[FRANK]

I have a 2003 gt salvage recovery car, The entire interior was stripped and been putting it back together. The problem is i got a used cluster from a salvage yard also from a 2003 gt and when i plug it in the car wont start. The dealer said it needs to be reprogrammed. The car is in no shape to go to the dealer to have this done . Is there a way to do this myself. I tried disconnecting the battery to drain resistors but no luck yet . Please help.

[mwarrior]

As far as I know it SHOULD just be a simple plug in as thats what most of the aftermarket clusters are as well. And I'm pretty sure that the mileage is all recorded on the computer itself. Another thing you can do is get the computer out of the car at the salvage yard in case theres a VIN mismatch thats not allowing it to start. It could also be the ignition module (or does it start without the new cluster?)
Gagan

[mustangtk]

The ignition key requires programming and you will need 2 at a minimum. The code from the PATS (Passive AntiTheftSystem) key is stored in the HEC (HybridElectronicCluster). Only dealership techs can access the parameters to reset the key code configuration this to help prevent theft of vehicle without a proper key. What is involved is called security access; which takes 10 minutes. Then the old code is erased and then a minimum of two keys get programed, it takes about half an hour total service time. An alternative is if the old HEC is still functional the dealership can take the information from the old HEC store it in a machine called WDS(WorldwideDiagnosticSystem) then install the new HEC and transfer the info. In either case only a trip to a Ford or Lincoln dealership will get the job done.