| Subject: | Noise Coming From Instrument Panel Cluster (Replace Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)) |
| Models: | 2003-2005 Buick LeSabre |
| 2003-2007 Buick Rendezvous |
| 2003-2006 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT |
| 2003-2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, Impala, Monte Carlo |
| 2003-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe, TrailBlazer EXT |
| 2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic, TrailBlazer |
| 2003-2007 Chevrolet Kodiak Models |
| 2003-2006 GMC Envoy XL, Yukon, Yukon XL |
| 2003-2007 GMC Sierra Classic |
| 2003-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada |
| 2003-2005 Pontiac Aztek, Bonneville, Sunfire |
| Attention: | Appropriate repair is based on vehicle build date. Use GMVIS to determine the vehicle build date. |
This bulletin is being revised to add model years and provide important repair information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-08-49-015 (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a noise coming from the instrument panel cluster (IPC) while driving or on initial start-up. Instrument clusters may contain stepper motor gages that can make noise during the following conditions:
| • | Initial startup (gages zero/reset) |
| • | Gage ascending and descending (gage sweeping) |
| • | Engine idle (tachometer ticking) |
| • | Engine off (gages reset to zero) |
Cause
The cause of this noise may come from the instrument cluster gages, which contain stepper motors. As the gage pointer moves, rotors and gears inside the stepper motors are rapidly rotated and rubbing one another. It is natural to generate mechanical noise
due to all gear movement. However, it will not in any way affect the performance and durability of the cluster.
Correction
For vehicles built or clusters remanufactured on or after March 1, 2005, DO NOT exchange the IPC for a noise only concern. As of March 1, 2005, all stepper motor improvements are in place and noise from the cluster is within the acceptable performance.
Any remaining noise from the IPC is inherent to the system design and replacing the cluster for just a noise concern will more than likely result in a similar noise. Please inform the customer that the IPC is performing within the acceptable guideline. If after
the customer has been informed and still insist to replace the cluster, then the cluster should be replaced.
For vehicles built or clusters remanufactured prior to March 1, 2005, clusters should be replaced for noise concern.
Clusters should continue to be replaced for any concern affecting the functionality of the IPC.
Parts Information
Cluster exchange units can be obtained from an authorized Electronic Service Center.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
| Description
| Labor Time
|
N4180
| Cluster Assembly, Instrument Panel - Replace
| Use Published Labor Operation Time
|
