[People Eater]

My 2004 is barely 2 weeks old and I already need some help.

I'm "fairly" certain(?) that it was fine a few days ago but today when she was first started this morning, the temperature gauge, was already at the midpoint (100C/212F). Driving about the city, no traffic issues but stop-n-go with speeds about 30/40mph. Wasn't particularly watching the temperature, but when I did, it was pinged over at max (125C/257F). Nursed her home and now she is sitting in the garage. The outside temperature here (Toronto) today was a balmy 0C/32F or slightly lower so I'm doubtful that the gauge is accurate and that it was overheating(?). Also guessing that this isn't a step motor issue?

A busy day so had to walk away from her. Haven't checked the fan rotation but I will investigate further tomorrow. No access to a thermal gun to determine the real engine temp. I also realize I'm providing relatively little information, but if there is no magic wand (similar experience) maybe I can get some tips on what to check and report back on.

 

[SSReplay]

If it starts up first thing in the morning and is already at the mid-point of the gauge - sounds like the stepper motor.

 

[James Dean]

I agree probably the stepper motor if it is replace them all when you have it done. Many on here will repair them very reasonable.

 

[People Eater]

If it starts up first thing in the morning and is already at the mid-point of the gauge - sounds like the stepper motor.

Ugh! Say it ain't so. I read Dictators write-up on replacing those - concerned that it'll require skills that I don't own. Guessing it would also be best to replace all while the dash is out?

 

[BlueStreak]

Watch it when you start up. All the gauges should do a full scale sweep at start up and then return to zero before going to the actual reading. if they start or end that sweep at other than zero (left end of the scale) then you have a stepper motor issue, most likely.

 

[People Eater]

Watch it when you start up. All the gauges should do a full scale sweep at start up and then return to zero before going to the actual reading. if they start or end that sweep at other than zero (left end of the scale) then you have a stepper motor issue, most likely.

I'll check it out tomorrow and update this post. Was REALLY hoping someone would say "ah just tap the gauge and it'll go back to normal" Guess that isn't going to happen :crying:

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Stlhotrod]

I have done stepper motors on my Silverado and they weren't bad to do. Do them all at once and be done with it.

 

[Dicktator]

Ugh! Say it ain't so. I read Dictators write-up on replacing those - concerned that it'll require skills that I don't own. Guessing it would also be best to replace all while the dash is out?

You just missed having Jim Greeley, Toronto or Barry Pattison, Tottenham from bringing your cluster to Florida, I would have changed stepper motors, calibrated, shipped back. They are down for the winter.

OEM stepper motors were/are not very good, C5-168, we are now installing latest version X27-168 much better unit. X27-168 has been used for the last 5 yrs or so.

You need to be relatively good at electronic soldering, hair line leads on PC board.

Dicktator

1. Can change color on face plate, red needles.
2. Yellow/Red or White is most common change
3. PC Board
4. Someone tried to solder and then sent to me for repair.
5. Dicktator soldering PC Board.

 

[tennesseecozydog]

As usual Dicktator to the rescue :smile2: :smile2: :smile2: "Who's Gonna' Fill Their Shoes, Who's Gonna' Stand Up Tall" Dicktator ... Who Else !!!

People Eater, I replaced all of mine last year but ... at Todd's Complete Auto Care. I'm just not into that type of work. Too bad we all don't live in Florida where most of the experts live. "Long live the Orange Blossom specialists !!!

 

[Dragon2U]

Ugh! Say it ain't so. I read Dictators write-up on replacing those - concerned that it'll require skills that I don't own. Guessing it would also be best to replace all while the dash is out?

Yes, make sure to replace all of them while the dash is out. Not hard to do, there are quite a few examples on Youtube on how to replace dash on SSR and how to replace steppers if you have experience with soldering. If no soldering experience I would not do it, I have had to repair quite a few boards that people damaged attempting the repair.

Here are services that might be near you that offer to repair the steppers but there are probably quire a few more in your area -
Canada Speedometer | Home < They offer to remove and replace at no extra charge, but ask if they have ever worked on an SSR before.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-other-auto-parts-and-accessories/city-of-toronto/gm-truck-cluster-repair-silverado-sierra-avalanche/1389864020?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true



As far as getting the dash off and on here are some video links that might help -
Remove
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaAPQLXWbKU

Install
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j-naljeKao

 

[SJA]

I also recently bought a 2004 R & soon discovered intermittent inaccurate readings on both my fuel & temp. gauge. 1st mechanic replaced my fuel pump without resolution. 2nd mechanic pulled dash cluster & replaced all 5 stepper motors resolving both of my problems. Hope this helps,

SJA Steve

 

[People Eater]

Wow, a variety of solutions - how impressive is that? I have a possible local (Canadian) lead from Krazy Ed which I'll pursue. Also got a possible short-term, temporary solution from Alan in the UK (thank you both).

Dictator sorry I missed the free transportation to Florida. I'm still tempted to send it to you with the opportunity to change the gauge face, but wondering if you can do that for a Canadian vehicle and our odd metric requirements?

 

[wizzr]

My temp gauge has gone south too. I mean waaay south. It points down while running!! HA! I new the stepper motor was going out a while back but didn't fix it at the time. Now I don't want to do it because it's cold and I don't want to risk cracking the dash while removing it.

 

[RedHotSSR]

Welcome from LA.

First thing first, Your R is NOT a few weeks old. Your R is a 14 year old vehicle, Too many new owners believe that low mileage is a guarantee of many years of trouble FREE driving Ownership. As with other older vehicles these things do, and will happen. PLEASE check with "Simple Engineering" there are a few RECOMENDED "Original parts" on your R that should be replaced ASAP. Shift Cable bushings, heat shield for Automatic Brake System, purchase a spare ignition switch, and a few more OEM parts. Simple Engineering and the Dictator are your go to guys for parts and service assistance. Another thing I found out the hard way was NOT to pull to hard on your inside door handles when opening the doors they will break away from the plastic hinge. You may want to begin reading the How To Library and or purchase a Thumb Drive of the Library so that when you do need a repair, your mechanic will be able to use it as a reference. Your R is a unique vehicle and the more you know the more you will enjoy it and stay on the road.

Wishing you the best "Long may you run"

I'll check it out tomorrow and update this post. Was REALLY hoping someone would say "ah just tap the gauge and it'll go back to normal" Guess that isn't going to happen :crying:

Thanks for all the help.

 

[People Eater]

RedHotSSR no fears that I'll mistake my low mileage R as a newer, carefree vehicle. Any reference to "new" by me, is simply an indication of its time with me. Liking your suggestion of being pro-active and replacing or stocking up on some items that are likely to fail. I'll pursue that, thank you.

 

[Guzzi Guy]

As stated earlier, this is a job that should be done in a warm environment. I don't think you need any cracked plastic trim issues.

Dave

 

[People Eater]

As stated earlier, this is a job that should be done in a warm environment. I don't think you need any cracked plastic trim issues.

Dave

Yep, it'll be a little while before the weather provides that. It's a brutally tight fit for the R in the garage, but guessing that be the warmest location I have available. Wouldn't pull it till after the New Year. Alan from the UK gave me the procedure to reset it, gets it working again for a short time.

 

[Dicktator]

If you can wait until Barry/Betty get back in the spring, he will help you.

Has his own big garage with lift and paint shop.

Barry also has 5 SSR and tons of parts.

Cell 416-254-5095

Dicktator

 

[xoxoxoBruce]

While you're waiting for warming get the manuals super cheap if you haven't already.

 

[People Eater]

If you can wait until Barry/Betty get back in the spring, he will help you.

Has his own big garage with lift and paint shop.

Barry also has 5 SSR and tons of parts.

Cell 416-254-5095

Dicktator

Perfect! Barry is the same name/number that I received from Krazy Ed. I certainly can and will wait till the spring and engage Barry for the repair. Thanks