Chevy malibu beeping behind dash

[jackelstorm1983]

I have an anoying beeping sound eminating from behind my dash board from what sounds like the passanger side. It beeps in a code of 1 2 3 4 then starts over at one. Any idea as to what it is and how to get rid of it. Its happened before a few times but then it just stopped. However I have a 8 hour drive ahead of me tommorrow and I am not going to listen to it for that period of time.

[butchkaz]

I have an anoying beeping sound eminating from behind my dash board from what sounds like the passanger side. It beeps in a code of 1 2 3 4 then starts over at one. Any idea as to what it is and how to get rid of it. Its happened before a few times but then it just stopped. However I have a 8 hour drive ahead of me tommorrow and I am not going to listen to it for that period of time.

What year is this Malibu?
Any work done recently?
Any non-factory alarms?

[willegas]

This prolem started intermitantly when going over bumps however, the cluster is now completely dead with the exception of the illumination lights. I've inspected, took apart and reconnected all conections between the pcm,bcm and cluster itself. checked all fuses for continuity and power (all ok), dissasembled cluster and re-seated the 'twist off style' stepper motors, re-assembled to no avail. If one stepper motor goes bad will it cause an entire cluster fail? Oh, i still get the audible 'ding,ding' when i start the car due to a low fuel situation. What is my next step?
Thanks in advance. If I can't soon resolve this I'm going to have to fill it with gasand donate it to a local gun range so I and my friends can "blow" off some steam!

[ProTech]

You have one of two things that is causing your problem. Either you have a failed instrument cluster and it would have to be replaced to solve your problem...OR...you have a faulty ignition switch that is not sending the proper voltage to power up the instrument cluster, causing the erratic behavior. I've seen both quite a bit over the years, but more common is the ignition switch. Be aware that even if everything else seems to work fine, that doesn't eliminate a bad ignition switch. An ignition switch is fairly cheap and easy to change, you might want to start there. If you do end up needed a new instrument cluster, you will have to order one through your local GM dealer. Do not attempt to install another one from a donor car, or junkyard part, as it will not work.