1-800-590-2716
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1 Year WarrantyRefurbished & Bench Tested
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1-800-590-2716
Contact Form
Menu
1 Year WarrantyRefurbished & Bench Tested
Free Shipping*exclusions apply
1 Year WarrantyRefurbished & Bench Tested
Free Shipping*exclusions apply

HAVE YOUR VIN? Call us at 1-800-590-2716 with your VIN, and we can lookup the instrument cluster you need.

mileage correction

For more information about cloning service:

1-800-590-2716

- or use our contact form -

Contact Form

Our business hours are:
Monday through Friday: 5AM - 7PM EST

CLONING SERVICE

Some vehicles hold the immobilizer data INSIDE the cluster. What that means is that if you install a replacement cluster your vehicle will not start (because the immobilizer data is now missing…). You need to “clone” your replacement cluster to the old one and transfer the immoblizer data. This is a necessity in most models after 2001. Each vehicle manufacture uses their own unique version. As an example, Ford calls their security the PATS (Passive Anti Theft System). When a cluster is cloned it transfers the vin#, mileage, and all programming data to make the replacement cluster "plug & play"

Your cluster may or may not need to be in working condition, contact customer service to determine if your non-functioning cluster can be cloned. Please call us for pricing at 1-800-590-2716 or use our .

mileage correction

For more information about mileage correction:

1-800-590-2716

- or use our contact form -

Contact Form

Our business hours are:
Monday through Friday: 5AM - 7PM EST

What is Instrument Cluster Cloning?

How to know if you need it and how it can help with your instrument cluster replacement.

Instrument cluster cloning refers to the process of transferring critical data from one vehicle’s instrument cluster (also known as the gauge cluster or dashboard) to another. This procedure, also known as instrument cluster programming, is essential when replacing a faulty or damaged cluster with a new or refurbished one.

Most vehicles hold the immobilizer data INSIDE the cluster, so if a replacement cluster is installed in your vehicle without first cloning the data, it will not start (because the immobilizer data is now missing). The instrument cluster replacement would need to be cloned from the old one in order to ensure proper installation.

Instrument Cluster Cloning Varies Between Manufacturers

Each vehicle manufacturer uses their own unique version of storing the immobilizer data. As an example, Ford calls their security the PATS (Passive Anti Theft System). When a cluster is cloned it transfers the vin#, mileage, and all programming data. Our instrument cluster cloning service takes the data from your instrument cluster and "writes" it onto the replacement. We call it 'plug and play'.

To further illustrate the differences between vehicle brands, let’s take a look at the Ford F150 from the years: 2002-2004. These particular models contain a PAT (Passive Anti-Theft) system. Installing a replacement instrument cluster into these vehicles would cause them to be unable to start ( due to the security system ). In this case, you would need to send us your original cluster so that we could extract the data & then we “write” it onto a replacement cluster. Then, upon installation, everything would be recognized, the PATS, VIN #, mileage correction and even your last oil change mileage. It's all there!

Another example is for Volkswagen brand vehicles. Especially in the later years, these almost always need to be cloned. There is immobilizer data stored in the cluster and these are more difficult than most. They have a lot of the information encrypted and we actually have to remove the processor and the chips from the board, unsolder them from your original and solder them onto the replacement. Without this data cloning, your car won't start with a replacement cluster.

Instrument Cluster Cloning Process & Benefits

Cloning is required for most dashboard cluster replacements and it’s vital to have the instrument cluster reprogramming done correctly before installing it. The necessity for cloning is outlined in the list below:

1. Immobilizer Data Inside the Cluster:

  • Many modern vehicles store crucial security information (like VIN, mileage, and immobilizer data) directly within the instrument cluster.
  • If you install a replacement cluster without cloning, your vehicle might not start because it won’t recognize the new cluster’s missing data.

2. Why Cloning Is Necessary - Reprogramming an Instrument Cluster:

  • Starting around 2001, most vehicle models require this cloning process due to their security systems.
  • Each manufacturer has its own unique version of these security features. For example, Ford uses the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System).

3. What Gets Cloned:

When you clone an instrument cluster, it transfers several critical pieces of information:

  • VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): This uniquely identifies your vehicle.
  • Mileage: The total distance your vehicle has traveled.
  • Programming Data: Various settings and configurations specific to your vehicle.

4. Plug & Play Replacement:

  • Cloning ensures that the replacement cluster becomes "plug & play."" In other words, it seamlessly integrates into your vehicle’s existing systems.
  • No need for additional programming or adjustments—you can simply install the cloned cluster.

5. Non-Functioning Clusters:

  • Sometimes, even non-working clusters can be cloned. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact us to determine feasibility.

Does My Replacement Cluster Need to Be Cloned?

One way to check if your replacement instrument cluster will need to be cloned is to remove your current cluster and make sure it's unplugged. Then, try to start the vehicle. If it starts, you most likely do not need to have the replacement cluster cloned. If it doesn't start, you almost always will need to have the replacement cluster cloned.

Some vehicle owners clone a replacement cluster even if it is not needed. That way all the data is copied and the VIN is correct. This is the safest and most reliable solution.

Instrument Cluster Cloning - The Simplest Solution

Our aim at Instrument Cluster Store is to take the guesswork out of repairing or replacing your instrument panel cluster. We offer a full-range of instrument cluster cloning services.

The process is simple. You only need to send us your original cluster so that we can extract the data & then "write" it onto the replacement cluster. Then, upon installation of the replacement cluster, everything will be in place to work correctly with your particular vehicle band and model.

Call us today for all of your cluster cloning services at 1-800-590-2716 or visit us online at www.instrumentclusterstore.com to get started today!

We are happy to assist you with your instrument cluster purchase or repair job.

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