Coding in additional information pages/themes to Guage Cluster

[carsrmilife]

Last I heard from WAMS was that they were still waiting on some cables (backordered) from GM in order to set-up a car emulator on the bench. They've got the GS clusters working--instrument wise--but the car branding is requiring a bit more investigation, hence the need for the emulator. They're looking at sending out my cluster along with a USB stick with, what we hope, will be the VXR graphics (I suppose they may have Opels' OPC as well) that can be installed after I install the cluster & we can sort it out.

Fingers crossed.

Yes, best of luck on getting it all sorted out! I'm curious to see what the end result will be. I wish these things were as easy to alter as my Bimmer was!

 

[Uniqez]

If you guys see any GS used clusters for sale, please send me a link. I'm trying to find ealrly '18.

 

[Jack GS]

I've been sitting on this information a while now and finally found the time to post it on here. After hearing of WAMS through @Anaduff, I decided to contact the company and see if they wanted to unlock some extra features in my GS cluster. Long story short, they were excited to experiment, I was eager to gain additional functionality, and so I pulled my cluster and sent it out.

The results are near perfect! I say "near perfect" because they were not able to make ALL of the features functional. This, however, is a limitation of the software/hardware and not a fault of WAMS. More on that later...

Here are all of Performance Menu items in both Touring and Sport display modes:

https://imgur.com/a/ypRzi5R

You may notice in the menu list and on the Touring mode, the "CAR BADGE" logo. Typically this is where the "SS" emblem for a Camaro would go, or the "GS" emblem for the Regal would go. Unfortunately, a sign in tool from the OEM is required to upload images and edit the software. The only exception, as @Anaduff has mentioned, is using the "VXR" or possibly "OPC" emblems as they already exist within the app. The G-meter works partially. No forward or rearward acceleration registers, only lateral movement like going around turns... Oh well, not a big deal.

Additionally, they were able to allow configurable pocket gauges as shown here:

https://imgur.com/a/yq5jgbZ

These are actually quite handy. The left pocket gauge I leave alone, but I changed my right pocket gauge to the instant and average fuel economy.

File this under features that should have been part of the original design. It's unfortunate the G-meter is not fully functional and that the "GS" badge is not easily incorporated, but I am happy to accept the minor imperfections for what is otherwise a monumental upgrade! Thanks go to @Anaduff and WAMS!!!

PS: Cluster removal/installation post in the works

 

[FavaBean]

I've been sitting on this information a while now and finally found the time to post it on here.

What else have you been withholding from us?!?

This is pretty sweet! Thanks for sharing. I wish I had a GS dash!

I have yet to see a GS in person.

 

[Jack GS]

What else have you been withholding from us?!?

Lots already in motion, but I won't spoil the surprise 😎

 

[Skynet]

Waiting......... Times up. Jk. Can't wait to here back on this. As far as sending in a cluster, how is the mileage calibrated for my current mileage? There might be a simple answer to my question, but this has always bothered me as far as changing out my cluster for a different one.

 

[Anaduff]

From what I've read, the actual odometer mileage is stored in the body control module (BCM) & the instrument cluster will display what it reads from the BCM. Worst case scenario would be to record the mileage before removing the cluster & providing that information to WAMS to be programmed along with the VIN for your car. After all, you won't be driving it without the cluster, right? But any repair shop would have to programme the VIN (and mileage) when they replace a cluster so it shouldn't be a problem (famous last words).

 

[carsrmilife]

I've been sitting on this information a while now and finally found the time to post it on here. After hearing of WAMS through @Anaduff, I decided to contact the company and see if they wanted to unlock some extra features in my GS cluster. Long story short, they were excited to experiment, I was eager to gain additional functionality, and so pulled my cluster and sent it out.

The results are near perfect! I say "near perfect" because they were not able to make ALL of the features functional. This, however, is a limitation of the software/hardware and not a fault of WAMS. More on that later...

Here are all of Performance Menu items in both Touring and Sport display modes:

https://imgur.com/a/ypRzi5R

You may notice in the menu list and on the Touring mode, the "CAR BADGE" logo. Typically this is where the "SS" emblem for a Camaro would go, or the "GS" emblem for the Regal would go. Unfortunately, a sign in tool from the OEM is required to upload images and edit the software. The only exception, as @Anaduff has mentioned, is using the "VXR" or possibly "OPC" emblems as they already exist within the app. The G-meter works partially. No forward or rearward acceleration registers, only lateral movement like going around turns... Oh well, not a big deal.

Additionally, they were able to allow configurable pocket gauges as shown here:

https://imgur.com/a/yq5jgbZ

These are actually quite handy. The left pocket gauge I leave alone, but I changed my right pocket gauge to the instant and average fuel economy.

File this under features that should have been part of the original design. It's unfortunate the G-meter is not fully functional and that the "GS" badge is not easily incorporated, but I am happy to accept the minor imperfections for what is otherwise a monumental upgrade! Thanks go to @Anaduff and WAMS!!!

PS: Cluster removal/installation post in the works

Great write up, as usual! Now if only they, or some other company, could figure out how to get the GS cooled seats to work in the TourX!

 

[Anaduff]

Latest update--progress is being made...

 

[Anaduff]

...down side is that he wasn't able to substitute a badge for the 'car badge' graphic. The exception (maybe--won't know for sure until I install it) is a Holden graphic, but that would also change the Vauxhall griffin splash to the Holden lion, but the option resides in the cluster so I can play with it.

He went through about 200 software builds to get where we are & his bench set-up in now complete. Anyway, now have to get a Hella time delay auto relay to insert into the power line to the touch screen since (according to @Jack GS) I'll be taking apart a good chunk of the dash & I only want to do that once.

 

[GTPprix]

Great write up, as usual! Now if only they, or some other company, could figure out how to get the GS cooled seats to work in the TourX!

I'm going to guess you haven't asked yet 😉

 

[JORDANSILVERNAIL]

that kinda stinks that the G meter isn't fully functional. I always had that displayed in my 2014 GS

 

[Jack GS]

...down side is that he wasn't able to substitute a badge for the 'car badge' graphic. The exception (maybe--won't know for sure until I install it) is a Holden graphic, but that would also change the Vauxhall griffin splash to the Holden lion, but the option resides in the cluster so I can play with it.

He went through about 200 software builds to get where we are & his bench set-up in now complete. Anyway, now have to get a Hella time delay auto relay to insert into the power line to the touch screen since (according to @Jack GS) I'll be taking apart a good chunk of the dash & I only want to do that once.

Bummer he couldn't get it to appear. I was holding onto a little bit of hope that he'd find some way to make it work.

I'm excited to see how your touchscreen switch works out. Have any ideas on how you'll execute the switch style/location?

 

[danzig997]

I wonder if White Automotive or another company developed a process to adopt the "upper" level instrument cluster from Buick Regal GS to base level white/red needle instrument cluster Tourx vehicles? I believe the same instrument cluster was used by pre-2018 Regals and is currently found in Enclave. Female connectors in the back are the same.

 

[Jack GS]

I wonder if White Automotive or another company developed a process to adopt the "upper" level instrument cluster from Buick Regal GS to base level white/red needle instrument cluster Tourx vehicles?

Although it's a Sportback and not a TourX, this is exactly what WAMS is doing for @Anaduff. WAMS offers the up-level clusters for lower spec'd Camaros, Silverados/Sierras, and a few other GM vehicles. The website explains what they do, and are capable of, really well. Slapping a GS cluster in a TourX should be a breeze, especially considering the Opel, Vauxhall, and Holden wagons can be had with the up-level cluster.

 

[danzig997]

WAMS is charging for $199.99 2016+ Camaro Uplevel Instrument Cluster Retrofit.

Camaro Uplevel Instrument Cluster Programming Service 2016-2024

Upgrade your basic Camaro Instrument Cluster to the 8" uplevel unit for a more refined driving experience!

www.whiteautoandmedia.com

How do I know which upper lever Instrument Cluster source for my TourX?

2018 2019 2020 BUICK REGAL SPORTBACK
Instrument Cluster (with ngi version) Part Number: 39200847
Instrument Cluster without ngi version Part Number: 39138365

Next-Generation Infotainment (NGI) what is the difference with/without?

 

[Anaduff]

The NGI (Next Generation Infotainment) cluster would, at least on this forum, be referred to as 'red needle'--as in NGI 2.0 or NGI 2.5--the 'classic' infotainment screen. The 39138365 would be the 'white needle' version--2018.5 MY with the 'minimalist' (Samsung 3.0) infotainment screen.

Keep in mind that purchasing a new cluster isn't that easy--I tried that with GM Parts Direct & they cancelled the order within 45 minutes. If you give WAMS your cars VIN, they can source the correct module & take it from there.

 

[danzig997]

Thanks for the info. I also have 2018.5 MY 'white needle' version. I will be looking for recycled cluster "2019 Buick Regal Used Speedometer Head / Cluster" from Car-Part.com or LKQ. What Uplevel Instrument Cluster part # would be from my 'white needle' version TourX?

 

[Wlepse]

Strange... I was looking at the exact car this morning dreaming of it being a donor vehicle for several things... then I saw the listing said biohazard and then noticed the blood on the cluster.

 

[danzig997]

upper lever Instrument Clusters are easy to source:







For GS parts you might reach schramautoparts (Schram Auto Parts - The Best in New and Used Parts)