I am in the process of upgrading my xlt to make it have all the bells and whistles that of a lariet or FX4. I have already put on the towing mirrors, lift, rims, audio, but i want to spice up my interior a little and I was wondering if a FX4 dash cluster would plug right into my XLT? I mean they both have the same gauge just the FX4 has chrome rings and a fancier setup then that of an XLT cluster which is just plain and black!

 

my understanding is it will fit but you won't have the full message center, that will still function as the XLT message center

 

got any pictures?

 

Wanting to do the same thing....

 

where are you getting the parts at? How expensive?

 

I know on some vehicles if you change out the instrument cluster they wont work and the truck may not even start due to ECM/Cluster not being coded for eachother. I cant say I've changed many newer Fords but I know on alot of GM's that we have to reflash the ECM in order to get a different Cluster to work or for the car to even start up after...

 

where are you getting the gauge cluster at? i have a 1998 F150 XL thats a 5 speed manual...with out an rpm gauge...id love to install a cluster with one.

 

You'll need the dealer to program it for the PCM, and to update the correct mileage before installing it. Tear you dash apart to where its ready to be swapped, drive to the dealer, have that all done, change it out in the parking lot. If it works right, go home and finish up.

 

To answer this question you cannot just change in a gauge cluster with a tac on it and have it work.

the wiring is different going into the cluster than your truck will have.

 

well that blows. lol. anyone know how to wire an aftermarket tac into an f150 with out a distributer? haha

 

Actually in your case it should work. You need to remove your cluster and check the instrument cluster connector #237, white with 14 wires, for a white with pink striped wire. It will be the 4th one from the end. If it is there then the cluster will work. An auto cluster will still work just remove the PRND21 indicator and replace it with the old cover.

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You lost me.

 

The wire part or the PRNOD21 part?