Rebuilt Instrument Clusters [Expert Guide]
ISS Automotive offers high-quality OEM rebuilt instrument clusters for GM, Chevy, Ford, and more. High quality factory replacement parts.
The current team has been rebuilding clusters for GM and dealerships for over 30 years and trained by GM with more advanced processes. This means you get a specialized team that knows instrument clusters inside and out.
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Where can I get an instrument cluster replacement?
Replacing the instrument cluster in your car or truck is probably one of the easier DIY projects that you can do. Typically takes someone about 20 min with minimal experience.
When something goes wrong with your original equipment cluster, you can get it replaced by your dealer or an authorized shop. However, you can also get it replaced by ordering online from places like eBay, Amazon, or ISS Automotive.
Look up your vehicle and instrument cluster.
ISS Automotive is a specialized company that is more than a repair shop or small biz on E-Bay. We have a large warehouse with a specialized engineering team.
The price of instrument clusters varies depending on the year, make, and model of the car.
How much does it cost to rebuild an instrument cluster?
It is not easy to rebuild an instrument cluster, and if you make a mistake it will be even more expensive. Our team often "rescues" many clusters that someone attempted to fix. Normally it's a bad soldering job that fries the board.
A good mechanic charges around $400 per cluster replacement, but the price can be more than $500 for some jobs. This normally is the labor needed, but this helps you guarantee that nothing else is wrong. We suggest a local repair shop works with us directly if you should need help.
ISS Automotive offers cluster repair for a wide range of vehicle makes and models for $229 and up. We can help you to get your vehicle back on the road.
Our rebuilt clusters are fully tested before they leave our facility. Our company does provide a lifetime warranty from the date of purchase.
Can an instrument cluster be repaired?
Dashboard clusters can be repaired. When an instrument cluster has problems such as only one gauges works, or some buttons on the console don't work it can be repaired.
Most of the time there are no problems with the display or the printed circuit board, that's why clusters are easy to repair.
When an instrument cluster has liquid spilled on the display or when it gets damaged because of strong impacts there are no other options than to purchase a new one.
How much does an instrument cluster cost?
A new cluster can typically cost over $400. Even if your car is not new the price of an instrument cluster can still be high, depending on the model.
If you purchase the original equipment part the price will be much higher.
There are other options for instrument clusters, aftermarket alternatives will cost much less.
Is it illegal to change the instrument cluster?
Some people think that changing the cluster from their dashboard is illegal.
It's not illegal to change clusters, but you have to make sure they are the same part number as your original equipment unit.
You have to check the serial number of the old cluster because if it's not matching you are going to have problems when you go to the inspection.
How much does it cost to replace the instrument cluster?
The price to replace an instrument cluster can vary depending on the year, make, and model of the car.
The price of an original equipment part can be over $400, but there are different alternatives that cost much less.
You can get better prices if you purchase clusters from scrap yards or online retailers.
ISS Automotive is one of them that offers OEM quality replacement clusters at affordable prices.
Can you drive without an instrument cluster?
It's not a good idea to drive without a working cluster, especially if you have kids.
The speedometer, odometer, and other gauges are needed to drive a car. In some cases, these instruments are needed for the proper function of the brakes and ABS system.
Even if you have a GPS unit in your car, you still need a working instrument cluster.
Click here to read Freightliner Instrument Cluster Problems >
Can I replace my instrument cluster?
In most cases, it's not a good idea to change the instrument cluster from your dashboard unless you have some problems.
If you change your cluster, make sure they are the same part number as your original equipment.
The most important thing is to check the serial number of the old unit because if it's not matching you are going to have problems when you go to an inspection.
Some people are thinking about replacing their clusters by themselves.
Replacing an instrument cluster is not an easy task, it requires special tools and skills to do the job.
It's not recommended for someone who has never done this before, it can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing.
You don't have to pay for labor if you can do it yourself, but the parts will be more expensive than the price of an instrument cluster.
Our company offers high-quality rebuilt instrument clusters that are fully tested to work right out of the box.
You can get a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase.
How long does it take to replace the instrument cluster?
Replacing an instrument cluster can take from 1 hour to over 4 hours.
It really depends on the car model, some are easier to replace than others.
It can take longer if you have to reset the odometer or program the car keys over the instrument cluster.
If you buy an original equipment unit, it will take longer because you have to remove the old cluster and install a new one.
How do you know if your instrument cluster is bad?
Instrument clusters are very delicate units that can stop working when you least expect them.
Some common problems with instrument clusters are failing:
- Blown fuse - this is a sign of a short circuit somewhere in the wiring, it may cause damage to some parts if not fixed.
- Instrument panel dimming - this is a sign there are loose wires or bad solder points.
- No Braking - if you have ABS and the vehicle shows no braking when you push the pedal it may indicate a problem with the cluster.
- Check engine light - this is one of the most common problems that can be caused by the cluster.
- Trip computer - this is another common failure, your car may show the wrong speed, gas consumption, etc.
- Temperature gauge - or most gauges, will not work if the sensor is bad.
- Light inside the unit - if any light turns on when you turn the car on it means there is a problem with that instrument or sensor.
Click here to read Freightliner Tach and Speedometer Not Working >
Where is the instrument cluster part number?
Every car has a unique part number for the instrument cluster. This is very important when you go to get replacement parts because most retailers don't need to know the entire VIN number.
They just need the part number, so it will be much faster and more efficient for you as a customer to get the right parts. The instrument cluster part number is usually located on the back of the instrument behind the glass.
It's usually marked as a sticker or as part of the plastic molding strip. You may also find the part number stamped into the plastic on some models.
Click here to read Freightliner Tach and Speedometer Not Working >
Can you upgrade an instrument cluster?
Yes, it's possible to upgrade your instrument cluster but with so much work involved some people don't want to spend money on such upgrades.
There are many custom upgrades that you can do but it takes a lot of time and money to get a professional to do the work.
You have to remove the old cluster and install a new one. This is also a very time-consuming process, don't forget to program the car keys over the instrument cluster.
You have to remove all of the wires from your old unit and connect them to the new one. All those parts have to be placed in the new cluster.
You have to program all of this information into the computer, plus any changes that have been made over the years.