Matrix/Vibe Gauge question

[McVibe]

So I noticed that the Matrix XRS gauge goes up to 140mph and I was wondering if the Vibe Gt's went up to 140 because my base vibe only goes up to 120. Also, would it be possible to swap gauges with an XRS without any major modification or altering?

[Mavrik]

well the cluster unit would be needed to change your gauges, also would need to be programmed with your mileage. Yeah the base Vibe goes to 180km and 220-240km on the GT. Not sure exactly on the GT but it is more. Could a Matrix cluster work on a Vibe? don't see why not as the Vibe cluster is from Toyota.

[McVibe]

So would I have to go to the dealer to get them to reprogram the new gauges or is that something I can do myself? Also, anyone know a parts store online that might have a cluster?

[joatmon]

The cheapest I have found is a company in Michigan that will program the odometer for $100US. Dealers can't do it, they would send it off to some place and charge you a pass through fee/markup. At least all the ones I asked would. gmpartsdirect.com probably has the cluster, but it will be pricey, more than it's worth imho, and you'd still need to get the odometer set. Maybe you can find one at a junkyard or on ebay.There are an increasing number of clusters In addition to the difference between the base and the GT/XRS clusters, there are differences between US and Canadian clusters. In 2003 the LEDS were all red. the 2004 cluster is interchangeable with the 2003, only difference is color. I think the 2005 clusters added support for more idiot lights that are not there on the 2003/2004. So, with three unique years, US/Canada, base/GT, there are twelve different clusters for these cars so far. This means that if you are going to buy a used one, be sure it is the variant that you want.

[Emerica13]

The GT speedo goes to 150, but its only numbered to 140. If you look at it, you see one more 10 mph line after 140

[McVibe]

Would it work the same if I got a canadian speedo, cause that would be money-bags! What with the kmh and whatnot.

[ColonelPanic]

That would work, but I'd bet that would be service dept. hell here in the states. You would have to get your current mileage put into km and programmed into the new cluster... Then each time you go to the dealer, if you're still under warranty I'd bet they would give you some issues with that. hey, your car has 50,000 miles on it! um, no, those are kilometers! lolNo way to switch back and forth between english and metric. Would be cool if the entire cluster were switchable like on certain new GM products and practically everything way back in the day with digital gauges.

[Mavrik]

Quote, originally posted by McVibe »Would it work the same if I got a canadian speedo, cause that would be money-bags! What with the kmh and whatnot.why would you want a canadian one? I've gotten used to knowing what I'm going in MPH by looking at my KM but as far as the odometre... I'm in KM obviously and have no idea how long it takes to get somewhere. Save yourself the hassel, stay with miles.

[AKLGT]

yes, whenever i drive phil's vibe, i'm constantly trying to figure out how fast i'm really going. either too slow, or way too fast! lol

[Thewhite]

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »EDITED No way to switch back and forth between english and metric. Would be cool if USA join rest of the world and use metric system...j/k, was too easy

[ColonelPanic]

(removed)! You're completely right about that one! You betcha the english system needs to go. Inches, miles, pfft....

[ragingfish]

It is illegal to reside in the US and operate a car that is not properly set up for use on our roads. You will fail inspection with canadian gauges, and will like be told the car cannot be operated again until you have it switched back.The matrix/vibe clusters are identical. There's absoultely NO point to swapping. The base vibe is limited below 140 anyway. You also can't hit 8k rpm.

[ColonelPanic]

They don't give a crap here either.... Heck, if you have a functioning speedo, you're ahead of the game. lol!But now that inspections were brought up, seeing how VA seems to be very strict in regards to inspections, I wouldn't even bother swapping to the Canadian cluster if I lived there!

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 »Not in Michigan! He will in VA.

[ColonelPanic]

Technically I kinda think Mike *is* correct... I'd say there are laws that are on the books that will not allow cars originally titled in the US to have non-US spec clusters.But as you pointed out, it isn't enforced in MI, and I doubt that anybody in Indiana gives a crap either... Until you sell the car, or maybe move into another state, then you may be in trouble. When I moved to Indiana, their "inspection" was someone from the license branch walked outside and looked at the VIN on my car and came back in. But if they look closer, someone could easily fail the inspection.Not really a matter of it being illegal, it will be against many US laws I'm sure - it's just a matter of whether whatever laws that apply will be enforced.

[joatmon]

If you just want to have a peedometer that goes up higher, it would probably be best to just get a new speedometer face plate from some as yet undetermined source and have the new face plate provide a higher top end. have the numbers continue all the way around right up to the LCD.

[Mavrik]

it is legal to change your cluster out, maybe not in all states. But canadians who get US vehicles, or americans who buy canadian vehicles can swap out clusters. However they MUST be programmed acurately as in you pull and send your old one to the place your getting your new one and they program the new one with whats on the old one, convert the mileage... etc and then send it back to you. Its not a cheap process.

[JohnC]

Quote, originally posted by McVibe »So I noticed that the Matrix XRS gauge goes up to 140mph and I was wondering if the Vibe Gt's went up to 140 because my base vibe only goes up to 120. So why do you want a speedo that indicates upto 140mph? Doesn't the speed limiter shut down the engine way before that? Mine shuts down around 104. You could always use a hand held GPS to get an accurate speed.

[Mavrik]

Quote, originally posted by JohnC »So why do you want a speedo that indicates upto 140mph? Doesn't the speed limiter shut down the engine way before that? Mine shuts down around 104. You could always use a hand held GPS to get an accurate speed.I've had my manual over 104MPH with no shut down... ask the wife as I can remember saying "Wow... never drove my own car that fast before!"

[AKLGT]

the base vibe goes well over 104 mph before it hits the limiter. i think lancer and maybe a few others have hit up to 130 mph in theirs if i'm not mistaken.don't know if the GT is the same or not, but i know i only hit 120 mph in mine and i could still keep going no prob.my current car, i'm told, gets up to about 140 mph before it's limiter kicks in. don't know since i've not hit it, but i did get it up to about 130 mph a couple times.