the title pretty much says it all. i want to change the dash cluster in my 98 1500 so that i have a tach. i can get a new cluster cheap at the junkyard but what stores the odometer reading is it in the computer or the dash panel?

 

I'm going out on a limb here but most digital clusters like that ive seen are stored in the computer.

 

thats the answer i was hoping to get. i didn't want to buy one and have it end up showing twice my mileage. and that isn't really an easy way to power one up at a junk yard to check it out

thanks
jason

 

The mileage is stored in the cluster not the computer, so changing the cluster changes the mileage reading

 

I changed the cluster in my old Thunderbird. I wrote down the mileage from both clusters, figured the difference and just applied it to the current reading whenever I wondered what the actual miles were at the time.

 

Did your tach quit working? If thats all i would just mount a tach on the A-pillar

 

Did you check with NAPA? I had a cluster go out on my dads 03 Chevy. I wrote down the vin, mileage and engine hours. Its was 183.00, and the company they got it from flashed it with the miles, and the engine hours. I am sure they could do the same for you, but its the core thats the problem. If you could get one with a tac that was junked, then you can send that one in. Those NAPA units have a lifetime warranty, but there is a 400 core charge, so take yours with you when it comes in.

 

ive heard it both ways, when i got a new pcm they wanted the mileage so they could put it in tere. could be an easy way to rollback

 

I could have sworn it was stored in the PCM....


Where are one of the super veterans when you need one around here?

 

Nope, it is stored in the odometer. It is kept separate from the ECM to make falsifying it harder. In some states you have to have an official state sticker applied to advise of the discrepancy, and in some states only a state certified mechanic can make and verify the odo change. In Arizona there's no requirement except it has to be noted on the title when the vehicle is sold, but in some states it's treated very seriously. Check with your DOT/DMV/MVD to find out for sure.