How to Repair a Chevy Malibu Cluster
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- How to repair a 2013, 2014, 2015 Chevy Malibu Cluster that is dead or intermittent. GM part number 20788310 only (one color). This is not the same repair as the multi-color option 20788313. If your Instrument Cluster, entertainment system and power steering are going out at the same time it's your connector under the passengers seat. Also battery cable is known for issues. Follow these instructions at your own risk. If you do not feel comfortable attempting this repair I can be reached for a quote at 1mr.repairman@gmail.com
My daughter-in-law bought her 2013 Malibu as new and in 2016, the GM dealer replaced the IP cluster. Now in 2020, it failed again. It was taken to the GM dealer again, but this time the dealer said no parts were currently available and returned the car to her. A few months later, I decided to do some searching on the Internet for answers. I found a local repair shop here near me (Madison, Hts, MI) that specializes in this type of repair. I took the cluster there and they would not touch it because the GM dealer, somehow, had been involved with them(?). I found Jeff's RUclips video, contacted him, mailed it off to him, and in a few days had it back repaired! The cluster is back in the car and working perfectly; Jeff is for real, guys, go to him if you need this service; don't even bother going to a GM dealer!
Hi Sorry for butter you, do you have the address for Jeff 'S The person he fix you cluster ., Because
I have the same problem for my closer , nobody they can fix it here in Nevada
If you don't mind can you please give me his information Think you appreciate.
@@lorenamorales8918 Sure Lorena. Jeff is in Minnesota, contact him first via his email to be sure that he can help you with your problem. His email address is: 1mr.repairman@gmail. com Again, Jeff did the repairs for us when no one that we contacted here in the Detroit area would! Good luck with your repair.
Damn i need this work I tried of people and dealer ship say is the battery like i tried everything
Dealer told me it was a battery. If the gauge goes out while it’s running. How can it be a battery. Thanks For video . I solder it and it works. SO far .
@@dt3510 if the battery was the issue the starter motor wouldn't be able to turn the engine over.
yeah there a 3rd group of people who watch your videos i watch because its nice to watch someone whom is very good at there job make it look so easy when its not. its entertaining to me. and glad you back to making videos hope your doing well during there strange times.
Very true, I often find my self watching repair videos of things I'm not even planning on fixing.
Yeah, I'm in this group as well. Awesome video.
Same here
Yes I too enjoy watching someone show how it's done, Jeff is very skilled !
Neither for me I don’t own a Malibu and not a cluster tech. I really do thank you for this type of sharing. Not many are willing to share their bread making secrets.
I'm a auto tech and have benefited from your videos more then once. Sometimes a fast easy repair the pleasure of a successful repair and a happy customer
not a cluster repair guy, but I watch your videos for techniques and best practices. good job!
Another great fix Jeff. I had an issue before but never seen that cracked resistor. I'm glad you gave me the exact location my friend. Thank you! James
Hey Jeff. Welcome back! Nice to see new Malibu clusters! Nice fix!
Missed you, glad your back, Not a cluster tech or own a Malibu, but soldered surface mount on ceramic substrate by hand for 10 years building radar systems for the Navy many years ago. thanks for videos, stay safe.
Good ol' General Motors! Keeping mechanics and technicians employed! Quite enjoyed the Easter egg too inside the cluster.
This is a very sound fix. The video is literally perfect saved me a bunch of money. 25$ solder and about 30 minutes thank you very much
OMG i can't believe it actually worked, i resoldered The R203 resistance and now it works, 1000 thanks i could never find this myself !
How about C? Someone who doesn't repair clusters and doesn't own a Malibu either, but I love the talcc.
Very true
R4M_InternetExplorer_EXE I’m in the C category
@@pinterelectric Most of us are... 🤣
Same. I'm a C guy.
I do own one with 12,000 miles on it so I have no reason to be watching this lol
Never seen this type of work before I thought it was cheaper just to buy a new one at the auto dealer junkyard. It's enjoyable to watch somebody who knows what the hell they're doing for a change appreciate you
A junk yard unit would require programming. Dealer ship programming typically cost more than repair service. Plus with a junk yard unit there's no guarantee it won't fail just like the original.
Thank you very much, I did everything as in the video, and now I also have a dashboard working on a Malibu 2013.
✌
T-241 and T-242 looked like they had been a might toasty Jeff... And you missed the third type of folks that watch your videos. The ones that like your precise, slow, methodical nature coupled with what is obviously a wellspring of knowledge associated with GM clusters and electronic repair in general. I dont care at all about cluster repair, but the art involved is appreciated a great deal!
Peace out my never will meet you ever friend!
✌
Thank you so much for this video. I was just about to go to the dealership. I had the dash apart several times but failed to see that one. Works perfectly now!!!
Glad the video was helpful!
The man and dog printed on the board are interesting. Manufacturers are getting cute with lots of details. Some windshields now come with printed figures on them too.
Hope all has been well sir, glad to see some new content
I just enjoy watching
Always a pleasure to watch your videos, although I do not repair panels, it is fun and educational to see a prof repair man like you. I enjoy all your previous videos Thank you and stay safe.
Awesome video followed your instructions step-by-step fixed it in 30 minutes thank you very much
Excellent video. Now that I’ve seen you do it, and I’m actually an electronics technician, I know now I probably prefer to send mine out. That is too tiny for me, and I don’t believe I possess he patience as you do. Thank you so much. And you are right. The Chevy dealerships are impossible to deal with as is the GM corporation Parts system.
Thanks for making a video on this cluster. I just had to replace one of these cluster for my boss. He bought a 2013 malibu from a customer that replaced their cluster due to this problem but the cluster the customer put in was the wrong cluster and then they bought the right cluster and only had to get it programmed. I have it stashed with other spare clusters I still need to go thru. Could not find no info at the time to what caused this problem. I guess this week i will have to open it up to check that resistor.
Too bad the timing didn't work out, this video would have saved them a lot of hassle.
@@jeffescortlx I agree
really appreciate it, thanks!! I fixed it last saturday but only can‘t handled the speedpointer.. i‘ll try it tomorrow again. Greetings from Germany!
Second attempt: When I start the ignition, a rattling noise starts from the speed pointer. After a short moment, the other hands calibrate, except for the speed pointer. Then the noise goes off. What do you think is the mistake ?
Mine looked ok but, but when I took a small screwdriver to R233 it popped right off. Thanks so much for the help. Cluster wirks great now.
Great video! FYI 06-12 Hyundai Accents and Kia Rios use the same stepper motors looks like. The cluster plastics and layout are very similar also
Glad to see you uploading again! Your videos are informative!
I like your set up
My 2013 Malibu with 75k on it has so far had know cluster issues but I know where I’m sending it if it does, you know your stuff Jeff
Have you had any issues yet
@@thebig3683 Hello, no issues yet with the cluster. Been a great car so far, bought used with 25 k on it. Service engine light came on at 30k, cost 125.00. Biggest issue has been rear wheel bearings. Both been replaced and RR twice. If you have issues buy the best available part. It is a known issue with Malibu’s that year. Consistent 30-32 mpg
Where Have you been, Jeff? I've been deprived and forced to watch other hacks. 😆
gm clusters......the gift that keeps on giving!
Good one!
Hey they have been a gift to my wallet for while now!
Thank you So Much Man,
I have a MALIBU 2013, i was having an issue with my cluster Sometime turn on then goes off for a month than again turn on and off, i tried the way you did soldering and it worked fine 3 days on and its still working perfect. Thank You so much again
Ore of the 3rd Kind, just liking the Vid´s
Happy to see you back at it again!. Question how can I send you my 02 gm Sierra Cluster for rebuild and what's the turn around time?
My email is in the description of this video.
You saved my 🎉🎉🎉 thank you!!! Worked like a charm!!
I like to watch a pro in action!! Is that a D?
I want to thank you for great video
Hi, what does the part actually look like? Did you have to remove the old resistor and replace it? Or did you have to just solder the broken connection?
Awesome video. I've been thinking about buying one to play with on eBay. There is seller on eBay with them for around $20. I like to buy one of a model before I do them for customers.
See if you can find one with the plug pigtail connector still plugged in, sure makes bench powering much easier.
If you need one I got two of them. After watching this last night I got the one not working going again. 2013 malibu has 4 different cluster depending on motor size. Now the 2.5 has two different cluster one is a single color and the other is multi color display. The boards are different. If you want the multi color one I will hook you up with that one to play with. i just dont have a spare pigtail for it.
@@mhjs10 I'll shop around tonight and let you know.
Great detailed video! Is it safe for me to drive the car while my instrument cluster is being worked on? I use an obd2 speedometer due to the instrument cluster failure.
Did the actual resistor go bad or did it just need to be resoldered?
Fractured joint. But the foil trace likes to rip too so I reinforce it too.
I don't know why, but there is something very restful about the LACK of audio when under the microscope. Like, this is something very delicate, and we can't be disturbed when we're down here.
Having a bit of an issue finding the correct resistor online. If I search the model you referenced, I've seen some, but they don't seem to match the resistance specs you listed. But I'm also not experienced in resistors or soldering. I just wanted to order the part so I can take the part to someone with more knowledge.
You don't need to replace it, you just need to have it reworked as the joints fracture. I'd recommend to send it to someone with cluster repair experience since it requires needle pointer removal.
@@jeffescortlx Thanks for the reply. Mine has been slowly dying over the past month and it finally went out. Now it is off 99% of the time and constantly tries to turn on but is only on for a split second and then back off. At the same time, now my battery doesn't hold a charge over night. I wonder if the vehicle keeps trying to reboot the cluster even while the vehicle is off, draining the battery. That or could just be a coincidence. Took the battery in for testing however and they said it was good.
@@theboxofdemons I can't say for sure without hands on trouble shooting, but it would be a good place to start with getting the cluster back to normal and see if the battery drain issue goes away.
cool to see how it done
Hi friend if I may ask did you change the resistance
The resistance does not need to be changed.
hoi welcome back everything ok ??? very good video thanks
I'm doing great! Hope everyone else is too.
I must come into the catigory "Old git repairer that enjoys watching how other people repair things."
I have never touched clusters and i'm not likely ever to, but still interesting :-D.
Hmm a hot resistor, double the value and put two in parallel, Reliable... Oops you don't need that lol :-D
Have you considered putting bigger power rated resistor. Not much like 0805
Well technically it's not the resistor that failed, just the solder. Although a physically larger resistor will have more suface area for solder, since I used a healthy amount of lead free solder I expect this new solder joint to last the life of the car. If I end up wrong and it fails again, I warranty my work so it won't cost the customer for a re-repair.
@@jeffescortlx you probably right. It looked like thermal stress on this connection
Thanks for the help.. Nice video i wish i could fix my problem. Where can i find a place to do that welding job???
What state are you located in?
You got all 10 Of My thumbs up ! Wow!
Very interesting have you had any problems with the 2014 to 2020 new Impala clusters?
Nothing that new, had an older one in, probably a 07 if I remember correctly with a shorted tantalum capacitor.
In your description, you had said:
"If your Instrument Cluster, entertainment system and power steering are going out at the same time it's your connector under the passengers seat."
Can you elaborate on this please??
what pins are power and ground?
This is huge help thank you so much 🤙🏼
Is there a way to turn off that annoying sweep?
What is the liquid you are adding on the board?
My 2013 chevy malibu lt dash cluster has been off for almost a year. Read that moving the passenger seat would get it to come on. And it actually would if someone sat in the seat but hasn't turned back on for a year now. Would like to send mine out to you to repair
Ok.
The LED’s that are used to backlight this cluster. Are they solderless? Can I easily switch them out for a different color?
They are surface mount LED's. Microscope reccomended but not required. You'll want two soldering irons or a hot air station.
Jeff are some of the newer ones that you can't fix because they went to hi tech? Have missed your great videos. I have a 95 chevy van that I can still work on....lol. Have a problem with the gas gauge that wont read right take it loose . Pull it out and when you have it straight up and down turn the key on works right. Set it back in sometimes reads right then wont. Move it again then it works. Even took it out clean the contacts just in case still does it on and off. Probably need a new gas gauge. Can't find one as of right now. Sometimes the bang your fist on top of dash sometimes makes it works sometimes don't. Sometimes it has a mind of its own works then won't. I get buy using the trip mileage thing. 33 gal tank 15 miles to the gallon to be on the safe side fill her up at 250 to 300 miles. Someone brought me a 2003 chevy s10 because I had one. Ask me to look at. I looked at it....lol No use in going any farther said you need to many tools and wire harness and hook it up and hope you don't smoke it. I did some RC small soldering stuff that I thought was small like re-solder a lose wire. Never stuff like whats in this new instrument Cluster stuff. You need way to much special stuff like a mandatory microscope and tools like you have. Any work I would have you gonna get it a virgin as I would just send it to you. If it was a used vehicle if it was messed up u can bet I got it that way. I would only know unless someone else broke clips off.
Your fuel gauge might just need a little spay lube worked down the shaft. Just fixed a older one like that a few days ago, it got stiff and needed a little help.
@@jeffescortlx Thanks Jeff I'll try that. Thanks
What soldering materials did you use?
It's covered in this video ruclips.net/video/LnDgK4rJ2us/видео.htmlsi=HqDyY99lvyFCpEaw
Thank you! Great video!
I'm interested in using these clusters with a ls1 motor in a 1981 gbody di you think it's possible?.. what would I need to interface?
This particular instrument cluster is going to want to talk to a CAN bus (2007 or newer) ECU for things like engine temperature and fuel gauge. I believe the MPH and RPM also come in through the can bus but I haven't looked for that specifically.
Hi Jeff my cluster for some reason can’t find the R203 all the cluster have the same numbers ? Please help
The video description has the clusters part number listed. The color LCD model is different.
How can I get a hold of you to fix my 2013 Malibu Gades cluster
1mr.repairman@gmail.com
Hi Jeff, I just bought a 2013 malibu and I’ve the same problem. The MPH worked for one day, ride. And then next morning it the whole dashboard started to blink and shut off and come back and now. At the end of the day, on my way back home from work, it completely stopped working.
I don’t see your contact information. I need your services, please
1mr.repairman@gmail.com
SALUDOS Y BENDICIONES!! que buen video !! mi pregunta es la siguiente en mi panel no marca el millaje sera la misma causa y la razon del porque no marca el millaje?
Does your Malibu LCD display not work at all?
no se miran las millas!! spiken spanis?
algun correo? para enviar imagenes
@@1a9r7t email address is listed at the bottom of the video description.
@@jeffescortlx the display no millaje ------- ilustration is ----‐
Oh dam those the exact stepper motors from my 15 legacy cluster. That I may of broken.... not getting off.. but putting it back on. You want to make sure to support the back because the “shaft” goes all the way through. So when you push down the needles you can just destroy it....
I ended up dissecting it as it was broken anyway. It seemed perfectly fine from a mechanical standpoint but just ground
You also don’t have to dick around as much trying to line it up, yes because it has that stopping point so I would recommend to anyone to put the needle half on, spin it around hitting that stop (being careful) and once you get it aligned push down (again preferably bracing the rear part of shaft)
With this style the worm gear likes to pop out if too much pressure is put on it. But it can be taken apart, fixed and put back together.
@@jeffescortlx mine begs to differ. Im sure i could of just hacked it but eh.... Even after getting it put together right (hell) I couldn't get it to work right still. The only ones I could find online had the wrong shaft so I just found a base model cluster on eBay for $35 to sacrifice.
So now I have 3 spares and a spare (ish) board I can use. its the same thing as the premium but premium has a different screen connector (different bigger screen) and missing some LEDS (there are glow rings around 2 main areas for premium) Blue rings and white needles. base got no rings red needles... im going to swap them out with the leds cuz I want red.
and another cool fun fact every other Subaru legacy/outback not in the north American market you can set the ring color!! and even flashes red for emergency braking! but we don't get none of that. prolly some stupid legal reason. coulda at least let us select the color... it still has the RGB leds but nothing in the settings. it got nerfed! but I'm going to fix that ;) (how I took it apart and broke it in first place)
Nice video and thanks
Thanks, this did the trick!
Hi there mine was not working I replaced it with instrument cluster with colored screen but the odometer is not reading anything could you help
I can repair your original cluster that came with the car.
Hello and thank you!
I have this issue as well. I just can’t find a place to send it to.
Can I send to you or would you recommend somewhere else?
Yes you can send it to me. My contact information is available at the bottom of the video description.
@@jeffescortlx Wow thank you, you are fast!
What do you charge? Otherwise sounds good. Just planning.
@@jeffescortlx Nvm, I see now in the description you will reply with a quote directly. Thank you.
I have an 08 Malibu and the cluster was not working this morning, I checked all the fuses and they were fine. Disconnected the negative battery terminal, waited a min, reconnected and it started working. If it starts doing this consistently, can I send it to you to be fixed? Have you heard of this problem before? Estimated price on fix?
Yes I've heard of this problem and yes I can fix it. I cover that repair here: ruclips.net/video/mn0ghcsALcw/видео.html
Very similar to the cluster in Camaros of the same vintage. Hopefully I won't have issues.
Yes I did notice that. I haven't has a Camaro one come in yet, I wouldn't mind seeing if they are exactly the same cluster.
Hi! Our gauge cluster died. We see the R203 - where can we get a replacement part for it?
Replace it? You don't need to replace it, you just need to reflow the damaged solder joint.
@@jeffescortlx we will try that
Do you do 2007 malibu? I got a dead one. Fuses good.
Sure I could check it out.
Hello sir! Do you happen to have a video into how to power up clusters? I know there is no same procedure for all clusters because they are all different.
No I don't have a video on that. But you can typically find a wiring diagram with a Google search.
Sure, I found some files into how to how to wire various clusters I just dont know what machine do they use as a power source
@@jesuscabezas7455 lab bench power supply works nicely
Hi friend, can you send me the pinout of that cluster? Thank you very much.
Pin 10 is ground and pin 20 and 21 is positive.
Hi,I cant find that resistor online anywhere.
The one that was on the cluster is gone.Do you have a link or where I could find one?
Thanks Rick
Electronic part vendors like mouser, Digi-key or Newark should have billions of 1.2k 0603 resistors in stock.
i have a 2011 malibu cluster with no power where should I start?
For buying specific components I'd reccomended mouser, digi-key or element 14/Newark. Otherwise eBay/Amazon have resistor kits for very resonable cost.
@@jeffescortlx Thank-you
Do u offer this repair for others?
Yes
Jeff, how did you get that instrument cluster to work?
I fixed it
Jeff did the Instrument cluster have a mosfet blown? or was the instrument cluster was dead?
@@samvalicenti5182 did you watch the video? It's all there, from start to finish with me explaining each step.
Jeff I watched the video. Thanks for the video. I like that.
Hi I have a 2016 Malibu limited and the odometer and the trip just shows - - - - any idea what it could be? Or what I need to replace?
This can be caused by either A: bus communication issues. B: corrupt eeprom/data. C: Someone installed a non-original instrument cluster without programming it.
@@jeffescortlx I’m assuming only the dealership can fix this?
@@alexquezada510 not necessarily. Just depends on what issue is causing it.
Hi @jeffescortix I have the same issue on 2015 Malibu. Just bought the car at auction. When I first looked at it the odometer was registering but after I purchased it, it wasn’t working any advice would be greatly appreciated
@@johelalvarez5538 I couldn’t figure it out man I ended up selling it. Took it to the dealer they suggested buying and new cluster and they would have to reprogram it but I wasn’t trying to deal with it anymore
Was there ever a recall on the year 2013? Please help
Sorry not sure, that would be a question for the dealer or Google search.
Did everything and it turns on again. Temp gauge works, gas gauge works but the rpm and speedometer aren't working and start to click. Tried to reset the needles but don't think I'm doing it right. Any advice for resetting the needles so they work?
The worm gear pop's out of the holder if you put too much pressure on it.
Hi question can you repair cluster for 2010 Chevy Malibu is digital ??
Possible yes
looks like plenty of room to put 2 2.4k resistors, split the load?
You could, but it's technically not the resistor that is failing, it's the lead free solder. Using traditional leaded solder does the trick.
@@jeffescortlx Roger that
Hiii jeff brother i have issue with 2011 malibu cluster... It goes blank but car working perfectly fine and when i remove negative battery terminal and join again the cluster start working again for couple of days and then goes blank again...... Could you please help me out..
ruclips.net/video/mn0ghcsALcw/видео.html
Hey bro, I got the same problem with Malibu 2010, do you know something about it?
That's a different design. They typically don't have power loss issues, just bad LED's.
@@jeffescortlx Thanks for answer, the problem was the battery, was smaller for the car specs.
Do you have the mouser or digi number for that
No I don't. No need to replace it, just fix the fractured solder joint.
Why doesn’t the check engine light come on when you put power to it
@@trustmebro8500 I didn't have the CEL wire connected. But it is now.
Hi we're experiencing loss of power to our cluster as well however our CD player keeps running any thoughts on that thank you
Have you tried ejecting the CD?
@@jeffescortlx
Yes there is no cd in it
Just got quoted 2400 to replace the cluster and the radio assembly
The dash lights work intermittently coming on and off as well now they're off totally
@@rickwinjester9706 but the gauges them selfs work fine?
@@jeffescortlx no they do not
Hey Jeff, I have one of these 13 Malibu clusters with the intermittent power loss. How much for me to ship it your way for repair? Thanks
Email replied to.
@@jeffescortlx I have a chevy malibu 2010 could I send my cluster for you to fix. And what will you charge me. THANKS
@@tomgarcia2117 I'm sorry but I'm booked up until August 2021.
@@jeffescortlx ok thanks
Awesome
Hey Jeff what's the cost to repair this issue?
Contact information for a quote is available in the description of this video. Thank you.
Hi , my name is Hector i need a chevy malibu 2013 cluster repair How do I send it to you and have you repair it?
My email address it at the bottom of the video description.
hi i have a 13 model malibu can you tell me where to send it and price?? its dead nothing works..thanks
My email address is in the description of this video.
How can I send my cluster in to you? What do you charge I have a 2013 Malibu cluster comes on when it wants to.
My email is in the description of this video.
Did everything workout
Awesome.
Your price for labor and part to repair one....as well as where to send it
Contact information is in the description of the video.