So, my cluster in my 2010 XLT is crap. At 160k miles, the gauges go crazy and has a short that is drawing 2A when turned off. I have to unplug it each day at work/home or the battery will run down.

I found a replacement cluster on ebay for ~150.00 and the part number matches mine exactly.

My question is: if the part number matches exactly, does the dealership still need to copy my old cluster info?

They want $180.00 to copy it - that is a little excessive in my opinion...

 

As far as I remember, they need to be VIN specific. If it's got another VIN programmed in it, it might not read anything.


Someone else might want to make sure I don't have a wire crossed though.

 

Gauge cluster swaps are pretty common with the 11+ truck guys and I would assume your 2010 is no different as far as the IC is concerned. Download Forscan and see what modules pop up. You need the IC or IPC as built info for your truck and it needs to be written to the new cluster. Mileage correction is another issue. You will need to have the correct mileage loaded onto the new cluster by a certified pro. Look at the gauge cluster swap thread and the Forscan thread.

 

I swapped the cluster on my '08, which is fairly similar as far as electronics go to your '10, no programming needed but your odometer reading will change unless you get a speedometer shop to change it for you before the swap.

 

Thanks guys. I found a cluster on eBay that has mileage as 164k - I am at 160k
I might just have to call it a wash and not worry about the discrepancy.

The model numbers match mine exactly. So, I pulled the trigger and bought it. Should be here for the weekend.

I'll post back to this thread when I get it installed.

Going to read up on Forscan now...

 

Ok, the replacement used cluster had to be reprogrammed by the dealership. They had to 'copy' the existing cluster, then 'write' that copy to the new (used) cluster. They also had to cut a new key

So, $132 for a used cluster that had within 1500 miles of my bad cluster - I think I'll just call that a wash.
Dealership charged $242 for programming and new key.

At least I am back running now. Ford clusters suck.