ATLAvalanche
Full Member
OK guys - I have read virtually every thread concerning problems with an instrument cluster, repairing an instrument cluster, or replacing an instrument cluster. The information that I have gathered has been varied and sometimes conflicting. I want to being a new thread that is the definitive end-all / say-all on the matter.
If you want to catch up on the initial nature of my problem, here is a link to my original thread: http://chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,141102.0.html
So since then, in addition to the lower half lighting not working under the Tach or Speedo, now my oil pressure gauge reads zero all the time, and the yellow "check engine" light is illuminated. I am assuming that this is now just some further electrical problems within the cluster. I even went in yesterday for an oil change, and it still reads zero afterwards. There are no signs of the engine running any different or not physically having oil pressure. If anyone has any insight to the contrary - please let me know.
So - the ultimate conclusion is that I need to replace my instrument cluster in my 2007 Avy. Here are the things that I want to consolidate and need to know for certain. If I purchase another cluster (whether it be OEM or aftermarket), and can do the removal / install myself - is there anything else that needs to be done outside of the physical install to make it function perfectly?!?!?
I've read in various posts about "programming" the cluster to your truck, I've read about getting separate 3rd party companies to program or set-up a newly purchased cluster before install, I've seen conflicting opinions about "recovering" my old odometer data (that is no longer visible because of failure), etc ... etc ... etc ... I want to know for certain exactly what is encompassed in this replacement job so I can get it done ASAP. I had a guy at a local shop tell me that it is just "plug-n-play" - buy the new cluster and stick it in the dash. He said that it is just a "dummy" display, and that all the odometer and other vital info is just fed to it from the computer elsewhere. I've also read that the process can be far more complicated and expensive than that.
SO - - I just want have the final and absolutely correct answer to all my problems soon! I am leaning towards an aftermarket LED unit which looks a little nicer and would be a good upgrade since I am having to replace it anyway. Hit me up any knowledge you have!
Thank you so much for all of your help guys! I've really found this board to be a tremendous resource since purchasing my Avy, and I am really grateful to share in the knowledge and experience of the community
If you want to catch up on the initial nature of my problem, here is a link to my original thread: http://chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,141102.0.html
So since then, in addition to the lower half lighting not working under the Tach or Speedo, now my oil pressure gauge reads zero all the time, and the yellow "check engine" light is illuminated. I am assuming that this is now just some further electrical problems within the cluster. I even went in yesterday for an oil change, and it still reads zero afterwards. There are no signs of the engine running any different or not physically having oil pressure. If anyone has any insight to the contrary - please let me know.
So - the ultimate conclusion is that I need to replace my instrument cluster in my 2007 Avy. Here are the things that I want to consolidate and need to know for certain. If I purchase another cluster (whether it be OEM or aftermarket), and can do the removal / install myself - is there anything else that needs to be done outside of the physical install to make it function perfectly?!?!?
I've read in various posts about "programming" the cluster to your truck, I've read about getting separate 3rd party companies to program or set-up a newly purchased cluster before install, I've seen conflicting opinions about "recovering" my old odometer data (that is no longer visible because of failure), etc ... etc ... etc ... I want to know for certain exactly what is encompassed in this replacement job so I can get it done ASAP. I had a guy at a local shop tell me that it is just "plug-n-play" - buy the new cluster and stick it in the dash. He said that it is just a "dummy" display, and that all the odometer and other vital info is just fed to it from the computer elsewhere. I've also read that the process can be far more complicated and expensive than that.
SO - - I just want have the final and absolutely correct answer to all my problems soon! I am leaning towards an aftermarket LED unit which looks a little nicer and would be a good upgrade since I am having to replace it anyway. Hit me up any knowledge you have!
Thank you so much for all of your help guys! I've really found this board to be a tremendous resource since purchasing my Avy, and I am really grateful to share in the knowledge and experience of the community