Have an '05 f150 xl and would like to switch instrument cluster to one from say an xlt. Anyone know if this can be done without any real problems? Was just wondering if optional gauge plugs are in dash already.Any takers?

 

It sure can be done, if you have the patience to read up and a couple bucks to put towards it. There's a few threads with great detail, search for 'cluster swap' or 'lariat cluster'.

 

Thanks scorpio I'm on it! Do you know anyone who has done it? Dealership made it sound impossible, but I used to be in the aftermarket installation trades and I'm not affraid of doing it. Just didn't know if oem plugs were back there.

 

I've put a FX4 in my XLT and haven't had any issues. The plugs are the easy part. The Lariat cluster is a little different with the message center additions (if you want to add those, I think it'll work without them), but XL to XLT to FX4 should be no issue plug wise. At a high level the issues are mileage programming and dealers programming the 'as-built' data to the new cluster.

 

Thanks again scorp, checkin' out the "swap clusters" threads now.

 

There could be some issues with programming the odo. I just had my FX4 cluster replaced under warranty (at 998 miles) because the ODO panel backlight never worked. The new cluster was ordered at around 525 miles and when it shipped to the dealer, it came with the miles pre-programmed.

so, when I picked up my truck, it had about 400 fewer miles than when I dropped it off. Hopefully someone knows how to program the ODO because it sounds like the dealer does not have the ability to do that. I obviously was not happy about this - poor design. the ODO should be stored in non-volatile memory somewhere along with trip odometer - that was reset to zero and tends to get reset whenever the power goes out.

 

I know you said plugs would'nt be an issue, but my truck doesn't have tach in it now. Will OEM plug for tach be behind dash?

 

Yes it should be. And yours DOES have a tach, hold down the trip reset button while starting the truck and you can scroll through different screens like volts, fuel pressure, tach, mph, etc..

 

As far as I know all the F150 clusters have two of the exact same harnesses that plug in on top. However, there's been a few that have upgraded the XL and STX clusters to the XLT/FX/Lariat cluster and I've not read anyone having any tach issues. To the best of my knowledge (someone correct me if I'm worng)I believe the tach reading comes out of the PCM and straight to the cluster, if no tach is present that signal is ignored. With that said, the PCM may need to programmed with the correct data before the tach operates correctly, but it should function since you can view a tach reading in your message center (If I recall, hold the trip button in while starting?).

You get a new cluster yet?

 

It can be done:

 

I'm Wanting To Switch Mine Out With A Harley Davidson Cluster That Says Supercharged On It...

 

Thanks for the info Supercrew! Tried the trip start and was reading rpm's before I knew it!

 

Sorry for the delay in response scorp, computers' been down for almost a month. Finally got back online yesterday, and no I haven't gotten a cluster yet. Finances.

 

Is the dealership the only place where you can get the cluster? Does anyone know what a dealership will Typically charge for labor and parts? I don't have the outside temp on my cluster. Will the new cluster support that function? thanks

 

Hmmm, is it me or did the swap possibly throw compass off a bit? (unless of course you turned 90 degrees to the right!)