Color Malibu cluster swap in 14+ caprice

[grifbomb]

Hey guys, i just wanted to share some of the info i found while experimenting with my 2014 caprice. I picked up a 2014 malibu color cluster. It has fuel and coolant temp needles, along with the color screens similar to the ss clusters. After some minor programming, it works and shows mileage in my 2014 caprice. Programming the malibu cluster is more similar to an ss cluster than caprice, so follow the ss programming guide. I'm pretty sure all thats actually required is changing the vin, then a few key cycles to get it to pair. Please note, my ss seats are throwing an airbag code, that is not caused by the cluster.



All my pictures: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... n8-80BMWsL

After spending almost a month and 2k miles with it, id like to share some pros and cons:

Pros:
*It actually works
*Color screen
*Blue or orange text
*Dirt cheap (mine was $40 shipped)
*Availability (2013 color cluster was a very rare option, so most were blue monocolor. All 2014-2016s are color screens. 2013s lack autostop so they're the "best")
*Physical coolant gauge (more in cons)
*Bolts in caprice using the caprice gauge bezel/mounts
*Not red (i dont like red, its blue)
*Not boring white
*Gear indicator on screen, replaces L with M, which presumably shows paddle or tapshift gear
*Overall nicer looking
*Will show compass if you have an SS radio
*Fuel needle is 100% accurate just like caprice cluster
*American units; mph and F

Cons:
*2014-2016 have auto start stop in tach (doesnt cause any issues or actually auto stop, just visible in the rpm gauge)
*Doesnt show trans temp (my next project will make this Inconsequential
*Hill start assist screen flashes randomly sometimes going between P, R and D
*Oil temp reads like 25* high (same with caprice cluster)
*Coolant needle sits below center, even running 210.
*Oil pressure is in bar LAME
*Windshield washer fluid level low warning each time car starts (I havent found the fix yet)
*No sport mode (trac off works)
*Hours dont transfer
****You must cut off malibu mounts to fit caprice bezel
*Turn signal and high beam led tubes are too short (works ok tho)

Overall its a decent, cheap, easy upgrade from from the stock cluster if you can live with the current list of cons. I'm looking for resources to learn more about the programming in them, i think it will have some extra features that will be cool. No, i dont know how to change the theme to holden yet.

Another guy I've been working on this with also got a 2010 camaro cluster to work, although it doesnt bolt in properly. I also theorize that the buick lacrosse cluster will work the exact same in our cars, however they are unbelieveably ugly, so I won't be buying one to test.

Please hit me up if yall have any questions or need help, email is best.

Ultimate FREE programming spreadsheet with guides:

[elc32955]

Thanks for the good work on this! I've always liked the way the Malibu cluster presented - plus the fact you get a real temperature gauge AND a color DIC in the process. Gives a good alternative to the SS cluster while preserving our 160 MPH speedometers for sure! Sounds like the 2013 color clusters are the hot setup without that superfluous auto stop tach position... Also your comment on the temp gauge reading off-center low reminds me of the oil pressure gauge on the 94-96 Impala, it had three positions since it was just hooked to a switch. Off, run, and hot. The 94-96 Caprice police car had the direct reading oil pressure gauge that gave you a full range read!

BTW what is the part number for the 2013 cluster with the color DIC?

Thanks
Eric

[elc32955]

I had s/c'd cav look it up, it looks like it's a 22932756. Let me know if that agrees with what you have on the 2013!

Thanks
Eric

[tqmnster]

I'm currently working on a Camaro cluster that would be a better option. It still has the color screen if you get the 14-15 and verify on the back sticker as some are still monochrome but I picked mine up for $35. Programming is the same as the SS and it should have less hiccups. I'm still working on it and haven't had time to test it yet but on the bench, everything seems to be good to go.

[grifbomb]

While they totally work electrically, I don't think camaro clusters will physically fit in the caprice. I know people have swapped camaro faces and needles onto Malibu clusters with great success. The expanded spreadsheet has every (known to me) compatible cluster listed.

[arm166]

I'm currently working on a Camaro cluster that would be a better option. It still has the color screen if you get the 14-15 and verify on the back sticker as some are still monochrome but I picked mine up for $35. Programming is the same as the SS and it should have less hiccups. I'm still working on it and haven't had time to test it yet but on the bench, everything seems to be good to go.

I swapped to the colored 14-15 Camero cluster late last year. The service parking asst message at start up is the only thing that I need to fix. I 3d printed a piece to bring the turn signals and high beam indicators to the factory location as well.

Camero Cluster Automatic.jpg (168.32 KiB) Viewed 6547 times

Screenshot (58).png (103.87 KiB) Viewed 6547 times

[Black6]

That’s awesome. Both the Malibu and the Camaro cluster both look great.


GM parts bin building is pretty handy.

[jvc220]

The link to the software on github seems to be broken. Does anyone have the software for programming or alternate suggestions?