2010 Speedometer Swap HOW-TO

Morgon said:

Cruisin, do you have a specific link for the vinyl you used? Maybe a lighter color would prevent it from becoming so dark..?

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Morgon said:

Also, I meant to ask (oof, can't edit posts??) -- do you have, or know of, any HOWTOs on installing that PAC interface you mentioned in your Speedometer swap? All I see are wires, which makes me nervous.

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CruisinG6 said:

I used a Smoke Red vinyl that I think I got from metrorestyling. I'm sure normal red tinted material would yield a better result than the Smoked Red I had laying around.

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Morgon said:

Also, I meant to ask (oof, can't edit posts??) -- do you have, or know of, any HOWTOs on installing that PAC interface you mentioned in your Speedometer swap? All I see are wires, which makes me nervous. <img src="http://www.g6ownersclub.com/forum/images/smilies/original/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" />

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CruisinG6 said:

Due to image hosting issues I've uploaded this how-to elsewhere so that it can still be viewed
~Click Here for the how-to with pics~


Here is my write up on how to upgrade your G6's speedometer cluster with the 2009.5-2010 cluster with the integrated DIC (Driver Information Center)

This is the OEM option to move the DIC from the stereo to the cluster so that you can run a full sized head unit without losing any factory settings or features. It's way nicer looking than the metra dash kits, way cheaper, and the wiring is actually pretty simple if you already have the factory cruise control.

Side Note: 2005-2009 G6's have a small speaker on the back of the gauge cluster that plays the turn signal sound and all of the chimes and tones.
2009.5-2010 run those sounds through the stereo.
As a result several modules exist to retain those chimes. Some modules also include RAP (Retained Accessory Power) and OnStar.

Here are three modules I found:
Axxess GMOS-LAN-03 Wiring Interface - Retains RAP, OnStar, and Safety Warning Chimes
Metra LC-GMRC-LAN-03 Wiring Interface - Only retains Safety Warning Chimes
PAC OS-311B Wiring Interface - Retains RAP, OnStar and Safety Warning Chimes (I used this one)

Now onto getting ready for your swap.
First you'll need to purchase the speedometer of your choice.
As far as I know there are two designs of the updated cluster with the DIC

and

That one is the actual picture of mine, I couldn't find a good clear one online and I didn't take one before I swapped the needles.
I chose this cluster because it looks just like my old one, The numbers are slightly larger. some idiot lights were moved, and the needles were the same as the other updated cluster, I decided to swap in the older ones to match it better.
As you can see it also lights up White. It's also fully lit up anytime the ignition is on with the lights off.

I decided to tint the backside of the gauge face with red tinted vinyl to make the lights match the rest of the car. It worked out well but makes it a tad darker.
I'll eventually be soldering new LEDs to the board.

You can see the gaps in lighting when the dimmer is turned down.


Once you found your speedometer you need to also get the new Info and Enter buttons so you can control the Speedometer DIC.

This can be found by looking for a 2010 Pontiac G6 Cruise Control Switch (This only fits the 3 spoke steering wheel, Older G6's with the 4 spoke steering wheel will not fit this button)
ACDelco D1952F

You'll also be adding a wire, So you'll need a specific pin to fit the connector on the cluster.
I ended up buying a connector with wires attached off ebay, since I only needed one I'll sell off the remaining wires to whoever else wants to do the swap. Look for it in the For Sale Section.

Here's the pin and wire.

And you will need to extend the wire so there is a little more play room behind the cluster.
I went with green to match everything better.

I have several pins/wires available for anyone wanting to do the swap. Here is the listing for them on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/282357013875

Now that you have all your parts ready, You can get all your tools and anything else ready!
You will need:

• 7mm socket with extensions (I used a nut driver with a couple of extensions)
• Small Flathead Screwdriver
• Torx Bits/Wrenches (If not available you can use Allen/Hex keys as none of the screws should be very tight)
• Soldering Iron (If you plan to solder your wiring connection) (There's only one)
• Wire stripper/cutter (crimper if not soldering)
• Heat Shrink tubing or Electrical Tape
• Little pokey stick, like a toothpick

Let me begin by saying that some minimal wiring is involved. And you have to remove the air bag module from the steering wheel.
I strongly advise that you disconnect your battery and wait a few minutes before starting just to be safe.

If you do not feel comfortable with doing any wiring to your vehicle then I don't recommend you undertake this project yourself.
You'll only be working on one small signal wire.
I am NOT Responsible for any damage or problems that may occur to your vehicle. This How-to is intended as only a guide to help aid you with your swap. Some trim levels and years may be different so I can't be absolutely sure this will work on every G6.
(However, the wiring diagrams from 2005-2009 for the cluster all look identical)


NOW WE CAN GET TO THE SWAP!

We'll start by removing the Gauge Cluster.

First you'll need to remove the Bezel around the Cluster.
To Begin there are two small Torx Screws at the top of the bezel.

There are then two panel clips behind the bezel at the bottom, It'll take a little pulling to yank them out. I tilted the bezel forward so I can reach a few fingers behind it to pop it out.
The two clips are located around where the red circles are:

Then you just need to remove the upper steering column cover, This can be done by pulling up on either side by the stalks

Once removed the bezel and steering wheel column cover can be removed as one piece.

I also pulled the steering wheel as far forward and down as I can for maximum room

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CruisinG6 said:

(However, the wiring diagrams from 2005-2009 for the cluster all look identical)

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SpeedDemon said:

This isn't a very "in depth" how to, but it's definitely helpful. And it might be a bit different if you still have the factory radio... BUT it will give you a general sense of how it works.

I think it's around halfway through the video that he talks about the interface.

https://youtu.be/9Tushh_gUPs

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Morgon said:

Thank you. I did see this a couple of days ago, but wasn't sure how relevant it was, since he was using a Scoche with some heavy custom wiring. Don't suppose you know of anything specific to the PAC, or maybe some guidance on what parts of his video to pay attention to? I plan to get that C2R-GM11B, since I don't have/need OnStar, and it seems a little different than what he's got.

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Morgon said:

Kind of a stupid question, but it seems the black printed insert is very susceptible to oil and other smudges. Any thoughts on cleaning it up?

I tried rubbing alcohol, but it didn't seem to work as well as I was expecting. I'd hate for the new cluster to look eternally dirty.

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CruisinG6 said:

I unfortunately have no idea what would work, I got a small smudge on the edge of mine but was lucky enough to have it be hidden by the bezel.
I thought about blotting with something super absorbent and looking for various cleaners but I have no idea what they would do to the insert itself.

I know there's companies out there that offer different background number styles and customizations, maybe contact one of them to see if they know of a certain method.

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Morgon said:

Thanks for the idea. I checked with Black Cat Custom, and they were kind enough to respond, suggesting I try regular soap and water. A bit of washing, along with a blow dry (on low heat), seems to have done a fantastic job on returning the insert to its solid black color. Now to do a second, more thorough round with gloves on

They also assured me that their faces are made with different material that's more resistant to smudging (tiny plug, for their generosity).

Now to find some brake light tape to see if that color will properly mask the white LEDs.

By the way, your 2010 cluster insert had a clear odometer panel? Mine actually seems to be red/purple-ish, so I'm hoping that's one less section to mess with.

Oh, and one final question - I just realized that my 2007 only has a 7K tach, and this 2010 insert goes to 8000. Not that I ever intend to rev that high, but I also don't think it's good to be off that much all the time. Did you have that difference from your 2009 face?

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Ebyrd95 said:

I installed the 2010 gauge cluster into my 2006 G6 Base model and the buttons with the extra options that are required to control the display on the cluster don't work. I know there is power going to them (they light up red) but they do nothing when I click on them. Could this be due to me not installing a module with the cluster? Or perhaps I could've moved the green wire incorrectly?

NOTE: When I remove my aftermarket stereo and reinstall my stock radio, the buttons on the radio works and changes the display on the cluster as well as the radio at the same time just fine.

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