Ok, got my ESCALADE cluster...

[KMeloney]

Hey all,

 

Got my Escalade cluster (to go into my '02 Z71 Tahoe).  Can't wait to get it in!  But before I install it, I have some questions:

 

-What's the "real deal" with having to send if out for odometer reading matching?  HAVE to do it?  Don't have to?  Who can do it if I do need to?  Turn-around time? Cost?

 

-Does the front dash surround simply pull off?  Need any special tools?  Just need to use force?  Any tips/tricks?

 

-It appears in some of the (albeit not so clear) "night" shots of some people's Escalade clusters that the numbers on the speedo are not all the same brightness (like there's a bulb right behind some numbers, and not right behind others).  Is this just a matter of poor night photos?  Will my numbers all be uniformly lit/bright?

 

-My new speedo will read correctly despite it having a higher numerical range, right?

 

Thanks, folks!!!

 

-Kirk

[gmcjoe]

-Does the front dash surround simply pull off?  Need any special tools?  Just need to use force?  Any tips/tricks?

Just pull out your ashtray and start pulling the dash bezel out from there. Just take it easy and it will pop off with no problems.

 

[MarkD]

-What's the "real deal" with having to send if out for odometer reading matching?  HAVE to do it?  Don't have to?  Who can do it if I do need to?

 

Your new cluster will start at 0 miles.  It is your decision.  I do not know who knows the truth, but general consensus is that the mileage is kept in the computer and the cluster.  I carried mine to a GMC dealer and they didn't know the mileage without the old cluster.  Repeat...It is your decision.  I do not know where mileage is recorded.

[KMeloney]

-What's the "real deal" with having to send if out for odometer reading matching? ÊHAVE to do it? ÊDon't have to? ÊWho can do it if I do need to?

 

Your new cluster will start at 0 miles. ÊIt is your decision. ÊI do not know who knows the truth, but general consensus is that the mileage is kept in the computer and the cluster. ÊI carried mine to a GMC dealer and they didn't know the mileage without the old cluster. ÊRepeat...It is your decision. ÊI do not know where mileage is recorded.

Thanks so far, guys.

 

Now, MarkD, did you remove your factory cluster and take them BOTH to the dealer?  Can they do what they need to do without removing the factory one first?  Or, do they need them both out of the vehicle to do the odometer matching?

 

I certainly don't want to be a cheat here.  My car's two weeks old, so we're not talking about much of a disparity anyway.  But, if it's EASY and FAST having the numbers matched, then I'd like to know more about it.

 

Anymore you can share aboout the process?  How long did they need the cluster(s)?

 

-Kirk

[Cyclic]

My local dealer passed a kidney stone when I mentioned putting in a Denali cluster. My 2002 GMC SLE is now 16 hours old so I'm not gonna worry about "resetting" the mileage. Should have the gauges (ordered from GMPARTSDIRECT) buy this weekend. They just drop right in. Put on the E-brake, turn on key but dont start, lower stering wheel to lowest setting. Next grab the dash and pull toward you working all the way around the dash, after its loose rotate the top side down to clear its depth and lift off. Finally use a 7mm socket and extention to remove gauges, unplug and reverse steps with the new gauges. Simple huh?

[HillHound]

This also has probably been asked before, but will the cluster with the trans temp guage from the 2500/3500 series trucks also work in a 1500 truck??

[RyanbabZ71]

Hill yes it will work

[KMeloney]

Thanks again for the replies, folks!

 

Still looking for the answers to a few things...

 

Still wondering if the mileage matching can be done AT any dealership (or if they need to "send it out"), how long that might take, and if BOTH the new and old clusters are needed by the dealer at the same time.

 

Thanks!  This thing is going to look great in the Tahoe, i'm sure!

 

-Kirk

[silverado man]

Still wondering if the mileage matching can be done AT any dealership (or if they need to "send it out"), how long that might take, and if BOTH the new and old clusters are needed by the dealer at the same time.

 

From what I have heard the dealerships don't do spedo recal.  I think you have to find a spedo. shop to do it.  I think they only need the new one and you just tell them the mileage you have and hours that you have and they should be able to put it in for you. Hope this helps.

[MarkD]

My dealership couldn't change my mileage or tell me what mileage the computer had.  If it is just a couple of hundred miles, I am not sure I would get it set perfectly.

[KMeloney]

My dealership couldn't change my mileage or tell me what mileage the computer had.  If it is just a couple of hundred miles, I am not sure I would get it set perfectly.

Well, I'm at about 1800 miles now, so my mileage is more than a couple hundred [miles].  I'd guess I'll just get the mileage set into the new one.

 

But, again, anyone know who will/can do this kind of thing?  If the dealer doesn't have the ability to do it, then I need to locate someone who can.  I'm not so sure that I know what a "speedo shop" (that someone had recommended) is.  

 

I'm in PA (near Philly) if that helps any.

 

Thanks!

 

-Kirk

 

PS -- Anyone have any luck with having their/a dealer do the mileage?

[gmcjoe]

Check the yellow pages for 'speedometer repair' shops or ask the dealer who they send their gauges to for repair. It's no biggie, you'll be very happy with the results  

 

Now get that thing in the truck already  ;)