I've always wondered if another cluster w/ a tachometer will work with the factory plugs on the No-Tach STX.

Contrary to what everybody said...


Removal of the cluster shroud...


My original cluster without the tach...


The new cluster that cost $330 from Ford Parts.

 

First initial power-up.


With lights and everything else.

It Works! The only thing I need to figure out is the odometer reading. Unlike other cars, Ford's electronics maintain the actual mileage on the cluster assembly itself... so now my cluster reads 1.7 miles!

 

Red... how long did it take to do the swap?

Is it easy enough to do...say... twice a year

 

Red04,

Let us know what you find out about the odometer reading. I know that I talked to my dealer about replacing the instrument cluster (speedometer was sticking) on my '97 XLT, the dealer said that they would have to order the cluster and the only the factory could set the odometer mileage because the FoMoCo didn't want to worry about anyone tampering with odometers. My dealer could be wrong (wouldn't be the 1st time).
I'm surprised Ford Parts didn't bring this up when you purchased the cluster.

 

Setting the odometer can only be done by an authorized repair station.You are safe with the dmv because you are allowed to set the spedo tp 0.Warrantee may be another matter.Better check with ford to see if there may be a warra0.Warrantee may be another matter.Better check with ford to see if there may be a warrantee problem.

Mike

 

WOW!! You have got to be kidding me?! This sounds like a design flaw if there ever was one. This means you could just spend the 330 bucks and change your mileage. Ford has to come up with a fix for that. Geesh.

New cluster looks great BTW!

 

Red,
What's the deal with the bright light where the gear indicator is suppose to be? Am I just looking at a glare from the wrong angle?

 

Man this is a sad situation when your service manager calls Ford Truck Engineering and is told that it wouldn't work.

I'm printing this all out and taking it down tomorrow to show them.

 

Red04,
What is the part number of the one you ordered?

 

Hey Red...
Was wondering if you considered installing power locks as well. Talked to my dealer today and he says it can be done, solinoids are already in the doors, just need to install the mondule and wire it up. Sounds a whole lot easier to do it that way than pay another $300 to have the dealer install it. Whadduya think??? The new cluster looks great BTW, can't wait to do mine!!!


BADstx

 

pls post part # details. i wont buy an STX until i can get a tach (or until there is availabliltiy of a realiable, high quality, easily instaled tach that looks to be FMC original). your install looks great. however, from the pics it is pretty obvious that what you posted are pre installation pictures. Can you please also post pics that show the new tach installed and working. thanks!

 

The last pic shows the tach. working.

 

the tach appears to be working but the cluster is not installed.

 

This was a test just to satisfy my curiosity. Though the tach is functional, 2 other things did not work automatically...

1) Message Center + Door Ajar indicator - I am probably missing a module that communicates with the Message Center-equipped cluster (standard feature on other models).

2) Key-in-slot Chime - not really a big issue but I lost the annoying warning chime (which is probably a good thing).

The gear shift position indicator is a modular assembly that slides into a cavity underneath the cluster (that lighted yellow oval slot shown on the second picture).

I have installed the cluster and drove the truck around and everything works, including the speedometer and odometer.

Until after I am able to transfer my original odometer reading and make the door ajar indicator or message center to work, will I permanently leave the new cluster on the truck.

 

I have power door locks which we installed ourselves... cost: $9 each door + 1.5 hours to install. It is wired up with our alarm.

I also installed power windows, cost: $225 + install.