Reconfiguring Instrument cluster with Tech2 and TIS

[DougAMiller]

I put the stepper motor for Trans Temp in my cluster a while back (2005 Tahoe) when I replaced the whole set due to one of them acting up. Unfortunately, from what I can tell 2004-2006 have to be reprogrammed to turn on the Trans Temp gauge. Mine will zero on power up, but won't move off zero and won't sweep with the Tech2 like the others. Since it zeros, I'm confident that it is installed correctly. So, my question is, since I have access to a Tech2 and TIS, what is the exact method of changing the programming to activate this gauge? I have successfully reprogrammed the driver seat module to fix the reverse power seat control issue, but when I go through the programming procedure for the cluster I don't see any options to turn on the Trans gauge. Now I haven't actually reprogrammed the cluster, just went through the procedure up to the point of being ready to upload the program. Perhaps there are options after the programming step? That doesn't seem right to me, but I haven't tested it. Anyone know what steps/equipment are needed to activate this gauge? I'd really like to get it working. And yes, I know this has been discussed in many threads, but the specific programming steps don't seem to be there.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

I put the stepper motor for Trans Temp in my cluster a while back (2005 Tahoe) when I replaced the whole set due to one of them acting up. Unfortunately, from what I can tell 2004-2006 have to be reprogrammed to turn on the Trans Temp gauge. Mine will zero on power up, but won't move off zero and won't sweep with the Tech2 like the others. Since it zeros, I'm confident that it is installed correctly. So, my question is, since I have access to a Tech2 and TIS, what is the exact method of changing the programming to activate this gauge? I have successfully reprogrammed the driver seat module to fix the reverse power seat control issue, but when I go through the programming procedure for the cluster I don't see any options to turn on the Trans gauge. Now I haven't actually reprogrammed the cluster, just went through the procedure up to the point of being ready to upload the program. Perhaps there are options after the programming step? That doesn't seem right to me, but I haven't tested it. Anyone know what steps/equipment are needed to activate this gauge? I'd really like to get it working. And yes, I know this has been discussed in many threads, but the specific programming steps don't seem to be there.

I have wondered /asked this same thing as well. Subbed for anything you find out.

 

[DougAMiller]

I recognize that the people that have this knowledge may very well be using it to earn a living, but hopefully some kind soul will enlighten us.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

I recognize that the people that have this knowledge may very well be using it to earn a living, but hopefully some kind soul will enlighten us.

I had a local guy tell me that it'll "just work" so I said "not for late 04-06" he said he could turn it on with his "factory scanner" but I don't think he knows. I think its trickier than that. Digital dash solutions says it requires "programming" and you need to send it to them. That's all I could get...

 

[DougAMiller]

Yeah, I've seen that in a number of forums as well, and as I said, I can understand the shops that do this not wanting to tell their secrets. However, I did read where someone claimed that he was able to activate his using a Tech2 and TIS2Web. That site is now under ACDelco and requires a subscription, but the TIS2000 version that I got with my Tech2 is supposed to have the latest programming for pre-2007. I'm still playing with it, but I haven't yet figured out a way to do it.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

I think you're on the right track @DougAMiller. This is from digital dash solutions site.

 

[DougAMiller]

So, a little more research. I tried reprogramming the cluster with the current software, hoping that it would present me with an option to activate the Trans Temp gauge. No luck there, it successfully reprogrammed and everything works as it did, but nothing about activating the gauge. Next, I thought maybe I could trick it into loading a Denali or Escalade version (since they have the gauge) by looking up the software version number on CalID. I went to an online car sales site and got the VINs of a couple of Denalis and entered them into CalID, which gives you the software ID number, and to my surprise, they both returned the same software ID number that mine has.

So apparently, it's not a different version of the software in the cluster, but somehow the software needs to be told that the gauge is there. Maybe the software needs to be loaded using a VIN that indicates the gauge is there? I REALLY want to figure this out and get that gauge working!

 

[swathdiver]

Wish I could help, it's still all Greek to me.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

So, a little more research. I tried reprogramming the cluster with the current software, hoping that it would present me with an option to activate the Trans Temp gauge. No luck there, it successfully reprogrammed and everything works as it did, but nothing about activating the gauge. Next, I thought maybe I could trick it into loading a Denali or Escalade version (since they have the gauge) by looking up the software version number on CalID. I went to an online car sales site and got the VINs of a couple of Denalis and entered them into CalID, which gives you the software ID number, and to my surprise, they both returned the same software ID number that mine has.

So apparently, it's not a different version of the software in the cluster, but somehow the software needs to be told that the gauge is there. Maybe the software needs to be loaded using a VIN that indicates the gauge is there? I REALLY want to figure this out and get that gauge working!

Go Doug! I'm only good for moral support, but I wanna know the answer to this sooooooooo bad!!!

 

[DougAMiller]

Today I tried to use a Denali VIN to load the IPC software from TIS2000 into the Tech2 and then reprogrammed the cluster with with it. Still no Trans Temp. Even though the Tahoe and Yukon Denali seem to use the same software part number, I thought maybe there was something about the VIN that caused a gauge option for the Trans Temp to be set during programming. However, that doesn't appear to be the case. I'm running out ideas for how this is done.

 

[swathdiver]

You could get the 3 day subscription for $55 or so and make sure everything is updated, it's possible the Tis2000 is just not up to date anymore. What software in your Tech2? 33.004?

 

[DougAMiller]

Yes, my Tech2 has version 33.004. If I was certain that the subscription would do the trick, I would consider spending the money, but my understanding is that no new updates for 2006 and older vehicles have been released since this version. Also, I know that people have been doing this since back when TIS2000 was the newest tool, so I believe that it should be doable.

Anyway, thanks for the suggestion.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Today I tried to use a Denali VIN to load the IPC software from TIS2000 into the Tech2 and then reprogrammed the cluster with with it. Still no Trans Temp. Even though the Tahoe and Yukon Denali seem to use the same software part number, I thought maybe there was something about the VIN that caused a gauge option for the Trans Temp to be set during programming. However, that doesn't appear to be the case. I'm running out ideas for how this is done.

Cmon, Doug! Think harder!!

 

[PG01]

Wish I could help, it's still all Greek to me.

Dont talk about greeks, my first wife was greek, left that crazy ***** after 6mths.... not even sure why I stayed that long.... no kids, no house, no nuthin...c-ya pyscho

 

[PG01]

Maybe go into the trans thru the tech 2? Just ideas...

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Maybe go into the trans thru the tech 2? Just ideas...

I'm positive it's in the cluster because digital dash solutions can do it when you send it in. Also a place in WI a few hours from me that can do it.

 

[adventurenali92]

Hey guys sorry to bring back an old thread and my question is a little off topic but related. Sorta.... lol did you rebuild your Tahoe’s current gauge cluster? Or a new cluster and added the trans temp. Programming wise, are you able to program the correct mileage into the DIC? Or is that different?

 

[DougAMiller]

Hey guys sorry to bring back an old thread and my question is a little off topic but related. Sorta.... lol did you rebuild your Tahoe’s current gauge cluster? Or a new cluster and added the trans temp. Programming wise, are you able to program the correct mileage into the DIC? Or is that different?

I was replacing the stepper motors and a couple of bulbs in my cluster, and decided to add the trans temp gauge while I had it apart. As has been discussed on this forum, sometime in 2004 it appears that GM changed things and you could no longer just add the gauge, the cluster software also has to be told that the gauge is there in 2005-2006 Tahoes. I have a Tech2 and tried reprogramming my cluster several different ways to attempt to get the gauge working, but I never saw any place to turn it on in the programming. Same thing for setting the mileage, I never found anywhere in the Tech2 programming interface to do that either. And apparently, the people that do know the secret are pretty tight-lipped about it, as I have never found a description of how to do it. Sorry.

 

[adventurenali92]

I was replacing the stepper motors and a couple of bulbs in my cluster, and decided to add the trans temp gauge while I had it apart. As has been discussed on this forum, sometime in 2004 it appears that GM changed things and you could no longer just add the gauge, the cluster software also has to be told that the gauge is there in 2005-2006 Tahoes. I have a Tech2 and tried reprogramming my cluster several different ways to attempt to get the gauge working, but I never saw any place to turn it on in the programming. Same thing for setting the mileage, I never found anywhere in the Tech2 programming interface to do that either. And apparently, the people that do know the secret are pretty tight-lipped about it, as I have never found a description of how to do it. Sorry.

I read the part about the trans temp. Good info to read. I was just thinking if there’s way to avoid going to the stealership to have my rebuilt cluster programmed I was gonna try. But no such luck especially cuz I don’t have access to a tech2. But thought I would ask anyways. Lol. Thanks for the info friend!

 

[swathdiver]

...cuz I don’t have access to a tech2.

A Tech2 is only a few clicks away Chase!