Denali/Silverado instrument cluster calibration

Ok, did some research and found that I can swap out my 2001 Silverado Z71 instrument cluster with the same year Denali or Escalade clusters.

My question: How do you calibrate the new cluster with the milage from your old one? All I have found so far is "take it to a dealer". I've had years of poor service from dealers and would rather do it myself...or at least know how it's done.

Can anyone help?

The dealer cant recalibrate it either. They can send it to a place which is certified to do it. like most things, its probably not hard, its just knowing how. Probably the easiest thing to do is file an odometer disclosure statement with your DMV and just live with it.

Actually he said he could, I wasn't interested in asking more at that time. I did find two sites that had the clusters for sale and they had an additional cost of $66 to $100 for calibration, but you had to send your old cluster to them. In addition, one of the sites had a list of dealers that would do it.

For $66 it's no big deal, but I still want to know how to do it.

The dealers I talk to say that all they can do is send a cluster in for calibration. I don't know if it's a difficult procedure (probably not) or if they aren't certified to do it. I live in Missouri, where we have state vehicle inspections and odometer readings are registered on a regular basis. If the odometer readings from one inspection period to the next don't seem to jive, it can screw up your title (actual mileage unknown), therefore actually lower the value of your vehicle.

I would say to send it to someone certified to reset the mileage if you want to be on the safe side.

If you could find one with mileage 'in the ballpark' of what yours registers, that would be a way to go.

-slacker

This was an answer to some questions I had to a site where I am considering buying a cluster. This one wants $100 for calibration, I just tell how many miles I want. I will be honest because your milage is stored not only in the cluster, but also in the truck computer (ecm, I think). Anyway, I'm giving up on how to do this myself unless someone else on this site will give me some hints.

I saw two clusters I liked very much on your sit. Denali 16252295 and
Escalade 15073350. I have a 2001 silverado LS, Z71, 5.3 liter with no
transmission gauge. (just an empty spot where it should be) My cluster is
identical to the Denali cluster except it is missing the trans. Temp gauge.


1) Can I use either of these clusters on my truck?

Yes


2) Will the transmission temp gauge work without any further additions
like a sending unit or extra wiring etc.?

Yes


3) What is involved with programming the cluster for current milage?

We'll need your current mileage to have it set into the new cluster.



4) Will it also have to be programmed for the trans. temp gauge.?

No. It will work fine when the cluster is installed.

Hope this helps,
David

Cool info, skull.

I didn't know that about the tranny gauge.

-slacker

Yea, I think both the clusters are cool. Both have the tranny temp gauge and both have the 120 mph speedo. I think I like the Denali cluster the best. The Escalade cluster is a little to flashy for my taste. I'll let you know how it works out. Still want to know how it's calibrated though, that really bugs me when someone knows a trick that I don't.

Why not call stylinconcepts.com and ask for the transmission temp gauge kit.. 149 and it comes with a new overlay, gauge motor, needle, and instructions on wiring in the new gauge.. its 5 wires that you must soder.. Real easy to do, and you dont have to get the cluster programmed for the milage.. They also sell the denali/escalade chrome trim for the clusters for 70$ extra

The reason I never looked is because I asked my dealership (5 star chevy in Warner Robins, GA) if I could purchase a guage from them and install it. They told me it was impossible, it was a sealed cluster and it would cost around $1,000. Well there are two false statements. I can get a cluster for about $250 and you can get the kit you mentioned. Good one Imkunfused. The only drawback is that you will have a 100 mpg speedo instead of a 120. In either case, it's a chunk of money for a little thrill. By the way, stylinconcepts is very expensive. I compaired their complete clusters about $450, which I already mentioned I can get for about $250. I'm going to look some more. Thanks again for your help.

The reason I never looked is because I asked my dealership (5 star chevy in Warner Robins, GA) if I could purchase a guage from them and install it. They told me it was impossible, it was a sealed cluster and it would cost around $1,000. Well there are two false statements. I can get a cluster for about $250 and you can get the kit you mentioned. Good one Imkunfused. The only drawback is that you will have a 100 mpg speedo instead of a 120. In either case, it's a chunk of money for a little thrill. By the way, stylinconcepts is very expensive. I compaired their complete clusters about $450, which I already mentioned I can get for about $250. I'm going to look some more. Thanks again for your help.

I agree that their clusters are expensive, but i wouldnt buy the cluster.. I do plan on ordering the trans gauge kit from then tho, and oh yeah.. my 04 LS already has the 120 Speedo : :iceslolan :iceslolan

I think you just have to have the odometer programmed. I thought the ECM only stores the odometer reading since the last time it was reset.

I have not heard of a computer that stores the entire reading. How would it, like any computer wouldn't it erase memory when power is lost?

I have only heard of resetting the guage odometer, not the computer.

Well, looks like it is all said and done. I purchased the cluster for $190 off of ebay. My dealer sent the cluster off to have official milage entered and it came back 3 days later for another $104. I installed it yesterday at it took 10 minutes. It looks great, trans. temp works, milage was correct and non of rumered tales that this could not be done were true (ie. trans temp gauge won't work, engine runs for 10 minutes and then stops, etc).

My original question was never answered. I did find that only Delco certified shops can recalibrate clusters. I guess this makes sense with all the dishosesty out there. But actual milage is also stored in a read only memory in another computor and it can't be alterned (so Iv'e heard).

Knowing the answer to question probably won't matter anywhay. The procedure probably changes yearly.

Anyway,