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)
<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1870974&psdid=293&evc=sm#ss2-1870974">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.
<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1870974&psdid=293&evc=sm#ss3-1870974">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 IP