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Installation requires following the relocation instructions I've included. I spent a lot of time putting the relocation instructions together and used them to do both of my installations, which were completed 4 years apart.
To begin with, in addition to following the relocation instructions, seven (7) wires in each cluster connector have to be lengthened and moved to the opposite connector. It is best to do the changes one (1) wire at a time, following the Relocation Instructions, to avoid confusion. To prepare, cut 14 pieces of 18 gauge wire to the length required, plus some extra, to reach across the back of the cluster surround between the connectors. I split up the 14 wires and put 7 each into 2 small black wire looms. I used one group of wires that were used to extend from right to left and the other group of wires from left to right. When I was finished extending all 14 wires, I used a tie wrap to secure both ends of the wire looms and one tie wrap to secure both wire looms in the center.
Tool Recommendation: When splicing these wires, a standard crimper that crushes the butt connector creates a poor connection. Plus, you'll need a tool to get the terminal ends, that have to be moved, out of the connectors. You'll need a crimper that has different size W-shaped jaws, like the one in this picture. It crushes the butt connector from all sides and makes a superior connection. The other two tools are terminal removal tools. They release the terminal locking tangs and let the terminals come out of the connector without damaging them.
Remove the first wire to be moved from its respective connector. If required, cut the terminal end off with 3" of wire attached. Splice one of the new lengths of wire to the end of the wire you have just cut. Pull the wire back and forth in the wire loom to confirm you have the correct end at the other side. Splice the other end of the new length of wire to the terminal end with 3" of wire. Plug the terminal into its new position in the opposite connector. Repeat as necessary as you follow the pin relocation instructions.
Once all of the wires have been moved to their new positions, mount the 2 connectors back in the cluster surround, install the 96 SS cluster, turn the ignition key to run without starting the car, get out your owner's manual, turn to the gauges section, and confirm that everything is working properly. Do the same after starting the car.
My first installation was completed on 02-17-02. All cluster functions were working correctly, except for the following:
The Odometer was stuck in the Metric mode and wouldn't cycle to English. It wouldn't cycle to the Trip mode, either. I tested the cluster in a buddy's '96 SS and the problems listed above were solved on 03-04-02 and all functions are working correctly. The odometer problem had me stumped, but it was solved with the use of Gene Northington's '96 Impala SS and the wiring prowess provided by Bob Bailey of Bailey Engineering. Thanks a million, Guys! Here is how to solve the odometer problem: Pin A of the 94-96 Caprice/9C1 and 94-95
Impala SS E/M/TRIP switch is a 22 gauge Black/White stripe wire. This wire
needs to be removed from the connector, then the terminal end cut off,
with 3" of wire, and the bare end of the wire taped and secured out of the way.
Questions? Email me......
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