Instrument Cluster Issue
 

I purchased a 1999 Silverado 1500 last week and knew when I bought it that either the Check Engine light was burned out or missing as it would not light when turning the key to on. I pulled the instrument cluster out this weekend and discovered that the bulb is actually missing. Here is where the problem come in, the bulb is not a the typical one that twists into place, and it looks like it was directly hooked up to the circuit board! What I have not been able to find is information on how to replace it - I either run into how to read the codes (I already know how to do that) or check the fuse but nothing else on that circuit is out, and as I mentioned the bulb is MISSING!

What I would like to know is there an easy fix, or do I need to send the Instrument cluster out for repair? If I need to send it out for repair - where would I be able to send it? I have been dealing with and working on Square Bodies for 50 years and although the instrument cluster bulbs are a paid to get at on those, this cluster pops out easily and everything works as it should except the Check Engine light, I think it was removed so someone would not have to look at it as one of the upstream O2 sensors is disconnected.

Re: Instrument Cluster Issue
 

I sent mind to Tachtronics when he was in Ca. Looks like he is in Tn. now. Great work.

Re: Instrument Cluster Issue
 

It's interesting, either they got tired of the light shining or thought it would pass emissions testing if the light was out. For years now there has been a code for a missing or burnt-out bulb.
Cheers

Re: Instrument Cluster Issue
 

Thanks for the replies, will check out Tachtronics!

No emission testing in our area, but on OBDII you need to know when something is acting up. This truck will be going to a place up north to use as a second vehicle when we are there, the wait to get into the local garage for repairs is one month! I have a couple of other things to address before I take it north, but will send the instrument cluster off to be fixed once I have it there and can let it sit while repairs are done.

Just a side note - Tachtronics does not work on 1999-2002

Re: Instrument Cluster Issue
 

It's not the end of the world to solder a bulb on the board.
You can get instrument cluster bulbs from the outfit that sells the bulbs for the climate control and radios and so on in my 2005 build thread.