Pontiac Repair: 2004 Pontiac Montana, google search, pontiac montana

Question
Hi, I have a 2004 Pontiac Montana Van, the speedometer has stopped working, as well as the fuel gauge, the temp gauge and the cd player...not sure if they are all connected, but we need help to figure out where to start to fix it, my husband usually fixes all of our vehicles...but this seems to be different...he is capable of fixing it, but if he replaces the whole cluster is there serial #'s that he has to worry about...if so where are they located...is there any site that will walk a person through fixing something like this?  We cannot afford to go to the dealership or an expensive mechanic, we live from pay check to pay check, and don't have anything extra for this...but, I need my speedometer...for some reason...lol  If I know for sure what the problem is and I am not spending extra on guesses that will help us...Anything you can tell us that will help would be appreciated...thanks Cindy

Answer
Hi Cindy;

did the cd player quit at the same time as the dash cluster? If so you may have some sort of a power or ground issue here. if one quit before the other you have 2 different issues here. make sure there are no blown fuses. Do the indicator lamps work on the cluster like service engine soon,abs,Hi beam turn signals?? if so I doubt it's a power or ground issue. if just the gauges quit working it's a issue inside the cluster. If you getone from a junk yard make sure the part # on the back of it matches the one in the van. An exchange unit from the dealer is usually between 250-300 dollars and we get them from an authorized GM reman facility. Good Luck :)
You can also try Ebay or a google search for exchange cluster units but that is heard to find due to the fact people would try to get one with less milage then on the van so it would make it worth more at trade in time so there are restrictions on getting them not thru a dealer or an ac delco supply house.
Good luck :)