New Gauge cluster

[380]

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[3SheetsDiesel]

I imagine that if you can find a gauge cluster from a Cavalier of similar vintage with a tachometer, you should be able to simply swap clusters. Everything should bolt up and work. i can’t imagine GM having different connectors for cars with and without tachometers. No modifications shold be required.

If you decide to go the aftermarket route, tachs are available at auto parts stores, and those gauges should have generic installation instructions.

[380]

so i dont need to install a sensor for RPM? and will changing clusters affect my mileage?

[3SheetsDiesel]

There typically isn’t a seperate sensor for the tach, at least I’ve never seen one. Usually the tach signal is generated by the cam position sensor, or the distributor, or possibly the crank position sensor. As far as the odometer goes, if it’s a mechanical one, meaning that it’s got a bunch of wheels with little numbers on them that rotate, you may be able to move them with a screwdriver until they match your current mileage. If it’s digital, I think that information is stored in the BCM, which means that the new gauge cluster should be “plug and play”. Easiest way to find out is to make note of how many miles the car has on it, swap clusters and then turn the car on and see what appears. If the odometers don’t match, you’ll have to put your old cluster back in and then go to the dealer and have the odometer readout changed to match, or else you’ll run into legal issues should you ever need to sell the car or make an insurance claim.

I know that when I was working for Saturn, and the BCMs would go bad, we had to reprogram them and that included punching in how many miles were on the car so that the odometer would read accurately. Unfortunately, that sort of job requires a Tech2 scan tool and access to GMs corporate intranet.

[380]

mines a manual odometer. ill have look more into that before i proceed. i may end up contacting Chevy. thanks for the help.

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