I have a 2014 RAM tradesman with the Uconnect 5.0 (RA2) radio and the midline instrument cluster. The RA2 is all I need for a radio, but the instrument cluster could be better.

Is it possible to upgrade to a premium instrument cluster?

My understanding of a CanBus system is that gauges/displays/sensors are all plug & play. I saw a video on replacing the instrument cluster and it is incredibly easy. Since both clusters handle the same information, I suspect the difference may be in the displays themselves, not one of the vehicle computers.

Has anybody done this or know of this being done.....?

Thanks

 

they are plug and play i know theres a video on youtube for swapping out a 2011 cluster BUT...i believe the mileage is stored on the cluster so your mileage will differ with a new cluster unless you time it right and replace it when both clusters have the same mileage, i dont think even the dealer can flash a cluster to get accurate mileage either

 

Thanks....

I had a gauge cluster issue on my 2013 and the dealer had to get the new cluster programed with mileage from a Chrysler source. The cluster came with the wrong mileage, and they had to send it back to be corrected because they didn't have the ability to mess with mileage. Probably a good thing that most dealers are unable to mess with the mileage...

On another forum, some one "believes" that the premium cluster has an extra connector that the midline cluster doesn't.

Looks like I'm gonna have to check it out in the service manual, then check with a dealer........

 

Another cluster will work, but....
One thing to note. The Clusters are auto-programming and for the original vehicle they belong to. One-time programming only I have been told. So, once the original vin is stored/locked, only options for that particular vin are allowed.
Dealer told me that if I put in a cluster that came from a vehicle without foglights, that I would not retain my foglight function just as an example. Because, fogs need to be activated by dealer before they will work.

I dont think its that Dealers aren't able to, it's mandated by Federal Law to have a 3rd party involved. I could be wrong but it's what seems appropriate. It very well could be possible that Chrysler locks that function out of the software in the starscan tool, that I don't know but Dealer wont do it regardless because it's illegal.....

 

even if there is a 3rd connector on the higher end cluster your truck might be already wired for it, remember these are mass produced and its easier for them to just keep something unplugged then redo the whole harness, mine doesnt have a trailer brake controller as an option but i found out when looking under the dash that i DO in fact have the connector for it tied up with all the other wiring

 

I suspected I would need to go through a dealer to get it done right (read: cost a bunch o money). I've had a few experiences with dealers when asking for an "out-of-the-box" accessory/upgrade. They seem to be clueless, unlike many on these forums and not willing to even investigate for anything other than the usual bolt-on accessories.

This is what I was hoping, because one benefit of a canbus system is that the base wiring is all the same, and it's then easier to plug & play different options from different option packages.

There was a thread on one of the forums I read where a guy with 2013 RAM ST w/5.0 Uconnect, without steering wheel controls, bought a leather wheel from a top of the line 2013 model. He swapped wheels and while he had no plug for the wheel warmer, it was plug & play for steering wheel controls... without a dealer reflash.

I know I'll need a dealer to program the cluster for my truck, which means I'd have to buy it from them ($$$$), but I just don't know yet if it's even possible...

I'm going to order a service manual next week. I'm hoping to find the answer there, and then g talk to a dealer. I'll post up what I find in a couple weeks..

Thanks all for you info...

 

one of the ram forums someone was selling one and said he tested it on one that had the basic dash and the premium one worked. either ram forum z or dodge talk dot com, think it was the z forum. in the classified section. they were selling them for 200 i think

 

Thanks... I asked this question on Z forum too.

I'll search for that.. thanks for info...