Dash Instrument Cluster on 2008 Avalanche: Known Issues?

bryanearl · Oct 5, 2021

I am having an issue with my instrument cluster, where half the time it all goes out (except for the check engine light) when I start it up. Often, I can turn the vehicle off and back on again and it will function properly.

When this happens, all gauges and digital readouts are off (and turn signals don't work) except for the check engine light.

I have read about known instrument cluster issues with the earlier years, but can anyone tell me if this is a known issue (and what the fix is) for the later years, such as my 2008?

BainMan · Oct 6, 2021

Seems to be less common on the 2nd gen, but it's just a circuit board and they can go bad, especially the main voltage supply and ground traces. Luckily I haven't had to disassemble a 2nd gen cluster, but I did fix two old Ford clusters by reflowing solder on any suspect looking solder joins. If you have a friend/family member that is good with a solder iron and small circuit repair you might open up the cluster and have them look at it, otherwise send it off to a pro.

A couple options I found online to have your board repaired, I have no experience with either company.