☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: My instrument cluster is not working properly! Help!

asked by on August 13, 2016

All of the gauges on my cluster are not working as they should in my 2003 Chevy Cavalier. The fuel and temperature gauges do not work at all, and the speedometer and RPM gauge work when they feel like it, oftentimes sticking or just not working at all. All of the warning lights seem to work just fine. How do I figure out if this is an electrical issue or an issue with the cluster itself? If I can avoid a pricey repair and fix this at home by disconnecting and reconnecting certain cables or something of that nature, please let me know. I'm afraid I'll get a speeding ticket or worse. Thanks!

My car has 107515 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Recommended Services

Electric Problems Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

Check that all fuses are good. You can try removing the electrical connector on the back of the instrument cluster and plugging it back in. Odds are, the amplifier inside the gauge cluster has failed of has poor connection. It would have to be disassembled and repaired or replaced. If you want this taken care of, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose your electrical issue and assist you with appropriate repairs.

Chevrolet
electrical system
Instrument Panel
2003
L4-2.2L
Cavalier
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car tries to pull forward after coming to a stop.
Hi and thanks for your question. Check the brakes to ensure that they are adjusted and are in good condition. The brakes should be 3 times more powerful than the engine. For the engine not having any acceleration, there could...
Read more
When stopping at slow speeds the abs feels like they are engaging.
Hello. If you've already cleaned the sensors with soap and water then you probably won't need to clean them again with stronger chemicals. The ABS sensors function as magnetic type sensors, and only need to be clean and free of...
Read more
My truck has a fuel smell in the exhaust and a horrible idle
I would suggest checking the idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) to be sure it has a proper connection and is not dirty. As you may know, this reads the air intake into the fuel injection system as it is mixed...
Read more
Steering wheel is hard to turn
Hi there - this could be more than one problem. The alternator and "hard steering" issues could be a failed accessory belt, which drives both the alternator and the power steering pump. The VSC, ABS brake light, and traction control...
Read more
No heat in car and engine light on for overheating
Hi There, Your heating issue may be due to a faulty heater blower motor or potentially a bad heater core (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heater-is-not-working-inspection). As you may know, the heater core is a small radiator like unit that circulates the hot coolant from...
Read more
Wire under fusebox burned fuse melted 2003 Ford Focus
Hello - most often, wiring damage is caused by shorts caused when wiring insulation is damaged and cut or worn away. The big charging cable from the alternator to the battery (or the starter cable) has a huge capacity for...
Read more
Car will not start when the engine is hot.
Hi there. If there is fuel and the engine will not start up when it is at operating temperature, then either the crankshaft position sensor is getting hot and not making a connection or the coolant temperature sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-temperature-switch-sensor-replacement) is...
Read more
Mustang has been sitting for a few years.
I recommend flushing out your fuel system with fresh gasoline and a container of methyl-hydrate. Old gas will not harden in a fuel tank unless it is more than 20 years old. You will need to remove the fuel line...
Read more
Codes p0456 and p0102. White-blueish smoke coming from exhaust no overheating and loss of power. Obviously not running right.
The smoke could be burning oil. If the smoke occurs just at start up, the source could be leaking valve stem oil seals. If the smoke continues but is mainly white, that could signify an internal coolant leak. P0456 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0456-obd-ii-trouble-code-evaporative-emissions-system-small-leak-detected-by-jay-safford)...
Read more

Related articles

2012 Chrysler 200 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu: Which One Should I Buy?
When you are looking for a small-range sedan, you need to get somewhere quickly and inexpensively, and may even need to take a few kids with you. Slightly larger than a commuter car, these mid-size options offer decent gas mileage,...
Read more
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Ballast Resistor
Common signs are the vehicle not starting or starting but immediately dying. Only a professional mechanic should handle the ballast resistor.
Read more
How to Buy a Classic Chevy
For experienced car collectors and rookies alike, owning a classic Chevy is a rite of passage. There are multiple decades and styles in which Chevrolet made popular cars. Many of these cars then had a devout following in the years...
Read more

Browse other content

Cars
Cities
Maintenance
Estimates