Car had sat for 18 years I got as a roller, it's running now but only volt meter and oil pressure works.
when started all gauges respond and sweep and come down from sweep then zero out.
inop:
Water temp
Tach
Gas gauge
Not sure of speedo haven't driven it
Would a cluster partially fail? I just can't imagine what else could be
Any thought? Please post up

 

I can not remember everything that went out, but had something very similar, though think I had more then just the cluster. There is as small box behind the radio (module, daytime running lamp), unplug it and clean the contacts.

 

The DRL module doesn't affect any of the instrument cluster gauges.

We can assume the GAUGES fuse is okay since you get the startup sweep and your voltmeter seems to be working. There are four gauges (plus the odometer) which get their data from the serial data bus - the three that you mentioned plus the speedometer which you haven't confirmed. The other gauges don't use serial data... the voltmeter simply compares input voltage from the GAUGES fuse to ground and the oil pressure grounds through the sensor in the engine.

So it looks like you have a cluster serial data problem. If you think it's possible that the connector to the cluster has been disturbed then check that it is properly connected. Otherwise, you'll have to see if if the serial data circuit is working using a scan tool or assume the cluster is defective and replace it.

 

Believe it or not, yes it does, 100%. Happened to me. Mechanic, pulled out the wiring diagram, and showed me the path.

 

Sorry, no. The ONLY connection the DRL module has to anything in the cluster is the brake warning light for the parking brake being engaged. There is nothing connecting to the gauges in any way. They do share the GAUGES fuse, but we've already established that power to the gauges is not the issue here. But here is the schematic... feel free to look it over and point out the path you're referring to.



DRL Module - Camaro (Firebird the same except for light sensor bypass)

 

Unfortunately, my printed copy of the diagram present to me the Mechanic was destroyed in the hurricane last year. (hence my post of my 2nd WS6 purchase back in Nov) I am 90% sure, your image is only a partial. My car was in 3 shops over 4 months (during covid). First shop could not find it; Chevy dealer could not find it. I needed up at a mom-and-pop shop, with a Former Pontiac Mechanic. He spent hours, looking through the diagrams, when he finally found it. Wish I still have the printout.

Is it possible while the Mechanic to Dorking around, it got fixed, Sure.

Ultimately, this is only a suggestion as I stated, some of the OP symptoms may be different. However, we are talking about a 5–10-minute potential free fix. What does the OP have to lose.

 

I really don't want this to become a pissing match, but I want to ensure that only accurate information is presented. There is ABSOLUTELY no connection between the DRL module and the instrument cluster except for the brake warning light. Perhaps you're thinking of the Body Control Module (BCM) behind the glovebox?

Here are the pinouts for the two connectors that plug into the DRL module. You can see for yourself that none of the wires have anything to do with the instrument cluster.







You are correct that cleaning contacts is a simple option which can be quite effective and cost nothing to try, but in this case it would only involve unnecessary effort with no chance of success.

 

thanks for replying I've tried scanner and I can't get it to connect the screen goes blank so crap
Yes fuse is good checked power at port it had 7 volts but battery was low so I rechargrecharged it and i haven't had much time lately to to look at it again I'll take look this weekend

 

I don't understand the comment "gauges sweep and come down to zero" - These cars don't do a needle sweep at startup under normal circumstances. The only time I've seen my 99's cluster do anything close to a sweep was when I had an almost dead battery, it barely started, and the gauges all wigged out spastic for a moment, then dropped down near zero before reading normally.

 

sparky sending you a pm

 

well little update so along with the cluster issue I also had no communication when I tried to hook up scanner - nothing so I spoke to friend that's great with electrical (me not so much)
I tracked down the serial wire from ECM to ALDL and there was no continuity. I found an old pic from this site (thanks for whoever posted this!) of complete engine harness and looked at the pic there was a bundle that had a gromet where engine harness went inside the car I found my GM service manual and found schematic for cluster all 3 of my inop gauges (tach, temp and fuel) were on same connection, well when I pulled pass kick panel and found what's picture below on Saturday was going to address this Sunday. when I woke up, my mind started to get put this all together was really curious if this would be related, so did some wiring surgery now my scanner works and my gauges do too! needless to say I was pretty happy
damaged wiring was near connectors 36 & 37 and this was due to Rats! PO let this happen in his garage

 

Glad you got it sorted! Darn rodents.