does an 06 only hold the milage in the cluster?

 

ECM is where it is stored.

 

so if i change cluster out the origional miles will show up or will i have to get it reprogrammed

 

The original miles will show up.

 

I respect what Smokeman has posted and I don't want to sharp-shoot him, but I would verify that with DC or some other entity experienced with replacing these clusters.

I replaced my cluster in my 2000 Z71 and needed to have the new cluster programmed with the current mileage at a special shop. I had to provide the old cluster as proof of mileage.

Granted, that was about four years ago, and it makes sense that the ECM would provide the mileage, but don't spend the $$ on the cluster and assume that there are no other costs involved without further research.

 

I hate getting bad info off the net and after reading kry226's post I began to question the source of my info. I dug into the 06 manual and came up with info that suggests it does hold the odometer info in the cluster. dieselfumes57 read the following info from the 06 manual:

CAUTION: Instrument clusters used in this vehicle automatically configure themselves for compatibility with
the features and optional equipment in the vehicle in which they are initially installed. The instrument cluster
is programmed to do this by embedding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and other information
critical to proper cluster operation into electronic memory. This embedded information is learned through
electronic messages received from other electronic modules in the vehicle over the Controller Area Network
(CAN) data bus, and through certain hard wired inputs received when the cluster is connected to the vehicle
electrically. Once configured, the instrument cluster memory may be irreparably damaged and certain irreversible
configuration errors may occur if the cluster is connected electrically to another vehicle; or, if an
electronic module from another vehicle is connected that provides data to the instrument cluster (including
odometer values) that conflicts with that which was previously learned and stored. Therefore, the practice
of exchanging (swapping) instrument clusters and other electronic modules in this vehicle with those
removed from another vehicle must always be avoided. Failure to observe this caution may result in instrument
cluster damage, which is not reimbursable under the terms of the product warranty. Service replacement
instrument clusters are provided with the correct VIN, and the certified odometer and engine hours
values embedded into cluster memory, but will otherwise be automatically configured for compatibility with
the features and optional equipment in the vehicle in which they are initially installed.

I apologize for the misguided info and thanks to kry226 for his informative post.

 

dieselfumes57 I don't know if you were swapping the cluster from another vehicle or getting a new one. It appears the new one will be VIN programmed. Swapping out a used one could be big problems.

 

That's what these sites are all about. I learned the hard way when I put a new HD cluster into my 1/2 ton Chevy to get the embedded tranny temp gauge. $325 for the new cluster, plus gas to the AC Delco shop in Houston (2 1/2 hours away). I pulled the stock cluster out of my dash in their parking lot and took both in for the reprogram. 30 minutes and $60 later and I had a fully functioning stock tranny temp gauge with correct odo/hours. Expensive, but I feel it was worth it in the end. Too bad our Dodges don't come stock with the tranny temp gauge like the GMs and Fords do.