Does a cluster need to be programmed by a dealer?

[BrooklynMike]

I just won this cluster on ebay, I think I read somewhere that a dealer has to program it to match the mileage on my truck. Is that correct? If so, should I have it programmed first, then install it? Or install it first, and the dealer can connect to the computer and see what the correct mileage is then program it?

here's the cluster i got: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280502340249&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[chistoso]

Nice find... Any speedometer shop can program it for you. If I were you I wouldn't install it til it's correctly programmed your original mileage otherwise you may have odometer disclosure problems. If you take it to a speedometer shop, take the original and the new cluster, they will hook up the original to a computer and verify the mileage and then transfer it to the new cluster and that way you avoid all the issues because there are several locations where the mileage is stored in the truck and you don't wanna have any discrepencies when you get ready to sell and disclose mileage.. Be prepared to pay $50-$80 to get this done right. Hope this helps..

 

[BrooklynMike]

Nice find... Any speedometer shop can program it for you. If I were you I wouldn't install it til it's correctly programmed your original mileage otherwise you may have odometer disclosure problems. If you take it to a speedometer shop, take the original and the new cluster, they will hook up the original to a computer and verify the mileage and then transfer it to the new cluster and that way you avoid all the issues because there are several locations where the mileage is stored in the truck and you don't wanna have any discrepencies when you get ready to sell and disclose mileage.. Be prepared to pay $50-$80 to get this done right. Hope this helps..

Cool, thanks, chistoso. Yes, that does help. I was thinking of going to a dealer, since I don't really know any speedometer shops. I will have to do some searching and asking around.

 

[Anthony]

I was quoted $90 by a local GM dealer.

 

[91RS]

I think a cluster can only be set once and once it is set that's it. It has to be sent off to the service center to be unlocked so the mileage can be set. I'm trying to find out how much that costs because I'd like to put a different cluster in my Trailblazer.

 

[Boomer73]

Carl Cowles can take care of this for you. 1-800-583-0629 or [email protected]. He's done two for me. He does FINE work.

-B

 

[chistoso]

I think a cluster can only be set once and once it is set that's it. It has to be sent off to the service center to be unlocked so the mileage can be set. I'm trying to find out how much that costs because I'd like to put a different cluster in my Trailblazer.

Negative.. Any speedo shop with access to the software can do it.

 

[Boomer73]

Negative.. Any speedo shop with access to the software can do it.

This.

 

[BrooklynMike]

I finally had some free time to stop by my local dealer today, and they said they've never done something like this before. Also, they quoted me $175 to program it if I install the cluster myself and $275 if they install it. What a rip off right??

One of the guys there even said that the cluster won't even fit in a Tahoe. I told him I've seen photos of Tahoes with it installed, and he asked me if I'm sure they didn't just change the face of the Tahoe cluster. Kinda made me a little nervous about doing it. They said to come first thing tomorrow morning and he'll try zero-ing out the mileage on the Escalade cluster and programming it with the mileage of my truck, he said they've only done that with reconditioned clusters and when a reconditioned one is installed, it reads blank.

wish me luck!

 

[MeanGreen03]

Like Boomer73 said. Go to: Digital Dash Solutions. I just had mine reprogramed by him. It was a rip off ($190) but it was my last resort since nobody in town would do it so I was stuck between a rock and a hard place unfortunately. This was the only place I could find that would do it. Hopefully you can find a cheaper place to do it.

 

[chistoso]

3 speedo shops here locally charge between $80 and $100 to do it. It takes them 15-20 minutes to do..

 

[Boomer73]

One of the guys there even said that the cluster won't even fit in a Tahoe.

He's clueless.

 

[ryancbennett]

since ya'll are on the subject of the cluster being programmed...my wifes 03 yukon's speedometer stopped working. I'm lookin at the digital dash guy on ebay but I'm leary about the mileage thing. When GM put out the recall on the gauge, i sent them my paperwork and they declined me (of course). All the gauges work except the speedometer. Any suggestions?? Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[Eagle]

Here is a beter solution.

swap over the needles, the pverlay, and the gauge bezel.

Cheap way:
transfer the trans temp motor and bulb.

total cost:
0 dollars.


However, you may need to replace those Motors anyway because they will fail, so just drop 7 new ones in your old cluster at the same time.

$31.



Paying to have the ODO reprogrammed
AND still having to do the above work in a year or two when the defective motors fail= suxorz


ryan: same thing. buy the motors (all 6 or 7) and swap them yourself. I did it all in an hour.