Instrument Cluster Issue - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**THI** · 05-19-2025, 04:57 PM

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.

**allchevy58** · 05-26-2025, 11:54 PM

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

Accelo · 05-27-2025, 08:45 AM

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

**THI** · 05-27-2025, 09:32 AM

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

**hatzie** · 06-06-2025, 02:44 PM

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.

05-19-2025, 04:57 PM	#1
THI Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Traverse City, MI Posts: 221	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.

05-26-2025, 11:54 PM	#2
allchevy58 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Reno, Nv. Posts: 1,458	Re: Instrument Cluster Issue I sent mind to Tachtronics when he was in Ca. Looks like he is in Tn. now. Great work. __________________ 1927 Willy's Knight 24,000 original miles, 1958 Impala 283/Powerglide, 1971 Monte Carlo 350/350, 1972 GMC K2500 350/350, 1976 Chev. K10 350/350, 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD LBZ Duramax/Allison, 2006 Chev. Silverado K3500 LBZ Duramax/Allison

05-27-2025, 08:45 AM	#3
Accelo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,426	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

05-27-2025, 09:32 AM	#4
THI Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Traverse City, MI Posts: 221	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 Last edited by THI; 05-29-2025 at 10:48 AM. Reason: Additional Information

06-06-2025, 02:44 PM	#5
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 5,049	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. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.



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