Adding the Transmission Temp Gauge to Cluster

sgiangregorio · November 11, 2002

Poking around at some of the different clusters available for our trucks, I noticed that if you buy an updated cluster with the Trans Temp Gauge on it, and use it in place of a cluster that didn't have the gauge, that it would work just fine (must already be part of the onboard computer to monitor the actual temp). Well, I don't have the gauge in my 02 Tahoe, but had it in my 01 2500HD. I liked having it since I tow boats a lot. Can you add just the gauge? I really don't see a need to replace my whole cluster.

Shaners · November 11, 2002

If I had to make a wild guess, I would say you'll have to buy the cluster...

KMeloney · November 11, 2002

I really don't see a need to replace my whole cluster.

Well, if you saw MINE, you would! I put an '02 Escalade cluster (the '03 Escalade cluster is downright plain and ugly, IMO) in my '02 Z71 Tahoe, and it looks great! By all means, drop the cash on one of the clusters that you do like out there -- you have to look at your cluster all the time, so it might as well be one that you really like.

Good luck!

-Kirk

sgiangregorio · November 11, 2002

Thanks Kirk. And the gauge worked just fine when you plugged it in? What did you do about the mileage transfer issue? Did you have it done the right way. Did you buy it from JP Customs?

Thanks

Bish · November 11, 2002

Ditto on the Escalade Cluster. Put one in my 01 Tahoe. Looks great! Paid around $276 delivered from Sal (GM dealer). Took about 5 minutes to replace. Had mileage programed for $75 at a local speedo shop. Actually asked my dealer where they sent theirs and he actually told me

Bet it's A LOT easier than trying to add a guage.

Stepside Z · November 12, 2002

You have to change the entire cluster. The good news is that you have some good choices. I had a 3/4 ton cluster installed in mine. My dealer took care of the milage/engine hour reprogram. It is a plug and play mod so it is easy to do.

sgiangregorio · November 12, 2002

Stepside, that's actually what I'd prefer, the 2500 cluster. I only want the Trans Temp gauge added, I'm actually not a big fan of some of the other styles. I actually like it to look like it was stock, with just the added function. Anyone know where you can buy a 2500 one? I only have found Escalade and Denali models. Can you just get it from the dealer?

KMeloney · November 12, 2002

Thanks Kirk. And the gauge worked just fine when you plugged it in? What did you do about the mileage transfer issue? Did you have it done the right way. Did you buy it from JP Customs?

Thanks

Yep, the cluster (including the tranny temp) works flawlessly! No issues what-so-ever.

I didn't get my mileage transfered, though not from lack of wanting or trying to. Here in PA no one seems to do the transfer. There's a place in NY that a local Caddy dealership uses, but they needed BOTH of my clusters to do the transfer (which meant no driving my Tahoe for @ 4 days, which I COULDN'T afford to do)...

I've got the mileage from my original cluster written down. And, I still have the original cluster. If there's any question as to the truck's mileage, it's just a question of adding the two's mileages together. I only had 2000 miles on the original cluster, so we're not talking about a huge disparity anyway. But, I'm not interested in fooling anyone -- I'm just waiting for a more convenient way to get the mileage transfered (since I can do it at anytime in the future).

I bought my Escalade cluster from gmpartsdirect.com. I didn't know about JP Customs at the time. I've subsequently bought Denali parts from JP with great service.

By all means, get the cluster that you like the best. For me, I was interested in a stereo headunit with a brushed aluminum face. The face of the headunit and the backlighting of the unit go perfectly with the lighting of the cluster and the aluminum-looking rings around the Escalade gauges -- so, that was the best one for me. I've also noticed that lots of people notice that "something's different" with my cluster, and I get lots of compliments on it. But it's neither distracting nor gaudy. I'm really happy with the complete look of my dash now.

-Kirk

Redapple · November 12, 2002

I put in the Yukon/Denali cluster ($240 from gmparts direct). It is identical to the original except for two things, the needles are white, and the plastic part inside is gray instead of black. Had my mileage transferred for about $100. Works great. Sold old cluster for $100 so mileage transfer cost nothing

Bill

Shaners · November 12, 2002

Here is a pic of my stock HD gage cluster with the white face gage overlay installed. It's a nice change from stock and adds the custom touch we all like...

MI 99XPL · November 14, 2002

http://hometown.aol.com/ajstalter/myhomepage/index.html

I have the GM part numbers for all the clusters I know about on my web site, including several HDs. Just follow the links through the Avalanche area.

I swapped in a HD in my AV that has a red line in the 4750 area. My engine doesn't red line at that point, but I liked the extra color of red in there. I think, without checking, that I have the HD cluster part number with and without the red in the tach.

normy01 · November 15, 2002

But can you just get a gauge and add it to the stock cluster?

sgiangregorio · November 15, 2002

normy01, I'm convinced that the answer is no.

Redapple · November 15, 2002

No, You cant' just add the gauge. It is actually one cluster with all of the gauges built into it. It is a single backplane with all of the gauges on it, and a common electrical board. Sorry. Having done this swap, it really is easy. Takes only about 5 minutes. Hard part is the mileage thing. I think it is worth it.

Bill

silverado3500 · November 17, 2002

It is not possible without changing the computer chip within the cluster, the pc board, (these 2 parts are what make the cluster cost $200+ and the faceplate. (Good luck finding any of these items, because you wont find anything other than maybe the needles themselves). So in a word NO!