Print this page

8.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
64,750 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. gm recalled several models for this problem, not monte carlo (3 reports)
  2. not sure (3 reports)
  3. buy a new gauge cluster from chevy for $350+ or diy (1 reports)
2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Owner Comments

problem #7

Jul 032017

Monte Carlo LS 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 205,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The gauges on this car just aren't working. I mean I know I'm not going 70 mph at a stop sign and I just filled the car up and the fuel gauge bounces from full to empty all the time. This is car is beginning to be a pain in the butt. It's like everything is going bonkers on it all at once.

- vbot, Sutherland, VA, US

problem #6

May 022014

Monte Carlo SS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles

I have a 2004 SS Monte Carlo (Dale Jr. addition). I don't drive it a lot and I have now 13,000 miles on it. At the time when my problem started I only had 11,000 miles. It started out that the gauge on the temp. stop working then you cut car off and turn on, later it would work normal. Then another gauge, gas gauge, wouldn't work and turn it off and start, later it would be normal. Then the turbo gauge wouldn't work and turn off start back up, it would be normal again and this went on for about month. Then the fuel gauge stopped working and hasn't work since, the gas light does come on when the fuel is low, but the other gauges seem to be OK, if they are working correctly, who knows. I have now made appointment with dealership to have checked.

- Patsy D., Madison Heights, VA, US

problem #5

Jun 012012

Monte Carlo Limited 6 cyl 3.8L Sc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,000 miles

The only gauge that APPEARs to be working properly is the fuel level gauge. ALL other gauges including the speedometer are NOT working.

- Mike W., Deale, MD, US

problem #4

Jun 152011

Monte Carlo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I already complained about all my issues with this car I am done. I will never buy another Chevy. They can only fix this by a recall if they even believe in RECALLS!!!!!!

- maytx, San Antonio, TX, US

problem #3

Mar 252009

Monte Carlo LS 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,850 miles

My speedometer flutters and when i come to stop it will stay at random mile marks: 35, 45,55 whatever speed i was going before i brake, it will then continue from that mark an spin almost a full 360. I can eventually get the speedometer back to zero by switching ignition key from off to aux power several times but its a quick fix for a short time. GM recalled several models for the Instrument Panel Cluster. Monte Carlo wasnt included in this but it ranges for the same years and problem that the recall covers. I found this site that explains the reacall and copied this post: ARTICLE:

Monday, September 10, 2007

Delphi settles GM parts issue

Company pays $100M to mend warranty issues and agrees to replace 1.1M electronic parts.

David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON -- Delphi Corp. will pay General Motors Corp. at least $100 million to settle long-standing disputes over warranty issues and also will replace 1.1 million electronics parts -- worth more than $80 million -- at no charge as part of a wide-ranging agreement between the companies.

The settlement, reached Aug. 14 and made public late Thursday, opens a window into the costs GM has incurred in dozens of recall campaigns as a result of parts supplied by its former parts unit. GM has blamed dozens of warranty claims on shoddy Delphi parts, especially electronics.

The companies won U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval to release only an edited copy of the agreement. The agreement resolves all outstanding issues between the companies and sets the stage for Delphi to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy by the end of the year. Troy-based Delphi has filed a final reorganization plan.

Since GM spun off Delphi in 1999, the automaker has had many disputes with the company over warranty claims.

GM spokeswoman Renee Rashid-Merem said Friday that the agreement "clears the slate" between Delphi and GM "and resolves a certain group of outstanding warranty issues."

She said the agreement covers as many as 50 warranty issues; the settlement refers to at least 43 warranties.

The major issue resolved involves 1.1 million electronic parts that are part of instrument clusters, according to a heavily edited version of the agreement that has been made public. The instrument cluster is the electronic brain behind the instrument panel on the dash.

With the agreement and an improving relationship with Delphi, GM hopes to save $2 billion annually in parts costs.

As Delphi exits several businesses, GM will represent a diminishing share of its revenue -- down to a quarter or less than $5 billion by 2010.

Delphi attorney Jack Butler said the agreement saves Delphi "hundreds of millions of dollars in potential liability."

Defective parts replaced

Under the deal, GM will receive $47.5 million to replace defective electronic parts and Delphi will provide 1.1 million new parts at no charge through 2014.

In addition, GM will have a right to buy additional parts at no more than $83 each.

For instrument clusters equipped with Switec stepper motors, Delphi also will provide bulbs and motors at its cost.

In another issue, Delphi will pay GM $175 per repair for up to 107,000 vehicles -- or as much as $18 million. GM would not divulge what part is involved.

Delphi also may sue a supplier over one of the defective parts. If successful, the company has agreed to give GM part of any proceeds exceeding $8 million.

During the dispute, GM withheld $5.4 million in parts payments from Delphi. Delphi won't seek the payment.

Meanwhile, two GM investigations into other allegedly defective parts by Delphi remain ongoing, "and GM has not yet determined if Delphi has any responsibility," according to the agreement.

GM PARTS BULLETINS & INFORMATION - TO CADILLAC, CHEVROLET AND GMC DEALERS Subject:Bulletin GMP07-174 - Special Coverage Adjustment #07187- Instrument Panel Cluster Gauge Needle FunctionMessage #:VSU20071575 • DESCRIPTION: SPECIAL COVERAGE Adjustment #07187- SEPTEMBER 28, 2007

DUE TO PART AVAILABILITY, THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE IS BEING ADMINISTERED IN PHASES. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED AS EACH ADDITIONAL PHASE IS RELEASED.

CUSTOMERS ARE BEING INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT IF THEY BELIEVE THEIR VEHICLE HAS THIS CONDITION. THE CUSTOMER IS BEING ASKED TO PROVIDE THE VIN SO THE IPC CAN BE ORDERED IN ADVANCE OF THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT. THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT. o Some customers of 2003-2004 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles have reported that the instrument panel (IP) cluster gauges stick, flutter, or become inoperative. This may cause inaccurate readings, including the speedometer and fuel gauge. o This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 7 years or 70,000 miles (110,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. o Refer to Special Coverage Adjustment #07187 for further information

EFFECTIVE DATE: Initial owner mailing is scheduled to begin: Phase 1 9-28-07

GENERAL INFORMATION: Instrument panel clusters (IPC) required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from the Electronic Service Centers. Refer to GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 1.5.9, for specific procedures. To eliminate keeping the customer's vehicle overnight, customers are being told to contact the dealership to arrange a service appointment and to supply their VIN. Dealers are to pre-order the IPC identifying the part from the Electronic Parts Catalog using the VIN filter so it will be at the dealership on the day of the scheduled appointment. o 1. The customer will contact the dealership to arrange an appointment and provide their VIN. 2. Contact a GM Authorized Electronic Service Center to order an exchange and arrange for delivery of the pre-exchange product. 3. All units will be shipped FedEx Ground. 4. After removal of the defective unit, return the defective core to the Electronic Service Center using the supplied pre-paid Automatic Return shipping (ARS) label. 5. Failure to return the product within 30 days to the Electronic Service Center will result in a charge to the Dealer's Open Parts Account.

http://site1.wikianswers.com/templates/icons/ql.gif)" style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND-POSITION: left top; PADDING-LEFT: 0px">http://site1.wikianswers.com/templates/icons/ql.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 10px 0px 0px 37px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; HEIGHT: 22px"> Dear All,

We have for sale Switec Make Stepper motros, which can be used for GM CARS Instrument Clusuter problems from Year 2002 to 2006 Car Models.

We also have Stepper Motors for BMW, MERCEDES, FORD AND VOLKSWOGEN Cars.

If you are interested to buy reply to us with the quantity you are looking to purchase.

We will ship from USA to you.

As of now we have in stock X25.168 & XC5.168 for GM Cars, X25.589 for BMW.

Please feel free to conact us with ur requirments, we will ship all over the world.

Best Regards, Email - sales@switecsteppermotors.com Web: http://www.switecsteppermotors.com http://site1.wikianswers.com/templates/icons/qr.gif)" style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND-POSITION: right bottom; PADDING-LEFT: 0px">http://site1.wikianswers.com/templates/icons/qr.gif); PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; HEIGHT: 22px"> Note: I have a 2004 Impala that is experiencing the exact same problem. I called GM to see if they would extend the same 7yr/70,000 mile coverage to my car that they are exending to their trucks. After making me go to a dealer and paying over $100 for the dealer to agree that it is the same problem, now GM is refusing to help.

So, GM wins a settlement due to the problem, and they extend special coverage to some owners, but they refuse to extend coverage to others. Wow!

One thing I can promise you is that we have bought our last GM. We have not been happy with the Impala over the years - little stuff keeps going wrong with it.

And they wonder why their market share is shrinking. It should!

- keo718, Astoria, NY, US

problem #2

Oct 252008

Monte Carlo LS 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

I have been a loyal GM owner for 40 years. I could understand if it was something I could break. It's the wife's car that has had no speedometer for the last 6 months. I called GM, and they were very sympathetic. "If you would please get a diagnostic from any Chevy dealer, we can help." What a joke! I cant believe I was stupid enough to fall for that. $42.95 later, they tell me my cluster is bad, but I already knew that. "We will fix it for $559". No thanks! GM later told me they cannot help, it's not a common problem on my car. I replied that it would be my last GM car if I had to pay for the fix.

Names and numbers of GM representative: Mandy 866.790.5600 ext 12092

Call her anytime, and she will be glad not to help.

- tlpitzer, New Waterford, OH, US

problem #1

Feb 282009

Monte Carlo LS 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,324 miles

I first noticed a problem with my gauge needles nearly a year ago. I had started up my car first thing in the morning and my speedo needle jumped up to 65 and stayed there, I wasn't moving! I turned the car off then turned the key to the "on" position and the needle moved down to 60. I repeated this until the needled was back at 0. I thought the problem was solved until one day I noticed the needle wasn't moving smoothly. It was almost as if it was getting stuck on something. Then one day it just stopped working at all. Now, none of my gauges work, they're all stuck in a weird position and don't move at all. The only way I can tell that i'm low on gas is when my low fuel light comes on. I have no idea when/if my engine temp is getting high and the only way I can tell how fast i'm going is via my GPS.

I called the dealer about it and was told that I'd have to buy a new cluster for $355. I don't have that kind of money to throw at this problem so I got online and found that this is a very common problem with 2000 and up GM vehicles. The issue here is with the stepper motors that each needle is connected to, for some reason they fail. There is a recall on Chevy/GM/Cadillac trucks that use the exact same stepper motor that's in the Monte Carlo, yet the Monte isn't covered in the recall. How does that make sense? I searched around some more and found that you can replace the stepper motors, they can be had for about $10ea, shipped, on ebay. The part# to look for is X25-168, do not buy stepper motors with part# XC5-168.

- rkf76, Sacramento, CA, US

Not what you are looking for?