Swap out speedometer question

[mbesman]

I've looked but can't find it. Anyone know if you swap out the original speedometer with another do the miles get set to the new speedo. Is mileage linked to the ECU? For example....I want to put in a lower mileage speedometer. Will the new speedo automatically change to the original mileage or will I have to get it calibrated? ANd vice versa. If the speedo has more mileage on it will it lower to my original automatically? Thank you in advance

[U LUZE]

You'll have to get it calibrated for actual miles.

[HDRDTD]

I would assume that changing a speedometer to alter the cars mileage is illegal.

[mbesman]

I read a few different things. Some say the miles automatically calibrate but you have to get the speedo vin matched and some say the miles must get calibrated to reflect actual miles. There are two different things going on. 1) I know I have to get it vin calibrated. 2) I want to know if mileage is set in ECU or do I have to get the mileage calibrated too. Either way to make it legal. I wanted to look into a zl1 speedo or modding lights on a used speedo and using that. Of course not changing the mileage to reflect actual mileage isn't legal..I already know that thankyou HDRDTD.

[U LUZE]

The miles are stored in the cluster not the pcm. You'll have to have it calibrated. Whatever is/was in the cluster is what it will show.

[SlingShot]

Why? Just to have it read 200mph

[HDRDTD]

Originally Posted by mbesman

I read a few different things. Some say the miles automatically calibrate but you have to get the speedo vin matched and some say the miles must get calibrated to reflect actual miles. There are two different things going on. 1) I know I have to get it vin calibrated. 2) I want to know if mileage is set in ECU or do I have to get the mileage calibrated too. Either way to make it legal. I wanted to look into a zl1 speedo or modding lights on a used speedo and using that. Of course not changing the mileage to reflect actual mileage isn't legal..I already know that thankyou HDRDTD.

Didn't mean to offend, it just wasn't clear to me the reason for changing the speedo, now I know and understand.

[mbesman]

No problem. Thanks for info. I like the zl1 speedo..but more so to experiment on a test speedo with led's. Guinea pig I would say. Who knows, maybe a Zl1 with LED's..lol.. I like to experiment. just finished putting Navigation and a Zl1 Wing and Steering wheel in. Wing easy..steering wheel not so easy because i messed up the clock spring. I figured out alot though messing around and testing stuff. Prety interesting how it all works with backup camera system, air bag, and power steering. That's another write up though. Thanks again.

[MCSarge]

Dealer had to change out my gauge cluster do to a bad tach. They had to order it with the current mileage on the car and kept the car at the shop until the new cluster came in so the mileage would be right. In MI you have to state the mileage when you sell it and state if it is actual or has been altered....

[Gunmetal Speedster]

I really like the way the late 5th gen's tach and speedo look. If I thought it was worth the hassle I would swap them out as well.

Edit: Looked into this as well, according to a few threads it is the BCM that stores the mileage, not the cluster. However, due to VIN's not matching or if you drive the car more than 5 miles after it is installed, it will lock the gauge cluster out and it will be useless. From what I can tell, doesn't seem too possible other than some dude claiming he can hack cars and it isn't a problem for him. Do some searching, you'll see what I mean lol

[mbesman]

Gunmetal...I read the same threads thanx for letting me know about them. That's why I put the question out there again because they were older threads. I'm still a little confused because as you said some report the mileage connected to BCM and others here report it is not. MCSarge...do you know approximately how much you paid for dealer to change out speedo and program?

[steveww]

i had a small crack in the right bottom corner on mine.
My car was purchased out of town. they sent me the Cluster.
I still have not put it in yet. it has no Mileage on it. My Local dealer will have to calibrate it with the actual miles, they have to put it in. i have already discussed it with them.

thanks
Steve

[mbesman]

Thnx Steve...keep us updated on result and cost dealer charged to put in and calibrate.

[steveww]

Long story, My car was a certified Chevy. with full factory Warranty.
My stripes were flaking off and the speedo cracked.

At first the out of town dealer denied the issue and refused to cover or pay to fix it. I filed with Attorney General. a week later they advised me that they would be sending me a speedo cluster and check for the stripes.

My Local dealer said they will put in for free..

Just have not got around to it yet.

thanks
Steve