GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hi, new member here, Any thoughts on how I can read odometer, gas /temp gage ect when it's a bright sunny day. This is on 2003 vibes & matrix only. Let's report it to NHTSB ?? :

Was there ever a TSB about this allowing you to get the gauge cluster replaced with the '04 cluster if you wanted? I can't remember if that was just a suggestion or something they actually did...Anyhow, a lot of people have the same problem with the '03 gauges. Personally, I like the red gauges. But you're not alone.

Funny, I can see the guages just fine on bright days, Oakley's or not.

I hope this isn't going to be another one of THOSE threads...

the time i really have a problem is when my moonroof is open. at that time, it's hard for me to read the clock

My PT cluster washes out when it is dusk and you turn on the lights. Not until it is completely dark out will the gauges appear clear to read again. My wife says the Vibe is not an issue for her though.I doubt GM will replace the cluster with a newer version. If it is not broke they generally will not replace and the current 03 clusters technically work fine. Good luck if you complain, dlrs will just listen and do nothing, and realy they cannot. The NHTSB will most likely not do anything either or technically be able to. To run a NTF No Trouble Found part under warranty is hard and OEs are getting better at charging dlrs back if NTF parts are returned. Plus you cannot set the milage on the new cluster (as far as I know), I have looked into the PCM milage option using my Tech 2 and I cannot access it. Possibly the PCM just does not display/log that like a Cavalier I had but a Blazer I had did and my Vette does. Good way to verify the vehicle mileage. Possibly take the cluster apart and upgrade the LEDs or bulbs...

Yeap and Toyota supplies and sets the prices on the GM Vibe parts... This is fact.

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy »My PT cluster washes out when it is dusk and you turn on the lights. Not until it is completely dark out will the gauges appear clear to read again. Actually, i'll agree with that statement. It does get tough around dusk-ish. I try to find the right balance of the cluster brightness when dim, and when it gets dark enough to turn the lights on..

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy »Plus you cannot set the milage on the new cluster (as far as I know),No, it can be done, but I think it has to be done by GM...I had a cluster replaced under warranty about a year ago...but because the plastic lens broke...

Usually the cluster lenses are replaceable themselves.

Those GM displays were nightmares.

I can admit when I am wrong, I am a man about it... Per the GM serv manual they must be sent to Delco. I am intrigued by this and wonder how it is done since the mileage is stored in the PCM. However it is just another reason why GM would not repalce an 03 working cluster with a new one. Guys that add HUD to their Vettes have to have it done since a cluster that can handle HUD is needed. Maybe one day I will add HUD to mine.

Try adjusting the dimmer switch. Bring it to the white line. I did that with my 03 because I found the pod lights were always dim because the headlights were always coming on because the auto sensor always thinks it's darker than it really is because it is in the shadow of the a-pillar

Quote, originally posted by johnnyride »Try adjusting the dimmer switch. Bring it to the white line. I did that with my 03 because I found the pod lights were always dim because the headlights were always coming on because the auto sensor always thinks it's darker than it really is because it is in the shadow of the a-pillarThat's the best suggestion. Also noted that polarized sunglasses will dramatically reduce the ability to read the gauges during the day, especially sunny. I personally use "driving sunglasses" while driving which aren't polarized and I never have any problems reading the gauges. However switching over to polarized, gauge visibility is severely reduced.

That is very true, my wife couldn't make out the dash when she had her sunglasses on...that's part of the reason I traded the 03 for an 04...waste of time though, she left me 2 weeks ago!