98 Blazer with no milage or gear indicator lights

This problem has just gotten worse over time, gauges and instrument lights are fine, mileage and gear indicator lights use to work then it was intermittent, now they will not come on at all. Except when the temperature is close to freezing then if they work it is only until the truck warms up then they go off again. Sounds like a connector problem or a solder connection. I was wondering if any one else has had this problem? My inspection is due next month and I need to fix. Was also wondering if it could be transmission position switch?

Thanks

I have this exact same problem in the exact same vehicle. I have swapped out the gauge cluster twice. The first one was with one from a '99, but this cluster only shows the mileage and gear indicator when in the accessory position (just before start). But consistenly works in this position, ALWAYS. Other problem is the temp guage and gas gauge dont work due to year difference. Then I got a hold of a cluster from a '98, and this cluster worked for a couple weeks. Now it goes on and off, some times if I pound on it, it will come back on. Seems to be in the cluster it self as I can swith them back and for and one will work, one wont (until tapped on). A pretty big problem for me as I need to track my daily milage for work. No sure what else to do. If you find a solution, please let me know.

There is a TSB out there somewhere. I got this problem in my 99. Except mine goes out when it wants to and a tap from my hand will bring it back. If anyone can find the full one, lifesaver it would be indeed.

http://www.chevroletforum.com/recalls-and-tsbs/make_CHEVROLET/model_BLAZER/year_1999/id_3130/TSB.htm

Ordered subscription from Infotraxx, if I find anything I will post in a few days.

Have your ignition switch checked out. Every TSB on the matter states to check ignition switch.


Send me a PM with your email, I can send the TSB to you.

Alright I fixed the problem and saved myself $350+ (counting the tickets I would have aquired from not being able to get my truck inspected, because I pass 8 donut shops to and from work, they are cop magnets for some reason) anyways I pulled the Instrument cluster again and took my time plus the use of a magnifying glass and found my problem. I was able to find wiring diagram for the connector and schematics for the Instrument Cluster and after checking each pin at the connector I determined everything was good up to that point, so I knew it was the cluster, sure enough there was a set of wires that went from the main board to the PRND321 board and the number 1 pin which was a ground plane for both the PRND321 and the Mileage board had a cold solder joint. resoldered that pin, took the cluster out to my truck and wa la it worked.

took some pictures to show everyone maybe save some one else some money.


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c393/speedy61/98%20Blazer/PRND321.jpg


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c393/speedy61/98%20Blazer/SolderwireJ1pin1.jpg

PCFIXIT YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You made my MONTH!!!! I have been battling this problem with 2 different clusters for over 1 year now. 3 years + if you coundt the consistent blinking I dealt with before the lights started to completely go out. I log my mileage everyday for work, so you can guess how big of a pain it has been.

I KNEW it was a defect with the cluster itself (i won't go into a long explanation about how) but never went to the length of pulling the circuit board off the back of the cluster. I didn't know it would pull off like it does. So many times I had come sooo close (taken the black snap on casings off) but never separated it any further. Any way I soldered pins 1, 2, and 3 on one cluster, and pin 1, and the second cluster and both work PERFECT now!

Thank you so MUCH, it is times like this when you really appreciate this forum and all the great information and knowledge that comes from its members!

Anyone need a perfect working cluster from a '98 Blazer 4 x 4 w/ Tach (odometer 116,181)??

Thanks again!!!

What exactly is Pin1? Ha anyway to kinda label them pics, I won't touch that part of the truck (scared haha) but would like it to have the picture for the professionals to save some time and dinero.

Oh yeah, THANKS and let us know if you have any issues down the line with it.

Glad I was able to help someone, like I said, I had to fix mine I could not afford a new one. Maybe this info will help others also.

Nice catch. Fixed mine (99 Sonoma) on Saturday and my possessed cluster has stopped flashing and flickering. Had it out numerous times and could not nail down the problem. Way to go.

hey man... i have a 99 blazer and recently the gas gauge, temp gauge, and the gear indicator on the PRND321 stoped working... i changed out the CLUSTER AND THEY STILL DONT WORK.. sometimes the gear indicator behind the PRND321 works but most of the time it doesnt...the new cluster worked in the other blazer i got it out of...... could you tell me what i can do to fix it...