So I leave the Ford dealership with no GT cluster

[di0de]

I just bought a 150mph GT cluster to replace my now obsolete 120mph v6 cluster. A year and some odd months back I replaced my 3.8L engine with a 4.6. For some reason when they tried to program the keys with the new cluster today,the theft light would still blink after the process. Anyone know what might have caused this? My car is a 99 (now GT), and the new cluster was out of another GT. Back to the v6 gauges for now I suppose..

 

[merc123]

Maybe the PATS system can't handle the mad tight powa!

 

[SilverBullet00]

I have always heard you can't re-use clusters (atleast in the 99-04). They are programed for one mustang and one mustang only. I could be wrong on that... If I was you, I would get the autometer gauge cluster... the look of it brings tears to my eyes....

 

[joestang98]

There is a theft module in the stering colum I believe that may need to be reprogramed...thats what I have been told. Same one that makes keyless entry a PITA with our cars. You might check with a stereo shop that does keyless entry to see if they know anything about the Ford PAT systems???

 

[MaxMustang]

Did you try to swap out the odometer circuit board in the cluster...

PATS uses the sensor in the column, the odometer, and the computer. They all have to be in sync with each other. If you move the odometer circuit board from the V6 to the GT cluster it should work. That is how the Autometer cluster works. Here is some instructions for the Autometer that can be adapted to your purpose. I don't know if the speedo will be right, but it is worth a shot.

http://www.99darkgreengt.com/autometer/autometertech.htm

 

[MaxMustang]

Also, The dealer should have used...

PINPOINT TEST J: THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM DOES NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY — PCM ID DOES NOT MATCH BETWEEN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND PCM

If they had they could have reprogrammed your keys with no problem.

 

[luther1228]

just pull the light from the theft light and it will never blink again

 

[crew_dawg16]

I have always heard you can't re-use clusters (atleast in the 99-04). They are programed for one mustang and one mustang only. I could be wrong on that... If I was you, I would get the autometer gauge cluster... the look of it brings tears to my eyes....

Yeah, I just wish that I could find one for less than $400.

 

[JBushman73]

just pull the light from the theft light and it will never blink again

I'm with Lex Luther on this one.....

 

[di0de]

Yes I swapped the odometer board from my original cluster. It's only a display though, mileage and PATS are stored in the large circuit board. I actually have the Ford service CD for my 99, maybe I'll check that out. One guy (ebay seller) claims he can clear the PATS codes and program milage (another thing dealership couldn't do) so when I have the cluster back it's ready to go. I'm thinking there's some type of key in the cluster itself that needs to be cleared. If nothing else, maybe I could send off my PCM and have PATS disabled.. heh...

 

[di0de]

Oh yeah.. I kept asking if I should disconnect my negative battery lead when swapping out clusters, but they insisted that wasn't necessary..
MaxMustang -- thanks for the info! I researched test J on my cd and noticed the cluster DTC error matches that procedure. I watched them play in the NGS but never noticed any FSF card parameter reset commands issues. Only exactly those followed in the 'Erase all key codes and program two keys' instructions. Looks like I'll be paying these guys another visit. I'll follow up after this thing unfolds.

 

[tarch]

the theft light blinks on mine all the time

 

[di0de]

Just to follow up, I was able to swap the cluster after two visits to the dealership. It did require the 'Parameter reset' in the NGS (not reprogramming keys) AND clearing the KAM (reset the PCM) to successfully rid of the PATS problems. GT cluster in and completes the last piece of the v6 -> v8 swap puzzle. Now it's time for gears, 8.8, T56, and a KB!