I have a 2001 4x4 ext cab in the XL trim level (no power windows, no power locks, plain bench for the front seat) and my instrument panel doesn't have a tachometer. I'm thinking about swapping a used instrument panel so that i can see my rpm. How hard would this be and does my computer contain my miles or will i have to have the new panel programmed? Also, can i use any year model besides 2001 to replace the panel? Thanks!

 

Since your truck is a 99 or newer It has a passive anti theft system or PATS for short. This makes it extremely difficult to swap the cluster out. I'm not sure about the tachometer itself, but to swap out the cluster you'd either have to have it programmed by the dealer, lots of $$$; or swap out all of the PATS components that match the new cluster.

 

Any year Instrument cluster from 1999 to 2003 will fit. As was mentioned the PATS system has to be reprogrammed. Some Locksmiths have the tools to reprogram. The mileage info is stored in the cluster so your replacement cluster will show its mileage. That is a Dealer only operation or a speedometer repair ship. If you Google Ford Instrument cluster reprogramming you will find a few shops that can help you with that.

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any idea as to how much the programming would cost? and when you said that the mileage is stored in the cluster, does that mean it will show MY truck's mileage or the new instrument cluster's mileage?

 

I have no idea what it could cost to reprogram. Plug in the replacement cluster and you will see its mileage not your trucks actual mileage.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier