Gauge Cluster Dilemma

[BussBry]

I need some help with a problem beyond my understanding. This year I decided to send my instrument cluster off to be repaired. I have been using the blue fire but figured I should have the cluster fully working as well.

Its been about a month and its looking like USPS has lost my package on route to the repair business.

As for a replacement they look hard to come by.

1. Can I use a newer model of dash? the connections all look the same on the back.
2. can I use a cluster that looks exactly the same but was ordinally in a t444e.
3. Can I purchase one that does not have the air PSI meter and buy an aftermarket air PSI reader or is there communication in the dash that needs to happen with my ECU.

 

[nikitis]

All square clusters are compatible with each other. International used them for years in many different variations of their tricks and buses. The rounded gauge clusters don’t work with square ones though I don’t think.

The only thing to consider when swapping them out is to match the dip switches on the new cluster with the old one. Make sure they match.

 

[BussBry]

That was the consensus I have found too was that the gauges should be compatible. Dip Switches are new to me though, Is that just the wiring ports for the gauge?

 

[nikitis]

If you take the gauge cluster out, and look on the top of it, you'll a bunch of white or orange switches (depending on year), Likely white, and it will be in a pattern or all 0's.

IF all 0's this tells the chip on the gauge cluster to use the VPM values (ECM if 1998 or newer). Just make them all 0's on your new one to match the old one with all 0's.

If there's a 0 and 1 combination, make sure the new gauge cluster matches this.

These 0's and 1's make up a binary number which is a code used for determining tire size etc for the speedometer to make it accurate.

Your old one will be correct, so just whatever the old one shows, make sure you take the new one and match the pattern same as the old one whatever it is.