New Cluster Repair Service! Tach, Speedo, & Odometer Repair!
02-24-09, 09:55 PM
#1
New Cluster Repair Service! Tach, Speedo, & Odometer Repair!
So I've been receiving a HUGE amount of interest in this, so as my motto goes, "If you need it, we'll supply it!" Dead or erratic tach? No problem! Non-functioning speedo? Bring it on! Blank odometer? Not for long! 
So what's the skinny?
- We've been repairing full clusters for quite some time now, especially FC & FD clusters, so we're *very* familiar with them, the common problems, and how to repair them. That means faster diagnostic & repair times, which translates to cheaper prices for you!
- We don't just hook the cluster up to a car and see if it is "working;" we *thoroughly* inspect ALL components, both for voltage and functionality, so you can be confident that *everything* on the cluster has been tested and verified.
- Best of all, all of our work is guaranteed, so not only do you have the benefit of having it in the hands of someone who's worked on a TON of FD clusters, but you can also rest comfortably knowing that we'll stand behind that work too! In fact, after completing the repair, we re-test the entire cluster again on our bench tester, and will provide you with a photo of the entire cluster hooked up, fully functional, just prior to shipping it out to you!
The ironic part is, we've been providing this service "behind the scenes" for a LONG time now, since we sell so many OEM and aftermarket JDM clusters. And naturally, we must verify the condition of such intricate components prior to sending them out to the customer. So this service acturally arose out of the sheer need for it - the need to thoroughly test each and every cluster prior to its sale, and to guarantee against DOA units (which if you read on forums enough is VERY common when you purchase blindly from JDM-land).
So while we were at it, we found that many of our customers also wanted to have the speedo recalibrated & the odometer reset (to their original cluster's mileage).
- For the speedo, a 180 kph speedo can now actually correspond to mph (so 60 kph actually refers to 60 mph, 100 kph actually refers to 100 mph, and so on and so forth).
- For the odometer, when you replace your speedo (be it a solo speedo unit or an entire cluster), you inherit the odometer integrated into that speedo, which will obviously have different mileage than that found on your original cluster. So the odometer can be reset to your original cluster's mileage, so you won't have odometer statement issues (which may negatively affect your vehicle's resale value). But of course, adequate proof of original odometer's mileage is required!
What about the pricing? Here's the current pricing structure we have, and we'll be adding this service to the new website soon:
- Cluster Inspection: $45 - Required base charge on *all* clusters. Why? It is a large liability for us to perform any services (speedo/odometer) on a cluster without testing it thoroughly, because if something malfunctions, or we perform work on a component that wasn't up to par in the first place, the customer will automatically assume the damage was caused by us).
- Repair: Case-by-case basis. Should the inspection yield any problems, we will quote you a customized repair cost for your specific problem, and our costs are VERY reasonable. But because each problem is different, these quotes are provided on a case-by-case basis. The good news is, since we've already done the diagnosis, and we're extremely familiar with these clusters, the repair costs tend to be quite cheap
- Speedo recalibration: $65
- Odometer resetting: $125 - This is a VERY cumbersome & time-consuming thing to do, which is why the price reflects it accordingly. Nonetheless, it can most certainly be done. Please note, however, that (as previously stated), appropriate documentation MUST be provided (recent photo w/ timestamp, sending in the original odometer, copy of a recent inspection/service order w/ mileage, etc).
What about shipping times? ETA is roughly 2 - 3 weeks, allowing for about a week to receive the cluster, a few days to complete the necessary work, and a week to send the cluster back to you.
What about shipping costs? When shipping to us, please MAKE SURE to pack the cluster EXTREMELY well, and to insure it for a lot, as they're hard to replace if/when lost! ***Due to increases in shipping costs, we will require a $15 flat fee for all clusters shipped within the Continental United States. We typically I insure each cluster for $1,000, with rarer, JDM units being insured for $2,000.***
Is there anything else that I need to know? YES. ***Changing the faces or dials on an instrument cluster improperly can result in a permanently broken gauge if the shaft is lifted.*** Coil motors are impossible to repair, as they are calibrated a certain way for that particular gauge. Because we do not have a replacement, there's no fix unless you want to unwind each motor completely then rewind it. At that point, your best bet is to buy a used unit (which we can supply) and swap the components, or replace your cluster.
So what do I need to do to use these services? Simple.
1) Send payment via Paypal according to the above mentioned pricing structure (including your full name, user name, address, and services requested). ***No work will be performed until appropriate payment is received in full*** Please send payment to: Payments@FDNewbieImports.com. ***Please be sure to include the 3.5% Paypal surcharge to ensure that your service request is processed promptly!***
2) Download and complete the attached form, and mail it along with your cluster to the address provided.
3) We will contact you once we receive the cluster and have inspected it!
Thanks!
~Ramy
FDNewbie Imports
So what's the skinny?
- We've been repairing full clusters for quite some time now, especially FC & FD clusters, so we're *very* familiar with them, the common problems, and how to repair them. That means faster diagnostic & repair times, which translates to cheaper prices for you!
- We don't just hook the cluster up to a car and see if it is "working;" we *thoroughly* inspect ALL components, both for voltage and functionality, so you can be confident that *everything* on the cluster has been tested and verified.
- Best of all, all of our work is guaranteed, so not only do you have the benefit of having it in the hands of someone who's worked on a TON of FD clusters, but you can also rest comfortably knowing that we'll stand behind that work too! In fact, after completing the repair, we re-test the entire cluster again on our bench tester, and will provide you with a photo of the entire cluster hooked up, fully functional, just prior to shipping it out to you!
The ironic part is, we've been providing this service "behind the scenes" for a LONG time now, since we sell so many OEM and aftermarket JDM clusters. And naturally, we must verify the condition of such intricate components prior to sending them out to the customer. So this service acturally arose out of the sheer need for it - the need to thoroughly test each and every cluster prior to its sale, and to guarantee against DOA units (which if you read on forums enough is VERY common when you purchase blindly from JDM-land).
So while we were at it, we found that many of our customers also wanted to have the speedo recalibrated & the odometer reset (to their original cluster's mileage).
- For the speedo, a 180 kph speedo can now actually correspond to mph (so 60 kph actually refers to 60 mph, 100 kph actually refers to 100 mph, and so on and so forth).
- For the odometer, when you replace your speedo (be it a solo speedo unit or an entire cluster), you inherit the odometer integrated into that speedo, which will obviously have different mileage than that found on your original cluster. So the odometer can be reset to your original cluster's mileage, so you won't have odometer statement issues (which may negatively affect your vehicle's resale value). But of course, adequate proof of original odometer's mileage is required!
What about the pricing? Here's the current pricing structure we have, and we'll be adding this service to the new website soon:
- Cluster Inspection: $45 - Required base charge on *all* clusters. Why? It is a large liability for us to perform any services (speedo/odometer) on a cluster without testing it thoroughly, because if something malfunctions, or we perform work on a component that wasn't up to par in the first place, the customer will automatically assume the damage was caused by us).
- Repair: Case-by-case basis. Should the inspection yield any problems, we will quote you a customized repair cost for your specific problem, and our costs are VERY reasonable. But because each problem is different, these quotes are provided on a case-by-case basis. The good news is, since we've already done the diagnosis, and we're extremely familiar with these clusters, the repair costs tend to be quite cheap
- Speedo recalibration: $65
- Odometer resetting: $125 - This is a VERY cumbersome & time-consuming thing to do, which is why the price reflects it accordingly. Nonetheless, it can most certainly be done. Please note, however, that (as previously stated), appropriate documentation MUST be provided (recent photo w/ timestamp, sending in the original odometer, copy of a recent inspection/service order w/ mileage, etc).
What about shipping times? ETA is roughly 2 - 3 weeks, allowing for about a week to receive the cluster, a few days to complete the necessary work, and a week to send the cluster back to you.
What about shipping costs? When shipping to us, please MAKE SURE to pack the cluster EXTREMELY well, and to insure it for a lot, as they're hard to replace if/when lost! ***Due to increases in shipping costs, we will require a $15 flat fee for all clusters shipped within the Continental United States. We typically I insure each cluster for $1,000, with rarer, JDM units being insured for $2,000.***
Is there anything else that I need to know? YES. ***Changing the faces or dials on an instrument cluster improperly can result in a permanently broken gauge if the shaft is lifted.*** Coil motors are impossible to repair, as they are calibrated a certain way for that particular gauge. Because we do not have a replacement, there's no fix unless you want to unwind each motor completely then rewind it. At that point, your best bet is to buy a used unit (which we can supply) and swap the components, or replace your cluster.
So what do I need to do to use these services? Simple.
1) Send payment via Paypal according to the above mentioned pricing structure (including your full name, user name, address, and services requested). ***No work will be performed until appropriate payment is received in full*** Please send payment to: Payments@FDNewbieImports.com. ***Please be sure to include the 3.5% Paypal surcharge to ensure that your service request is processed promptly!***
2) Download and complete the attached form, and mail it along with your cluster to the address provided.
3) We will contact you once we receive the cluster and have inspected it!
Thanks!
~Ramy
FDNewbie Imports
Last edited by FDNewbie; 03-24-09 at 09:54 PM.
02-26-09, 11:47 AM
#2
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: ocala, florida
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I am having a problem with the gauge cluster you fixed less than 6 months ago. I hardly drive the car and the tach has died again. Is there a warranty on your work? Please let me know I need this fixed again.
Thanks
Thanks
02-28-09, 08:54 PM
#3
Thanks,
~Ramy
FDNewbie Imports
Last edited by FDNewbie; 03-27-09 at 10:56 PM.
02-28-09, 11:48 PM
#4
odometer
if u recalibrate the speedo to read mph (instead of kmh) as i put more miles on the car will that add miles to the odometer or is it still km? basically if my odometer says 20000km and i get the recalibration and i drive 500 mi will the odometer read 20500mi or 20800km (rough conversion 500mi=800km) 
03-01-09, 09:08 PM
#5
Speedo will correspond to mph (when the needle points to 60kph, it'll actually be when you're traveling at 60mph, etc). But the ODOMETER remains calculating in kilometers. Haven't been successful in reprogramming that badboy yet.
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03-07-09, 09:40 PM
#9
Yep: https://www.rx7club.com/fdnewbie-imports-172/end-year-blowout-822309/ amongst others found on my website: http://www.fdnewbieimports.com/Backup/products.php
~Ramy
~Ramy
07-16-09, 09:53 AM
#19
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Join Date: Jul 2009
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my cluster
ramy. i made a mistake and sent my cluster to tampa last week. as i track it it was signed for. but i don't think you have it. it is a customers. and he is very upset. did it foward to you. do you know anything about it? why no contact phone number? can you help?
08-07-09, 04:11 PM
#22
Wrench Bound
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Mine was sent in and arrived there back on 6-20-09. Havn't heard from Ramy yet. It was a mazdaspeed cluster that needs spedometer recalibration. Ramy you out there?
08-12-09, 04:22 AM
#25
Fiat Lux
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I agree Et3rNal, I was going to send my tach to ramy for repair and moving is no excuse to keep your customers in limbo either. I mean having no access to the internet is no excuse, you can walk in to Starbucks and Mcdonald's and write some quick PM's. Having no time is another thing. Hopefully he'll come around quickly I have bought from Ramy in the past and transaction went very smooth.