the clear plastic on my instrument cluster is cracked and i am looking to get a new one. I check my local junk yard a lot and have haven't found one that isn't scuffed or cracked itself. i looked on ebay only to find whole instrument clusters units for a nice ~$30.

my question-
Is the mileage saved in the cluster or the computer? would switching the whole cluster unit be bad juju, or am i forced to just transfer the clear glass over without breaking it?

 

Its saved in the cluster if i remember right.I have swapped out whole clusters in other cars before never had a problem besides the mileage on them being different.

 

It's a plastic cover.. not glass.

IIRC the odometer info is stored in the BCM and the ECU.. swapping a cluster wont change the actual mileage. I would Google this to be sure of my memory though..

 

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's stored in the Body Control Module, but I wasn't sure so I kept my mouth shut! The cluster lens is just plastic. That's why it scratches so easily. morris4x4cernter.com has a genuine Mopar part for $105. There are some listed on e-bay if you like.

 

yeah plastic. I completely missed that typo when i proof read it

i'll probably just pull the lens off one from ebay or wait for a decent one at the junk yard. So really, this post was more of a curiosity than a question.

i swear though, some of the clusters i've seen at the junk yard look like people store rocks on it.

 

Well, that lip in the dash in front of the cluster is a great place to store a pack of cigarettes and lighter and I even lay my Buck knife there when doing my newspapers. I use it to cut the fiberglass bundle straps and I keep the blade open.