2008 Mustang GT/CS Convertible

Ret

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Went to the store today to get the flex stuff to put under the hood. Just as I was afraid of, it's to flammable.
So, went with some engine paint that is good up to 500 degrees.
I posted a question on the technical form about getting rid of the idiot lights and putting gages and a response said I probable shouldn't have posted it there. I guess it's my age and lack of computer skills but I am trying to follow the posting rules.
 

Ret

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Update on changing out the gage panel. Found (and can't find now) a forum talking about changing out the panel and gage cluster. Turns out it is very simple. Between what has been furnished on this forum and the one I stumbled across I learned the harness should be useable and the only issue listed was if the wire still went to the unused OEM switch panel left of the lighter. According to that post at some point Ford quit installing that part of the harness, if it didn't have the upgraded panel. So, going to Ford Dealer and talk with them. Thanks for the input everyone.
 

Macman45

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Update on changing out the gage panel. Found (and can't find now) a forum talking about changing out the panel and gage cluster. Turns out it is very simple. Between what has been furnished on this forum and the one I stumbled across I learned the harness should be useable and the only issue listed was if the wire still went to the unused OEM switch panel left of the lighter. According to that post at some point Ford quit installing that part of the harness, if it didn't have the upgraded panel. So, going to Ford Dealer and talk with them. Thanks for the input everyone.

Just pop off your panel and look? Doubt the dealer will be helpful on a retrofit for a decade old car but maybe
 

Dino Dino Bambino

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Between what has been furnished on this forum and the one I stumbled across I learned the harness should be useable and the only issue listed was if the wire still went to the unused OEM switch panel left of the lighter. According to that post at some point Ford quit installing that part of the harness, if it didn't have the upgraded panel. So, going to Ford Dealer and talk with them. Thanks for the input everyone.

My 06 GT is a Deluxe model that originally came with a 4-gauge instrument cluster and also had a blanking panel left of the cigarette lighter. Swapping in a 6-gauge instrument cluster was a doddle, as was the installation of the INFO/SETUP/RESET switch panel in place of the blanking panel 'cause the wiring pigtail was already there. If you aren't sure about yours, just gently pry out the blanking panel with a flat screwdriver and take a look.
 

Ret

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Popped it off and it does have the harness plugged into the back of the blank panel. So, my mechanic will do it but it appears I'll still have to involve Ford to get the odometer set, etc.
I don't know about everyone else but the speedometer in my car is extremely difficult to see in the daylight so hoping "MyColor" will help with that issue.
 

Ret

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One step forward and two backwards. Since you have to take the new six cluster gages to the Ford Dealer to program it to your car I went to the Ford Dealer. They want $218.00 for programming, plus two hours labor for installing the gages and Info/set up/ reset buttons. They want a little over $700, for the gage cluster plus $44.00 for the buttons. All together a little over a $1,000.00 by the time they get done..

I asked them if the cluster could be programmed and mileage set prior to installation. They didn't know.

Is there anything they have to program, other putting the correct miles in the cluster? Anyone, know the answer to the questions:

What is involved in programming.
Can it be done prior to the installation.

I now checking Car-Parts.com for used cluster.
 

Macman45

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No programming by a dealer needed, just milage correction which they cannot do. There is no PATS programming like 10+ cars.

Go on eBay and find a cluster with very very similar milage and the buttons for about $200
 

Ret

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Can the owner turn it to the correct mileage? So, the programming is just BS and an additional way to get money?
 

Macman45

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Can the owner turn it to the correct mileage? So, the programming is just BS and an additional way to get money?

Owner CANNOT change milage. Nor can a dealer. Dealers use a company, United Radio in NY I think, to modify milage. They can only go UP, not down in miles

Programming sets the VIN to "as built" data, which for a cluster swap doesn't really matter much. Not necessary
 

Midlife Crises

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I had to have the cluster replaced in my 07 F350 super-duty because it went bat shit crazy. The new cluster had to be set to my trucks VIN and the odometer set to match the vehicle. Only the dealer can do this. I had added a few accessories and they included them in the update. They did not do it for free. The odometer is a touchy subject. If any old joe had access to it, it could be tampered with to alter the value of the car.
 

Ret

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I appear to have found the six gauge cluster I need through JC Whitney. The part # is 7R3Z-10849-GB. As I have researched the various sites I found one on another site, same number but had two additional letters after GB. Since one of the main reasons I want to do this is I want the "My Color" feature so I can see the dash lights in the day time.

Question: Will any six gauge #7R3Z-10849-GB for the 2008 Mustang GT accommodate the "My color"? or I have to get the one I saw that had two extra letters behind the GB.

Whitney isn't posting a phone number and their chat board is down. Sent an email two days ago. So far, no response.

Unrelated to the cluster: Nether the cigarette lighter nor the outlet in the center console work. Had them checked out and the fuses were fine on the passenger side and under the hood fuse box. Any suggestions. I would like to be able to plug in a cell phone.
 

Ret

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Pipes.jpg I have done a great deal of research for the cluster assembly for my 2008 Mustang. Looking at all the sites suggested by several of you on this Forum and a couple of others. My research has shown that my car takes part # 7R3Z-10849 and there two letters behind that. The letters, each separate, are at least the following EA, BE, EB, EC and GB. I finally had to go to the Ford Dealer and according to them based upon my cars VIN, my car has to have the GB. Ford wants $1,000 to do the install. I looked at a number of sites and sent an email to JC Whitney as that was the only method to contact them. They had the correct numbered/ letters part. Much to my surprise I've never gotten a response from them. I can get the parts much cheaper from other sources but programming mileage and compatibility/ security system appears to be a issue. I wrote a letter to Ford's Headquarters, Mustang Division asking for some specific information so will see if I get a response.

On another note I've seen a number of post on the correct pipes to put on your Mustang. I found some great pipes in another country, Scotland. I am having trouble finding an adapter but still looking.
 
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Ret

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I've been on ebay, Craig's list and car-parts.com. I've only found one crashed Mustang GT that I could get the cluster from but still have the issue of compatibility with the security system and mileage. It's had something like 128,000 miles and my car has 64,000. Talking with the local Ford Dealer the Parts Department tells me if I buy the part from them the part would be programed and correct mileage installed before the part is shipped. Previously the Service Department told me they didn't know if they could program the part or get the correct mileage programmed. Hopefully, the Parts Department knows what they are talking about.

I've also been to a number of sites that refurbish cluster assembly's and they want a core exchange. Since I am exchanging a 4 gage for a 6 I don't know if they consider that a core exchange or they want a 6 for a 6. That's one of the questions I ask JC Whitney. They haven't responded in over ten days.
 
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07gts197

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Pats is in the ecu not the cluster so you won’t have an issue with that. As far as mileage goes, I’m not sure. It seems like maybe the dealer can reprogram it but it’s hit or miss.


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Ret

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Two days ago I had my last discussion with the local Ford Dealer regarding upgrading my instrument cluster from four to six gauge. From the start they have been less than helpful and this last discussion they told me the general consensus is that it won't work. And, if I bought the parts and they installed and attempted to program it and it doesn't work, than I have to keep the parts and I'll be out a $1,000.00.

In an earlier post you'll see I even wrote a letter to Ford, Mustang Hdqts, laying out what I wanted to do and ask specific questions as to the process, They have never responded. Of all the instrument clusters companies I have contacted the only one who responded and answered was the InstrumentClusterStore.Com They can furnish the parts and program the mileage but can not program the new cluster to be compatible with my cars security system.

I believe based upon various response from members on this forum that my car can be upgraded to the six gauge cluster, even more so since my car dummy switch has the cluster plugged into the dummy. But, I guess I'm going to give up on this idea because I can't rely on the Ford Dealer and my remoteness makes it risky to try and do this on my own. (Should the security system not allow the car to run).
 

07gts197

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If you’re letting them install it then yeah it’s not worth it but if you do it yourself I think you’ll be ok. Pats shouldn’t be an issue so I wouldn’t let that deter you but it’s not my money or time.


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