The instrument (gauge) cluster is your guide to the car engine's internal operations; if it goes out, you'll be basically "driving blind." In this case, the project car is a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, a truck that was recalled for instrument cluster failure. As it turns out, every stock gauge cluster will go out eventually, as the speedometer will eventually start reading incorrectly. The fix is to replace the cluster, which is about a 30-minute process.
Park the truck on a level surface and set the parking brake. Place your key in the ignition and turn it to the "On" position, but do not crank over the engine. Tilt the steering column down and place your foot on the brake pedal. Shift the automatic gear lever to its lowest position.
Grip the dashboard bezel around the gauge cluster and radio with your hands and pull it towards you to release the clips that hold it in place. Then pull the bezel away from the dashboard and set it out of the way. For a vehicle other than an '04 Silverado, look for screws or bolts that hold the bezel around the instrument cluster in place, and remove them using the appropriate tool.
Unbolt the stock gauge cluster from the dashboard, using the 1/4-inch ratchet and socket. Pull the cluster towards you, then unplug the wiring harness from the cluster, using your hands.
Plug the replacement cluster into the wiring harness and bolt it into the dash using the 1/4-inch ratchet and socket. Reinstall the dashboard bezel using your hands, and push it in place until it clicks into the dash (for other models, reinstall the dashboard bezel by reattaching the removed screws or bolts). Shift the car back into park, take the key out of the ignition and tilt the steering column back to its original position.
