I just got a instrument panel out of a 94 dodge ram 1500 to go in my 98 1500. Mainly because I wanted one with a tach on it. The one out of the 94 has the geared mileage display, while the one in my 98 has the digital. The gauge out of the 94 has about 90,000 more miles than mine. So is there anyway to get it to turn back without damaging it?

 

That 1994 instrument cluster won't work. Odometer, speed, etc in your 1998 Ram is controlled by PCM. 94 does not have this ability.

 

The 94 had two big electrical plugs that plugged into the back of the instrument panel so I thought it would be controlled by PCM also. How is it controlled then?

 

Not sure. Whatever controlled it on the 1994 model was not an OBD II compliant PCM, whereas the 1998 is. circuits will be different. You should be able to pick up a 98 or 99 instrument cluster with tach pretty cheap at a JY. I don;t know if the wiring for the tach is already there or not.

 

Wiring for the tach is already there. If you find a cluster with a tach from a similar year as your, it is a direct swap. The older cluster is a different shape, has a different pinout on the connectors, and will require all sorts of adaptations to work correctly. You don't wanna go there.

 

Most 2001 models came with a tach.

 

Aim, You've been noticeably absent lately!

 

Turning back the milage yourself is illegal anyway. Tampering. It can be done at the dealer or possibly an independant shop.

Same as if you change your dash. It MUST go to the State Patrol (in Ohio anyway) with ALL documentation and old dash to have the vin plate transfered to the new one.

 

Ooops! I changed my dash and NEVER gave any thought to that. Don't even know if it is a requirment in Texas or not. I just changed the plate. Since it matches the VIN in other places, shouldn't be an issue. Good to know though. If a trooper is a Ram ownere, he'll KNOW the dash had to have been replaced!

 

The holidays usually see me crazy busy. I check in a bunch, but I don't post unless it's really quick, or I feel I have a unique perspective that could be useful.


Most posts get answered adequately in the first 5 or so posts anyway.