my DIC buttons nor the round illumination button on left side is functioning. they are lit but not doing anything when pushed or turned.

so I bought a cluster that was super low miles and will need to fix the miles on it to show correct miles

anyone know where this guide is to swap whatever part off the old into the new to show the correct miles?

I wasnt sure what it was I was searching for so I couldnt find it. i searched and found old 12yr old thread. not the right up to date one.

 

I think @Tusc can help,with this.

I need to do it myself after my next emissions test...

 

Sure thing.

Drop knee bolster (4ish t15?). Drop column (2x 13). Unscrew cluster (t15 and like 8mm?) Disconnect wiring. Remove cluster by angling forward.

Remove black plastic fascia (t15). I think we also remove screws for clear cover. Set on face, looking at rear. Unscrew converter. Unplug all connections as you go. Remove wire covers to either side. Remove converter. Now unscrew rear cover unplugging wires as you go. Once everything is unplugged, remove cover. Flip boars/dic module forward and support it. Disconnect the 4x ribbons. Remove board/dic module.

Do the same on the other cluster. Swap the board/dic. Be mindful when reinstalling that piece to get the ribbons fully inserted and also that when you put the module in place and then reinstall the first white plastic cover to ensure the ribbons do not get pinched by the white plastic.

However, since your issue is button function for left side illuminstion/hud and right side dic buttons.... Swapping a potentially defective dic to a fresh cluster may not resolve the issue if the dic itself is the issue. Worth trying if you already have two clusters. It can be done in twenty minutes to thirty easily with basic tools.

If it is the dic.... Then you may need to simply use the new cluster and dic for function and have the miles reset by GM for an unknown fee. If you felt particularly "eff it" before this point and didn't mind potentially barfing both clusters, on the dic board itself is a chip U13 which ALLEGEDLY (I say this because I have never confirmed for myself) holds the mileage information and can be desoldered / resoldered to a new board. My solder skills are rookie at best so this is not one I would try myself. The only electronics car guy I know is Relentless Motorsports Tx on fb.

Good luck, and please keep us updated on the outcome.
​​​​

 

at first i was like , " yeah I can swap the blah blah to the new blah blah but then i am thinking ...I am going to have a near new cluster with all new parts . It would be better to set the miles forward on the new cluster OR just install and leave it be with a sticker noting the actual miles PLUS XX.

id hate to do all that and not put it back right or end up still not fixed and have to reverse it anyhow. if I just swap until I figure out how to actually change it. I know there are ways for this , its just some kind of taboo on this forum.


and before the fuddy duddies tell me why its illegal blah blah blah...I am not subtracting miles i am going to be adding them.

 

It's not much work. And it is all basic. If you can turn a screwdriver or wrench you're fine. And it is very easily reversed. Have faith.

I wouldn't do the note. Could be considered a problem selling the car. Oe could be an issue with State law.

Call a local Chevy dealer and see what they'd quote to set the correct mileage. I'd be curious what they charge if you went that route.

 

local dealers are total clowns. I wouldnt try to sell the car with a "note" about the mileage.. the note is for me while I have it to keep up with it. I dont plan on selling it but if I did it would be correct. so I have time right now to find out if one of the dealers here can correct the miles . if not I will see if outside will do so.

On my RT I was able to swap gauges with new upgraded unit and via laptop and software raise the miles on the new cluster to the correct miles. I find it hard to imagine this gauge is unable to be corrected without the hand of God getting involved.

but id really prefer not to put the old parts on the low mileage unit because they are old..lol......

there must be a place to send it too if not the dealer but I am going to try to call the local dealer and see if they can comprehend what I need without fleecing me like a big fluffy lamb

 

So you don't want to put the "new" 19 year old minimum if 2004 cluster on the "old" 26 year maximum if 1997 cluster?

I poke, but based on what you had said about the existing cluster's buttons not having effect it seems better than 50/50 that the board may be partly damaged.

Dumb question. Have you verified all of the fuses in the passenger footwell and the engine bay? Interior lights still work? Turn signals / brake lights / running lights?

 

update. the DIC is good. its the cluster. so now i am trying to decide if I want to tear into "new cluster " and "old cluster" and swap whatever it is that has the miles.

problem is I cant find a pic of the actuall part I need to swap.