Analog to Digital Cluster Swap... First Impressions

[masticatingcow]

Hey guys,

A couple nights ago, I dropped the HUD cluster into my RMS13 with mixed results. In fact, I was surprised at just how much of the cluster worked! All the indicator lights, the tach and the turn signals came on without a hitch. However, none of the background dash lights came on, and the tach read about 1000 RPM too high on idle, making it pretty unreliable. More importantly, though, was that the speedometer didn't turn on AT ALL.

I'm not concerned about the digital readout, because I'm ready to make that a little side project for the coming weeks/months. What worries me is that the odometer, which is directly connected to the speedo, didn't log any distance at all in the course of a 15 mile drive.

The CEL came on, I assume because the engine was under load and according to the odometer, we weren't going anywhere! I swapped the analog cluster back in and the CEL went off after about 1/4 mile, and the odometer read normally, as did the tach and speedo. Also, the nighttime illumination worked fine.

HUD problems aside, what do you guys think could be the issue? Based on my observations after swapping back to the analog cluster, I'm pretty sure I don't have any defective sensors or blown fuses. I've checked the digital cluster's subharness, pin for pin, and there are no shorts or breaks. I found ONE break in the printed circuit, and it's between two of the illuminating bulbs... I assume that this is why the lights didn't come on when I switched to my parking lights , LOL, but it doesn't explain the disconnect to the speedo unit.

[wangless]

probably just faulty ?

[masticatingcow]

Faulty is a pretty broad term, but, yes, the speedo is just that.

UPDATE:

I went to a junkyard and grabbed another HUD cluster along with some other goodies. Even if this one's speedo doesn't work, at least I have the extra parts to play with. Besides, it's not like my analog cluster has problems. I just dig the HUD cluster's layout, with the tach in the middle. Plus, once you've bypassed your speed limiter, a 110-mph speedo isn't much help. LOL.

I am hopeful, however, that this one will work better. The printed circuit has no signs of being tampered with, and though I AM expecting problems with it, I think they will be more like those that other HUD owners have encountered. Regardless, only a couple installs and some time with the circuit tester will tell.

Right now the weather's pretty crappy, and living at in an apartment complex, I'm lucky just to have a carport. When things dry off I'll get back under there and post some results.

PS. Junkyard diving is good times. Like bonediggin'. LOL.

[wangless]

hooooooooook it up with some parts lol. was the windsheild on that coupe you took the HUD cracked or anything haha

[masticatingcow]

LOL @ wangless. Nope, just a little dusty. Otherwise, a perfect windshield.

[catty]

Plus, once you've bypassed your speed limiter, a 110-mph speedo isn't much help. LOL.

I have working HUD in my car and I love it but dont think that just because you bypassed the speed limiter the spedometer goes that much higher. It maxes out at 125. Just FYI, but good luck getting it to work correctly.

[Luke]

I have working HUD in my car and I love it but dont think that just because you bypassed the speed limiter the spedometer goes that much higher. It maxes out at 125. Just FYI, but good luck getting it to work correctly.

Haha, so it's actually a disadvantage to have the digital gauge with regards to top speed. At least on an analog cluster you can approximate where you are at when it is buried in the odometer going ~140 mph.