Yep - my 2005. I re-read the workshop manual and it was not clear - stating that the ECU stores critical information such as odometer and drive codes, but the instrument cluster stores odometer and adapts to the features installed on the vehicle.
So is it possible to install a new instrument cluster and it carry over the correct information? Will a new(er) instrument cluster work?
The cluster won't update from the PCM and even dealers can't change the mileage on a used cluster, requires very different software & hardware. Only thing dealer level software can do is change the PCM mileage. So no, whatever cluster you find, without sending it out to have the odometer updated it will start counting mileage from whatever its last number is.
Also no, you can't use a newer cluster as they are CAN bus; only an 02-05 cluster would possibly be compatible and here's where it gets wrinkly; 02 p/n's don't match 03 p/n's don't match 04 p/n's, but the 04 and 05 p/n's are the same. You should be able to pull your p/n off the back, do a search and find one easily enough. Not sure how important the p/n specifics are, as I've seen people take SRT-10 Ram clusters from an 04 or 05 and stick them in regular 02-05's.
