guage cluster swap?
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Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 90
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From: SE Oklahoma
guage cluster swap?
I need some input on the pros/cons of putting a FX4/XLT guage cluster(w/ tach) in a STX (w/o tach). A) is it just "plug & play", does Ford have pre-existing tach wires? B) how would this affect the odometer?
I apprecciate any guidance from ya'll. Oh yeah, how do you just log-in? I just wait 'til I want to write and then I have to. Is there a quicker way?
Thanks
B-Dub
I apprecciate any guidance from ya'll. Oh yeah, how do you just log-in? I just wait 'til I want to write and then I have to. Is there a quicker way?
Thanks
B-Dub
Last edited by b-dub; Nov 21, 2005 at 06:20 PM. Reason: forgot sig
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Susquehanna Valley, pa.
I'm not sure if it will just plug in but a swap will require it to be programmed at the dealer. the PATS system will stop the truck from starting if you swap them.
I had to change out mine. luckily i did it in the dealers lot.
I had to change out mine. luckily i did it in the dealers lot.
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21
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From: Harrisburg, PA
Hey b-dub
I don't know how the newer trucks work but I just did this swap on my '93 and it was simple. The connectors from my non-tach guage panel plugged right into the one with a tach. I was also able to unplug the speedometer/odometer unit and put it into the new guage panel, which allowed me to keep the correct odometer reading. Again, I don't know if this will work on the new trucks but it was really simple on my '93.
I don't know how the newer trucks work but I just did this swap on my '93 and it was simple. The connectors from my non-tach guage panel plugged right into the one with a tach. I was also able to unplug the speedometer/odometer unit and put it into the new guage panel, which allowed me to keep the correct odometer reading. Again, I don't know if this will work on the new trucks but it was really simple on my '93.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
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In the 2004 forum there are hundreds of posts on doing this swap, in great detail.
Short take, you can put it in, but the door stuff, like dome light, key buzzer, headlight buzzer will not work without having the dealer program it.
Everything else works.
The info panel on the FX4 and XLT is different, but after the programing it will look the same. The STX does not have a compass or temp sensor so those functions will not work.
The odometer is contained in the cluster so mileage changes can be a situation. Dealers can not program mileage. Speedo shops can.
Dealer programing tends to run 60-90 bucks, that's after you pay for and install the cluster. If you have to have the mileage set that tends to run 80-200 bucks.
A tach is a lot cheaper...
I've done three cluster swaps, it's easy work but very costly. Not a cheap solution.
Chris
Short take, you can put it in, but the door stuff, like dome light, key buzzer, headlight buzzer will not work without having the dealer program it.
Everything else works.
The info panel on the FX4 and XLT is different, but after the programing it will look the same. The STX does not have a compass or temp sensor so those functions will not work.
The odometer is contained in the cluster so mileage changes can be a situation. Dealers can not program mileage. Speedo shops can.
Dealer programing tends to run 60-90 bucks, that's after you pay for and install the cluster. If you have to have the mileage set that tends to run 80-200 bucks.
A tach is a lot cheaper...
I've done three cluster swaps, it's easy work but very costly. Not a cheap solution.
Chris
