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Instrument Panel Cluster EXTENDED WARRANTY

You folks are lucky I'm on my third one
 
The letter says 2004, 7 years/70,000 miles which ever comes first. Do not take it back to a GM dealer unless you believe it has the condition which is cool because why would you take it in if it ain't broke ? My instrument cluster works fine, changing it could invite trouble.

You can also claim reimbursement if you had the condition repaired prior to notification, I'd expect you'd need documents/receipts proving repair/replacement. I'm unsure if the problem applies to other than '04 model years.
 
GM's timing on this is scary.  Got my letter in the mail yesterday.  My speedometer started intermittently sticking/fluttering about two weeks ago. 

I think I'm sunk any because my '04 has 101k+ miles.  Before I call the dealer, any idea what a new Instrument cluster run$? 

 
STEPHEN D said:
DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME

Here's mine about two years ago:

pegged.jpg
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THAT is haulin A$$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  >:D

I got my letter the other day then the next day when my mph was decreasing it looked like it had a st-st-st-stutter problem.  :laugh:
 
JB's AV said:
Before I call the dealer, any idea what a new Instrument cluster run$?
Click to expand...

You don't need a new one!? I got mine repaired at http://www.instrumentcluster.com/.? Those guys are great to work with and super fast.? They will even send you a padded box to put your instrument cluster in.? ?I think it cost me around $235 two years ago.? That included shipping both ways.?
BTW, it's very easy to remove.? If you need assistance, just PM me and I'll walk you through it.

STEPHEN D
 
Stephen D, thanks for the advice.  I'll check them out.

It's driving out of the neighborhood doing about 20-25mph, look down at the gauge, and notice you're doing 0 mph...
 
I received this letter on Friday:

November 26, 2007

Dear Mr. STEPHEN D

Thank you for contacting us recently regarding the special coverage notice you received for your 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche.? We apologize for any inconvenience you have experienced as a result of this special coverage.

At Chevrolet, we believe our customers have the right to expect long-term, reliable performance from our products.? There are, however, many variables that affect the life of the vehicle's parts and appearance.? Unfortunately, there are times when we identify a motor vehicle defect and release a special coverage notice to our loyal customers for their safety and satisfaction.

We have reviewed your request for reimbursement on the instrument cluster panel that you had repaired and are happy to inform you that you are being reimbursed for the full amount of the repair.? We have enclosed a check in the amount of $235.00.

At Chevrolet, our commitment to customer satisfaction is a top priority.? We hope you understand our position.? If you have future questions, feel free to contact our Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-1020 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., Eastern Time.? Please refer to your service request number above and any of our Customer Relationship Specialists will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center

For more information regarding the maintenance and care of your vehicle, please visit www.mygmlink.com.? This free online service offers vehicle and ownership-related information and tools tailored to your specific vehicle.

 
gm has a special coverage for cluster gauge needle function #07187a for 03-04 escalde,escalade esvand ext plus 03-04 av's silverodo,suburban,tahoe and 03-04 sierra,yukonand yukon xl

document #2037454

it covers  for a 7 year 70000 miles dealer are to replace the insturment panel cluster after inop condition has been verified.
 
It's a known issue and they are informing the owners 04 up
 
Take it to the dealer my 03 is on it's third one. 
 
Caution. . . my speedometer acted up over the Thanksgiving Holiday and I read elsewhere on this board that if you turn your vehicle on and off several times it will reset itself.   I did that and it worked, however, when I took it into the dealership on that Monday along with my letter, they refused to replace it because it was "not acting up at this time. "  I would recommend that if it happens to you take a picture of you dash board and maybe set your drivers license up there so they know it is your vehicle. . . I wish I had done that instead of resetting it but I needed to know how fast I was going since we were traveling out of town.   Hopefully it will do it again soon so I can get it replaced under warranty.
 
At least you documented with the dealer you are having a issue, after warrantee you can show them  it was a problem after it expired. If you have a problem there is also the Zone Office that handles disputes. Usually you win because GM picks up the Tab not the dealer
 
So if you bring it into the dealer to have it replaced, at what point are the miles and hours transferred over? ?Is this done before the replacement is shipped or does the tech doing the replacement have the option to set the mileage and hours on the new unit?

Are the annual miles, trips, preferences etc from the DIC transferred too?

Will they let you pay a couple bucks and get the trans gauge in the new one?
 
They have to by Law transfer the miles, not sure about the other stuff
 
TIETANIC said:
So if you bring it into the dealer to have it replaced, at what point are the miles and hours transferred over?? Is this done before the replacement is shipped or does the tech doing the replacement have the option to set the mileage and hours on the new unit?

Are the annual miles, trips, preferences etc from the DIC transferred too?
Click to expand...

Again, I sent mine to http://www.instrumentcluster.com.? They fixed mine and sent it back.? I read many threads about changing it out for a Cadillac one, and decided I didn't want to risk "actual mileage unknown" if I ever decide to sell my truck (if hell freezes over).
 
Tiss Tiss Tiss, carfax.com ???
 
They do not have to transfer miles by law if they install a mileage sticker in door jam that states date and miles at cluster change
 
So if you go in for this repair under warranty, is the mileage on the new cluster set before it is shipped, or is it set at the time of install by the tech?

Also, I get the Onstar diagnostic email every month.  I wonder if the mileage is being queried from the OBDC or from the cluster itself...  If it comes from the cluster, that means the cluster is capable of returning a value.

Which I assume would mean that the MPG, oil life, etc would also be calculated from within the cluster?
 
I think it's set before shipping.? Reason I say it is the wife was placed in a rental for 2 days and on the request documents it had the current mileage for the new part.? A couple other members who replaced there's had to send in current mileage so when the new cluster arrived it was current.
 
STEPHEN D,
Thanks for posting that letter I called the 800 number and talked to Chad, he said that the letter went to the address on file. :E:  Too bad it's the address from our quarters when we lived on post at Ft. Gordon 3.5 years ago. :beating:  He updated our info and wanted to know the current mileage and said the warranty letter will be shipped out tomorrow and when I turn in my receipt I should get reimbursed for my 100 bucks. :woohoo: :woohoo:
 
DeCristo said:
Caution. . . my speedometer acted up over the Thanksgiving Holiday and I read elsewhere on this board that if you turn your vehicle on and off several times it will reset itself. ? I did that and it worked, however, when I took it into the dealership on that Monday along with my letter, they refused to replace it because it was "not acting up at this time. "? I would recommend that if it happens to you take a picture of you dash board and maybe set your drivers license up there so they know it is your vehicle. . . I wish I had done that instead of resetting it but I needed to know how fast I was going since we were traveling out of town. ? Hopefully it will do it again soon so I can get it replaced under warranty.
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When I had a problem with the speedo ticking I "carefully" drove while recording what it was doing on the video mode of my camera phone.
 
Big L said:
STEPHEN D,
Thanks for posting that letter I called the 800 number and talked to Chad, he said that the letter went to the address on file. :E: Too bad it's the address from our quarters when we lived on post at Ft. Gordon 3.5 years ago. :beating: He updated our info and wanted to know the current mileage and said the warranty letter will be shipped out tomorrow and when I turn in my receipt I should get reimbursed for my 100 bucks. :woohoo: :woohoo:
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That's what this forum is about!  I love this forum and will continue to post here, however I get somewhat discouraged when someone chimes in with a reply like "It's a known issue."  I didn't know about it until I received my letter, and you never would have.  Thank you so much for sharing your great news!

STEPHEN D
 
Anybody have an actual physical copy of this bulletin???

DeCristo said:
Found this bulletin that was sent to GM dealerships at the end of September. ?? This may help speed up the process. ?? When calling for warranty work I would reference the bulletin number. ?

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. ??
o 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. ??
o 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. ??
o 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. ??
o 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. ??
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STEPHEN D said:
That's what this forum is about!? I love this forum and will continue to post here, however I get somewhat discouraged when someone chimes in with a reply like "It's a known issue."? I didn't know about it until I received my letter, and you never would have.? Thank you so much for sharing your great news!

STEPHEN D
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Well don't let them bring us down!  Who sings that song?  Don't bring me down, no, no, no, no? >:D

Keep on passing the info on and all will be okay. :love:
 
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