? For a dodge mech

[RollinThunder]

So I took my beast to the dealer. Aparently the aftermarket security system shorted and took my instrument cluster with it. Dodge wants $700 to send my cluster up north and have it repaired. I can drive it as is, but I don't have any dash( of course) and I have lost all interior lights, wipers, horn, headlight switch/high beams. Does the cluster really control all of this????

Also I asked about my mileage, the dealer said the mileage is recorded to the PCM and not the dash. If this is correct, couldn't I just swap my unit out for a used one from a wrecked truck??? Then the mileage should show correctly on the new cluster...

 

[MegaMouseGW]

Most likely when they removed the dash the Can-Bus system disabled what is not working. It is a very finiky system and to tell the truth I dislike it. But the federal government madateed that EVERY vehicle sold in the US from the starting year of 2008 has to have it installed.
Contact Keystone Automotive to see if they have the dash that you need. They supply a lot of repair shops, parts stores, and even Dealerships with parts and may have an instrument cluster that will be right up your alley. Here is a link to their main site:

Keystone Automotive Operations Inc. > Home

 

[RollinThunder]

Most likely when they removed the dash the Can-Bus system disabled what is not working. It is a very finiky system and to tell the truth I dislike it. But the federal government madateed that EVERY vehicle sold in the US from the starting year of 2008 has to have it installed.
Contact Keystone Automotive to see if they have the dash that you need. They supply a lot of repair shops, parts stores, and even Dealerships with parts and may have an instrument cluster that will be right up your alley. Here is a link to their main site:

Keystone Automotive Operations Inc. > Home

I will check them out.

Like none of these things were working when I took it in. Now the secondary alarm had been removed, I could understand that the dash is inop, but does the can-bus really control the others? Or did they just not put everything back in order as they say they did?
Also if I can order a replacement for my 2003 then why couldn't I just swap in a used one?

 

[MegaMouseGW]

Ok not real sure if the 03's have the can-bus system, but the computer does control a lot of the functions.
To check if you have the can-bus system use this guide:
OBD II Connector Pinout

Look for the pins they describe. If you have them then you have a can-bus system, and yes it controls almost everything. You may be able to get away with using a used cluster, but if it is bad then you wasted your time and money. Keystone should have new or maybe even remanufactured clusters at decent prices.
As old as your truck is it sounds like something else ahs gone wrong, maybe some wiring has shorted out before the alarm took out the cluster?? You might want to do a bit of exploring under the dash to see just what is going on there. You may find some disconnected connectors or even cut wires.

 

[moparman]

Car-part.com

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk 2

 

[RollinThunder]

Ok not real sure if the 03's have the can-bus system, but the computer does control a lot of the functions.
To check if you have the can-bus system use this guide:
OBD II Connector Pinout

Look for the pins they describe. If you have them then you have a can-bus system, and yes it controls almost everything. You may be able to get away with using a used cluster, but if it is bad then you wasted your time and money. Keystone should have new or maybe even remanufactured clusters at decent prices.
As old as your truck is it sounds like something else ahs gone wrong, maybe some wiring has shorted out before the alarm took out the cluster?? You might want to do a bit of exploring under the dash to see just what is going on there. You may find some disconnected connectors or even cut wires.

i was told by 3 dealerships and a local shop that it does have a can-bus(still gonna check the pins when i get home), and that the dash has to be programed for VIN and mileage.

However i found a guy locally that has been doing the cluster repairs for over 30 years, and was recommended( off the record lol) by one of the dealers.

im dropping it off on sunday and we shall see. Thanks guys for helping out with that and i will update as i learn more.

 

[MegaMouseGW]

Lets hope that everything goes well for you and you can get your pride and joy back soon.