Hello all. I have a quick question about the PATS system. I understand it relies on the PCM, the cluster, and the key having the same coding. My question is this, I'm trying to run some power for gauges in the dash, is there any problems with splicing into the wires in the cluster harness? I crimped some connectors on and everything lit up fine, but my cluster acted a little differently(namely little flat lines on the odometer when I turned off the car) and then the "theft" light was flashing without me having the alarm armed. I couldn't remember if it always did that or not. So, any advice will be appreciated. thanks.

 

im pretty sure my theft light comes on any time i turn the car off

 

cool, that answers that part. It's funny how you see something every day and get so used to it that you don't even notice it.

 

Dude you may have messed something up. Never tap into the wires for the cluster, there about 100 other places you can tap for power. Disconnect it and pray it didn't damage anything. Drawing power from the cluster to operate something can cause issues, it's meant to run on a certain amp load and you shouldn't push it.

 

Ok, I am scolded, and will not do it again.....

 

at least it wasn't an expensive lesson lol

 

actually, don't speak so fast. I started having a little problem with my cluster today. When I put the pod back in with the harnesses connected, everything seemed fine. When I was putting in the 4 black bolts that hold it in place, all of a sudden the "theft" light lit and stayed on and the odometer lit all green slashes "------------" across it. Both of them stayed on for about a second and went off. afterwards, my theft light wouldn't blink at all, even after arming the system. The car ran fine and all, but when I turned it off, the fuel gauge and battery gauge didn't go all the way down like the others, they lingered at the 1/4 point. So, any ideas on what might be going on?

 

just pop the cluster back out and make sure nothing got pinched or exposed.