How simple or complicated is it to add an ATF temp gauge to an '02 Z71 gauge cluster?

[Marky Dissod]

Just read this post.

I would REALLY like to have an ATF temp gauge added to my 2002 Tahoe Z71's cluster (although it's not NEEDED, I prefer not to settle).
I do NOT want to do this myself.

Who'd be so kind as to accept some of my money and do this for me?
Do I need to provide them with my gauge cluster, one from a junkyard, or can I buy it from them?

 

[OR VietVet]

Get ahold of these people: https://www.fixmygauges.com/. They can explain what they do. They did it to my 05 Z71. You can go thru their site, pick what you want and they send to you. Then you send back your cluster in their provided return packaging and if you do that you get a lifetime warranty. The key is to make sure you have the wiring harness from your transmission to the back of the dash cluster. Typically they were built on the assembly line with the harness supplied and plugged in at the transmission, because so many clusters ended up in other models and trucks that did have the transmission temp gauge and it was less expensive to build ALL harnesses the same and then plug-n-play as needed.

 

[RAMurphy]

I did this years and years ago (over 10). I also have 2002 Tahoe. Yes, as @OR VietVet stated, your Tahoe is already wired for this input. I ended up purchasing a cluster from, believe it or not, RockAuto. I just looked under 2002 Silverado 2500 (6.0L). At the time, when I ordered it you gave them your make, model, VIN and mileage and they flashed the cluster. It gets delivered and then you send back your old cluster. I tried to do this myself by ordering a cluster from ebay and just utilizing the parts from it to get my original cluster to work, but the cluster needs to be flashed to work. I used that ebay cluster for a little bit, after I put it back together, the transmission temp worked but the mileage was way off. So then I went down the RockAuto option and I use that ebay cluster for parts (stepper motors. etc.). I have also heard great things, from not only this forum, but from others about Fix My Guages, plus you can customize the look.

 

[Marky Dissod]

So I should not be concerned that there is not a single word about anything about any gauge clusters pre-2003?
Except for adding an ATF temp gauge, no need to customize anything else.

 

[OR VietVet]

IMO, I would contact them and ask. I knew my 2005 had the harness from the factory and was already plugged in. That is why I said to make sure, FIRST, that you have that harness and if you do, make sure is attached at the transmission and the other end of it will be behind your existing cluster and should be plug-n-play with a new cluster with the transmission temp gauge. I was worried that your 2002 did not have that harness. Call them and they should be able to tell you for sure. The addition of the harness should be pretty easy, if the transmission is also set up for the harness to be plugged in to. In other words, don't assume anything. I didn't on my 2005 and did my research first.

 

[RAMurphy]

So, as @OR VietVet stated, just reach out to them and ask; they are a great little company. This is what "I" know. Your Tahoe is wired to provide this information. If you talk or email them they will tell you that same thing. They do work on the 2002 clusters but don't have the same level of customization available (something your not looking for). Again, just call and ask. The difference between the 2002 from the 2003 and out is, I believe, the harness and programming. But again, call (860-583-0629) and ask. Flashing will be required to get your cluster to work and accept the transmission temp input (they will do that).

 

[mountie]

In So Calif, I worked for a while at a performance transmission shop, owned by 'Art Carr'....
He always suggest his customers NOT to add a transmission temp gauge.
The temp changes will drive you nuts.

 

[Doubeleive]

So I should not be concerned that there is not a single word about anything about any gauge clusters pre-2003?
Except for adding an ATF temp gauge, no need to customize anything else.

the transmission temp signal is built in on all 00-23 all makes and models suv & pickup
the easiest method is to simply buy a cluster with a transmission temp gauge and programmed to your vin
it can be added by soldering and yada yada but still has to be flashed to the eprom in the cluster to work.
so unless you are investing a whole bunch of time and effort into doing it yourself then it's easier to just buy it or have a person do it that does it as a side gig or whatever seems to be a guy in every town, just check craigslist.

 

[Doubeleive]

In So Calif, I worked for a while at a performance transmission shop, owned by 'Art Carr'....
He always suggest his customers NOT to add a transmission temp gauge.
The temp changes will drive you nuts.

lol, maybe my 00 & 03 always stayed around 180 unless I was doing something really severe, the gmt900's+ do change like a womens attitude.

 

[Doubeleive]

this was the cluster I had on my 00, clearly it had trans temp capability, didn't like the blue on blue needles at night so had it changed to red

 

[Marky Dissod]

In So Calif, I worked for a while at a performance transmission shop, owned by 'Art Carr' ...
He always suggest his customers NOT to add a transmission temp gauge.
The temp changes will drive you nuts.

Knowing full well that I'd be VERY late to the game, if the ATF temp gauge helps me learn to program the gearing selection and TCC lockup strategy to lower ATF temps, then it'll be a good investment.
Even if it only teaches me to drive more conservatively, it'll be a good investment.

More useful information is always empowering.

No need to make my gauge cluster more colorful.

 

[Doubeleive]

Knowing full well that I'd be VERY late to the game, if the ATF temp gauge helps me learn to program the gearing selection and TCC lockup strategy to lower ATF temps, then it'll be a good investment.
Even if it only teaches me to drive more conservatively, it'll be a good investment.

More useful information is always empowering.

No need to make my gauge cluster more colorful.

you can always add it in stock format, I have always just customized mine is all

 

[Skynet]

GM Gauge Repair I had these guys do it on my 2005 Tahoe Z71

This is what I had done​

Complete rebuild & add transmission gauge

Repair cracked solder joints
Replace all stepper motors
Add transmission gauge & new overlay
Replace all bulbs

Very happy with the work. Work was done in 2018 and still no issues.

 

[DrummerDude70]

I have an '02 and had DFW Speedometer Repair so an overhaul and add the trans temp gauge. Works perfectly!

 

[Fomoodie]

Just read this post.

I would REALLY like to have an ATF temp gauge added to my 2002 Tahoe Z71's cluster (although it's not NEEDED, I prefer not to settle).
I do NOT want to do this myself.

Who'd be so kind as to accept some of my money and do this for me?
Do I need to provide them with my gauge cluster, one from a junkyard, or can I buy it from them?

I did it on my 04 Yukon, bought a new cluster faceplate and 8 new stepper motors (all gauges) there’s a spot to solder tranny temp stepper to board. I think it took 15 mins to change and add steppers and new lamps. Mine didn’t need cluster reprogramed.

 

[rjdjbd]

I agree with Fomoodie. I had my 2003 Suburban instrument panel serviced some years back, by a provider on eBay, of which there were many choices at the time. One of the optional choices was to add the transmission temp gauge for a nominal cost but since I don’t tow, I declined. No flashing or reprogramming was required. -Richard

 

[Moosemoon]

Get ahold of these people: https://www.fixmygauges.com/. They can explain what they do. They did it to my 05 Z71. You can go thru their site, pick what you want and they send to you. Then you send back your cluster in their provided return packaging and if you do that you get a lifetime warranty. The key is to make sure you have the wiring harness from your transmission to the back of the dash cluster. Typically they were built on the assembly line with the harness supplied and plugged in at the transmission, because so many clusters ended up in other models and trucks that did have the transmission temp gauge and it was less expensive to build ALL harnesses the same and then plug-n-play as needed.

I went to their site - don’t do prior to 2003? Would have thought 99-2007 would be the same?

 

[OR VietVet]

I went to their site - don’t do prior to 2003? Would have thought 99-2007 would be the same?

I think earlier in this thread, it was recommended to call them to double check.

 

[Fless]

I went to their site - don’t do prior to 2003? Would have thought 99-2007 would be the same?

The 2000-2002 clusters are different from the 2003-2006 clusters. Carl doesn't repair a customer's cluster, at least not directly. He sells them.

His recommended shop for cluster repairs can be found at https://usdashworks.com/product-category/repair/. There's an email address on that site to contact to ask the question about modifying your cluster.

 

[Javie]

Just read this post.

I would REALLY like to have an ATF temp gauge added to my 2002 Tahoe Z71's cluster (although it's not NEEDED, I prefer not to settle).
I do NOT want to do this myself.

Who'd be so kind as to accept some of my money and do this for me?
Do I need to provide them with my gauge cluster, one from a junkyard, or can I buy it from them?

I have an 02 Tahoe that I swapped out the old one for an 02 Escalades cluster with the trans. gauge in it already . Thing was a perfect match. Pretty much just plug and play bro