to your GM dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has this condition.

What We Have Done: General Motors is providing owners with a special coverage that extends the warranty on the instrument panel cluster for the condition described above. If this condition occurs on your 2003 or 2004 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, or Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, or Tahoe; GMC Sierra, Yukon, or Yukon XL within 7 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge.

What You Should Do: Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. If you believe your vehicle has this condition, contact your GM dealer to schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. Your dealer will inspect the vehicle and if the condition is found, your dealer will replace the instrument panel cluster. When calling your dealer, please have your 17 character vehicle identification number (VIN) handy so your dealer can ensure that the cluster will be available on your appointment date. Keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.

Reimbursement: The enclosed form explains what reimbursement is available and how to request reimbursement if you have paid for repairs for the special coverage condition.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below. The Customer Assistance Center’s hours of operation are from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday.

cvandegna · December 22, 2010

Unfortunately, this is one of those fairly common failures from what I've read over the years. Happened to mine a while back, dealer replaced the whole cluster if I recall - thankfully I was within the extended time by the TSB.

monkers · December 22, 2010

Unfortunately, this is one of those fairly common failures from what I've read over the years. Happened to mine a while back, dealer replaced the whole cluster if I recall - thankfully I was within the extended time by the TSB.

Nice....lots of "common failures" with this f*ckin truck......great..more money, after just doing exhaust studs ....again!! hopefully the blower resistor craps the bed on the way to get the speedo fixed...merry christmas

hockeypro1411 · December 23, 2010

Unfortunately, this is one of those fairly common failures from what I've read over the years. Happened to mine a while back, dealer replaced the whole cluster if I recall - thankfully I was within the extended time by the TSB.

Nice....lots of "common failures" with this f*ckin truck......great..more money, after just doing exhaust studs ....again!! hopefully the blower resistor craps the bed on the way to get the speedo fixed...merry christmas

And the motor knocks when it's cold, and the intermediate shaft clunks when you turn at low speeds and the CEL flashes at you at or around 2500 RPM for no reason!

Merry Christmas!

jnsboater · December 23, 2010

got im my trk the other day (03 2500 HD 6liter) and the went about a mile and noticed the speedo was reading about 30mph faster than i was doing. shut the trk off and it stayed on 30mph, went to where i was going and did what i had to do (5minutes) when i started it it was normal.......then it did it again yesterday? anyone have any ideas?

The stepper motor is toasted. Common problem. GM has been known to replace free under an extention to the warranty as this is a safety problem. When mine went, there were several bad stepper motors (run all needle gagues like temp, fuel, tranny temp, etc. They would not do mine because the truck had a totaled title. I found a guy in the Portlan Oregon area that rebuilt mine for about $100 - this was 2 years ago this month. It was not a real bad chore getting it out of the dash, need to pack it properly to avoid static electricity. Good Luck!

smallengineguy · December 24, 2010

I got mine done as well in June, replaced the stock one with the SS guages (white background) for same price on eBay.

r1byker · December 25, 2010

got im my trk the other day (03 2500 HD 6liter) and the went about a mile and noticed the speedo was reading about 30mph faster than i was doing. shut the trk off and it stayed on 30mph, went to where i was going and did what i had to do (5minutes) when i started it it was normal.......then it did it again yesterday? anyone have any ideas?

The stepper motor is toasted. Common problem. GM has been known to replace free under an extention to the warranty as this is a safety problem. When mine went, there were several bad stepper motors (run all needle gagues like temp, fuel, tranny temp, etc. They would not do mine because the truck had a totaled title. I found a guy in the Portlan Oregon area that rebuilt mine for about $100 - this was 2 years ago this month. It was not a real bad chore getting it out of the dash, need to pack it properly to avoid static electricity. Good Luck!

They replaced the motor on my '05 Suburban and sent me a reimbursement check for the total cost of labor and parts.

monkers · December 25, 2010

mines an 03 with 79,000 on it.......im guessing they wont, but i will try to call them

cvandegna · December 29, 2010

So I guess you don't know about the windshield and weatherstripping leaks either then?

HAPPY NEW YEAR

monkers · December 29, 2010

So I guess you don't know about the windshield and weatherstripping leaks either then?

HAPPY NEW YEAR

LMAO......yea I found out about the windshield within the first week of owning it......then the blower motor resistor and plug a few times, exhaust rattle (baffles or whatever they call it inside) exhaust studs numerous times, center console armrest lid......

crazydog · December 29, 2010

got im my trk the other day (03 2500 HD 6liter) and the went about a mile and noticed the speedo was reading about 30mph faster than i was doing. shut the trk off and it stayed on 30mph, went to where i was going and did what i had to do (5minutes) when i started it it was normal.......then it did it again yesterday? anyone have any ideas?

I am glad to see it is your speedometer and not your speedo that you somehow got stuck in your truck! haahaha!

monkers · December 29, 2010

got im my trk the other day (03 2500 HD 6liter) and the went about a mile and noticed the speedo was reading about 30mph faster than i was doing. shut the trk off and it stayed on 30mph, went to where i was going and did what i had to do (5minutes) when i started it it was normal.......then it did it again yesterday? anyone have any ideas?

I am glad to see it is your speedometer and not your speedo that you somehow got stuck in your truck! haahaha!

LMAO.......no speedo for me......hahaha

rmkleman · December 30, 2010

Had the same problem on my 03 dirtymax, i do like the fact that i have a picture of me driving down the highway with a 35mph sign in the background with my speedo burried at like 140 running rpms of about 2 grand, but the cost of the fix wasn't worth it. If you have an auto trader mag laying around flip to the back pages, there are usually a few people who will do the fix for you for about $100. Pretty good deal to me!