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If i replace my instrument cluster, what happens to the mileage

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Old 01-15-2007, 02:57 AM
  #16  
Tool Pants
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You are still limited to the old style 1999-2001 cluster as the displays are different for 2002-2004.

In fact, I guess you could use the display from a Boxster - but I do not know anyone who has tried this. If you get a Boxster donor cluster then it would have to be from 1997-2000 as those are the years for the old style.

Or, maybe VDO will start selling parts.....

You should also check with a speedometer shop that deals with electronic VDO clusters. When I started the Boxster/996 swap 4 years ago I checked with several speedometer shops and VDO for a new display I could buy. I was told back then that no parts were available. Maybe this has changed now that the cars are older. Let me know if you find a place that sells displays so that I can finish my project.
Old 02-01-2007, 02:41 PM
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hammergtv
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Default Swap U.S Spec cluster to Euro GT3 cluster?

I own a 996 Carrera 2 1999 U.S Specs and I'm not aquainted at all with u.s specs miles and would like to swap my u.s spec cluster to a euro gt3 after 2001, is this possible or not and what the mileage will be reading?
Tarek S.
996 Carrera 2 1999
Cairo, Egypt.
Old 02-01-2007, 04:15 PM
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Tippy
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My "MPH" is winking on and off on my cluster (2000 C2). As long as the actual numerical MPH shows, I am not touching it. It might just be a loose solder joint on my LCD?
Old 02-01-2007, 06:53 PM
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skideals
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My car is gradually losing the LCD digital speedo readout, my local dealer is unsure whether he can reset a used speedo's ODO and says that clusters also hold the cars VIN number etc which would also need to be reset. Does anybody know if this correct. The Dealer is qouting $1700 for a replacement unit but I can source a used one for $400.

TIA
Old 02-01-2007, 10:53 PM
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Tool Pants
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Once a cluster has 62 or more miles on it it is locked and cannot be changed by the PST2/PIWIS. Then you have to go to the aftermarket.

Your dealer should know this.
Old 02-02-2007, 08:59 AM
  #21  
skideals
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TP, thanks for the response.

Would you know if the Dealer is correct in asserting the speedo also contains the VIN number?
Old 02-02-2007, 12:30 PM
  #22  
Tool Pants
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A used cluster is going to have a VIN in it, but the VIN can be changed. But you do not need to change the VIN unless you have a MOST car.
Old 02-02-2007, 12:43 PM
  #23  
skideals
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Originally Posted by Tool Pants
A used cluster is going to have a VIN in it, but the VIN can be changed. But you do not need to change the VIN unless you have a MOST car.
Excuse my ignorance but what is a MOST car (I did search!!).
Old 02-02-2007, 01:06 PM
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Tool Pants
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MOST is the fiber optic radio deal that started for model year 2003. With a MOST car you do not have a user radio code/code card like the older cars.

There is however a code in the radio that matches a code in the instrument cluster. We believe this code is based on the last 8 digits of the VIN.

So on a MOST car if you replace the instrument cluster with a used cluster you have to change the ViN in the used cluster to match your car or the radio will not work.

There are other details, this is the simple version.

On a non-MOST car you do not have to change the VIN. In fact I put a used 1999 996 cluster in my 1997 Boxster. So that used 996 cluster has the VIN from the donor car. My Boxster is not a MOST car so the VIN did not need to be changed.
Old 02-03-2007, 11:46 AM
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skideals
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Originally Posted by Tool Pants
MOST is the fiber optic radio deal that started for model year 2003. With a MOST car you do not have a user radio code/code card like the older cars.

There is however a code in the radio that matches a code in the instrument cluster. We believe this code is based on the last 8 digits of the VIN.

So on a MOST car if you replace the instrument cluster with a used cluster you have to change the ViN in the used cluster to match your car or the radio will not work.

There are other details, this is the simple version.

On a non-MOST car you do not have to change the VIN. In fact I put a used 1999 996 cluster in my 1997 Boxster. So that used 996 cluster has the VIN from the donor car. My Boxster is not a MOST car so the VIN did not need to be changed.
ToolPants you're better than my wife, you actually do know everything!!
If there any way of being 100% sure that a car has the mileage it actually shows on the ODO given the speedos can be altered or replaced?
Old 02-03-2007, 01:34 PM
  #26  
Tool Pants
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There is no way to be 100% sure for the reasons you mention. I guess that is why there is carfax, and looking at service records.

A rule of thumb is to compare the engine operating hours in the DME to the mileage in the cluster and see if they jive. But this assumes the cluster and DME have not been changed or altered.
Old 12-24-2007, 04:57 AM
  #27  
erikazra
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i just installed the blue led kit in my '99 996 cab. it was a pain in the *** because the led's have to sit perfect or they dont work. point of the story is this, the lcd screens are NOT soldiered to the ribbons. just remove the silver metal clip that holds them down and you can pull off the screen easily. the screen has contacts that merely touch the ribbon and the metal clip kepps them in place.
Old 03-09-2016, 04:59 PM
  #28  
germanaudiotech
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You don't have to replace the whole cluster. The replacement part can be found on eBay. Installing is relatively easy and it keeps the original mileage.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/172124641482
Old 03-09-2016, 05:55 PM
  #29  
Sneaky Pete
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Holy-Find-An-Old-Thread-Day......A gem from 9 years ago.......
Old 03-09-2016, 06:27 PM
  #30  
5CHN3LL
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Heh - as soon as I saw posts from Tool Pants, I knew the thread was ancient without even checking the date. 9 years might be a record necrothread.

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