I installed a instrument cluster from out of a wrecked SS into my LT panel. Every thing works great,Except when I went to use my back side doors. The key fob won't open them or the dash button. This could be from the SS was not a panel. The odometer is the only other thing that will not work, it lights but will not count up. The trip meters work fine ,all the lights work and the speedometer is right on (compared to my GPS)
I have been told that a BCM re flash might fix the problem. So I checked with a local GM shop and they said they could re flash for $120.00 but they are not sure if it would work.
Has any one ever done this and had it work?

 

Most all the modules have the info of whatever vehicle they are in, including the instrument cluster.

When a new module is installed in the system other modules may not talk to it unless it is programed to the vehicle's VIN.

Some of this is by design so someone can't put a low mileage cluster in a high mile car.

If the cluster can be set up and programed to your car then everything should return to normal.

The dealer most likely will not guarantee anything because it's not a cluster that should be in that car.

One thing you could try is to swap the face place with your old cluster. It would give you the look of an SS but use your old cluster. Not sure if the speedo would be correct though.

 

Here is a thread with some more info. https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/mods...ster-ls-43975/

 

Talked to my GM shop today .
It seams that I can buy a new SS panel cluster and they can program it for my car, But they can not reprogram a used cluster.
The search goes on.

 

You need to
A: find a used cluster from a SS panel

B: swap the SS cluster face into your original panel cluster

C: find a nice and clean low mileage SS panel and buy it!

A, a few dollars maybe $150. To $200. If you can find one
B, easy , no further cost as you have both clusters!!!!
C, a few thousand dollars more , but very much more fun!
I'm guessing B would be the best option!!

 

Tried B, speedometer was 16%out of calibration.
Went with A, just found a used SS panel cluster.
If this works I'll have the SS cluster I have now for sale.

 

Keep us posted

 

Here we go again. Just installed a used SS instrument cluster out of a panel. Every thing was going fine. The speedometer was right on, all the gauges worked, of course the odometer didn't count up but that's ok. When I tried to open my back doors,they didn't work again. So I guess from a panel or not it won't work till you reprogram the instrument cluster for your car.
Think it's time to sweet talk the guys at the GM garage to have them refresh my BCM and see if that helps.

 

I do know from past experience that the rear doors of a panel has its own rke module along with the standard rke module that has to be programed in addition to the standard programing.

I wonder if the rear door rke module is actually in the cluster?

 

The RKE Module is buried at the base of the Driver's side C-Pillar behind the interior trim panels, see the illustration below. My guess is that there might be a compatibility issue between the Instrument Cluster, the existing BCM(Body Control Module), and the RKE Module.

A qualified technician with the proper training in the use of a Tech II, and the time to do a communications check between the IC, BCM, and RKE Modules through the vehicle's CAN-BUS multiplexed wiring harness, should be able to either get the Modules all on the same page...or determine of a change is required to get things going like they should.

HHR's have terribly complex onboard electronics, and there are times when Component A from one HHR just will not work in another HHR, even with a Tech II to interrogate the modules and vehicle.