Gauge Cluster Mounts/Reinforcement, Info Option Topic is solved

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 21 Aug 2016, 14:40

I've finally reached the edge with my cluster... it bounces around like crazy in my dash. The little clips on top are broken off, and there's no way to secure it in my dash.
What I'd like to know is if I can change out the mounting bracket part of the cluster or if I have to change the whole cluster. What I would really like to do is swap out the cluster with one in tact with the same mileage but has the driver information computer, but I don't know how to tell at a junkyard (no power to the car). Or, if someone has a good way to secure the gauges with broken mounting points, please share!
And since we're on the topic of clusters... is it possible for me to add the info computer to mine? I have a switch for it lying around, and I'd really like to add the computer if it's possible. I've read something about it being done by dealer programming, but I don't remember if there was some special part required.

Post by **erikv11** » 21 Aug 2016, 15:18

You recall correctly that in a 98, the only way to add the info computer to your existing cluster is if the dealer activates it. Your best bet is a cluster from the junk yard. Every 98 V70XC has the info computer activated, as do most T5 models. Any car in the yard with an info switch, has the trip computer activated in its cluster.

You can actually power them up with 12V of flashlight batteries I think? Do some searching. But TBH with 170k on the clock, I would just grab one that looks good and has the trip computer, and make a note of any mileage discrepancy once you do the install.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 21 Aug 2016, 16:04

Thanks, Erik, that's what I thought. What I might do is try to find one with a couple more miles than mine, drive mine until the mileage matches, then swap the cluster over. I'll look into how to get power on one. I know Robert has a video when he's powering one up, I just have to find it.

Update: I found the video

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 21 Aug 2016, 18:04

Just snag another cluster out of a pick-n-pull and change the lens assembly. The lens, which is where the retainers are positioned, will pop off of the main body of the cluster with relative ease.

...Lee

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 21 Aug 2016, 18:11

Ozark Lee wrote:Just snag another cluster out of a pick-n-pull and change the lens assembly. The lens, which is where the retainers are positioned, will pop off of the main body of the cluster with relative ease.

...Lee

That's what I saw on a picture a little bit ago. Hopefully I'll be at the yard this week and grab one. Thanks!

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 30 Aug 2016, 17:05

Just replaced the bezel on my cluster with one from the junkyard. $5 later everything is secured again! Hopefully I won't have to pull the dash again anytime soon. While I was in there, I upgraded to LEDs in my turn signal lights. Looks pretty cool!