None of the needle gauges work on the dash. After starting all the idiot lights slowly come on, but the needle gauges stay dead. I had my local shop verify the fuses and power. They also checked the transmission sensor in an attempt to get the speedometer working so it passes inspection with no luck.

 

You can try this process with your gauges to see if it helps -

 

This is a gauge cluster test, I've never heard of it resetting anything. In any case, it verifies that (almost) all warning lights and the gauges work from an electrical/mechanical perspective without the PCM involved. Does the odometer work or does it show "no bus" ?

 

when I do this, we get the “check” the ABS lights up, then we get three numbers: 920, 921, 999

none of the gauges move or light up.

 

None of the gauge needles sweep during the test?

 

Supposedly pressing the trip button after 999 continues the self test.

 

when I do this, we get the “check” the ABS icon lights up, then we get three numbers: 920, 921, 999

none of the gauges move or light up.

 

No they all stay dead , left position as if off.

 

The odometer works

 

Problem with the cluster itself then.