1997-2003 F-150 easy gauge cluster swap

[@bigwavedave2550]

Thank you, thank you. We recently inherited an '03 XLT that my F-I-L had dove in deep and removed the odometer display from the cluster, damaging it in the process. Understanding that the MB contains the mileage info I now know that I can find a doner cluster ( I can't find just the Futaba display anywhere) and either swap the MB's or with much more care swap out the ODO display to the original. Then I can complete what should have been a 20min re-solder fix. Hopefully no need to send off for reprogramming with this method... Thanks!

[@Samj02]

Exactly the question I had and you are the only one that could answer it! Thank you so much you saved me so much time and money.

[@josevillalobos3757]

Thanks man! This video saved me a trip to Ford.

[@2H2521]

*1999-2003, ‘97 & ‘98’s were different since they had an analog odometer instead of a digital one.

[@julianmtz2647]

I have a 2002 lariat been thinking of swapping out to a harley davidson cluster the one with 130mph got bored of the current one I have just wanted to make sure if it's possible to swap it out 👀

[@AraceaeFanatics]

How do you reflash them? I don't have a tach on my XL V6 and want one.

[@adammountford8871]

I want to know about that "live feed" oil gauge you mentioned.

[@mikehonda44]

You helped me big time with this video, great info.

[@davevinsant9717]

i have a 2003 ford f150 harley davidson i need better light in dash?

[@johnnga4496]

So where is the information stored? Is it on the circuit board or is it on the cluster? I'm confused

[@MrMoosetang1]

I have the 04 Heritage Do all of the 99-04 have the theft immobilizer in the board like the navigator did? Also, the previous owner said my 04 Heritage only had 135k miles but when I resoldered the pin to get the digital mileage display to light up, it said 200k+ miles. So I wonder if the previous owner swapped out the clusters with his other truck or would it had to be the key as well?

[@MustangGuy6501]

Thats awesome ill like to find a navigator cluster i know i cant find a HD lol great video man!

[@im-that-guy-pal]

I have 1998 ford f150 4.2L 2x4 that came from the factory with just the mph. You do NOT have to reflash to put a cluster that has a rpm guage. I have a cluster from a 99 expedition, 97 f150 and a 99 f150 ALL of them work in my 1998 without a flash

[@justinavery4047]

Thank you!

[@justinavery4047]

I have a 1997 E-150 and want the tachometer, So it's just a plug and play?

[@im-that-guy-pal]

​@@justinavery4047 yes

[@justinavery4047]

Thanks again, going to look on the Internet for one.​@@im-that-guy-pal

[@lloydhughes9902]

I think I fried my board trying to fix the mileage gauge dimming in and out. None of my gauges are working and the mileage doesn't show at all. How can I fix this problem??

[@jeffraineymusic]

Same here. What was your solution?

[@fawfulize]

Check to see for any bridged connections. If they exist, clean them up. If any components were damaged... outside of tracking the damaged components, and it isn't a fuse (which is possible), you're looking at a new cluster.

[@ericksonmoreno6029]

I got a 97 f150 xl mine comes without tach, so since you said 97-98 is plug and play can I get away with getting a cluster with tach from any 97-98 and not have issues ?

[@WatchwhatIdohere]

Just came across this video, I have a 2003 F150 King Ranch 5.4 397k miles. I been having a issues with this truck lately. The truck will start up and run fine, but it will just stall. Sometime it will start right back up, and other times if I hit the top or side of the instrument cluster it will start. When it dies on me the odometer will have all dash in across it. During you video you mention something about the bad soldering on the board, could this be the issues? If you think this is the issue could you link a link on how to do this soldering? Or do I new to get a new board?

[@JonnyAutomotive]

my odometer doesn’t read or show ?. I have an 1999 ford xlt, would swapping out the PCB like you did here , fix my issue ?

[@christineberardo8694]

Just thought I'd share I just tired to swap a no tach cluster for a cluster with tach in my 2003 f-150. You cannot swap the boards because the cluster bulbs are not in the same location so the no tach board will not mount into the tach cluster.

[@kwg2499]

Thank you for sharing. That's what I wanted to try.

[@BryanYellott]

What if i swap the circuit board from one lightning cluster to another lightning cluster? The back lights went out in my 02 lightning cluster and i bought another lightning cluster that the back lights worked in. When i plug the cluster that i bought in, the anti theft light started flashing. Can i just swap circuit boards? Great info, thanks for the vid

[@victorwilliams2836]

If the cluster is not reading the gas level and I swap it for another one and use the program board will read on the new cluster

[@Ahorjus93]

I have a 2000 xl with no tach. What would I have to do to swap a cluster with a tach into it? It's a manual and I seriously hate not knowing what my rpm is. Lol

[@Canuck_0]

Maybe a dumb question but just to clarify before I spend money and waste time.. If I have a 97-98 then it is a simple plug and play swap for everything? including current mileage? Even for my XL to upgrade to a Tachometer? Or would I need to reflash like mentioned later in the video. Thanks

[@securedabagesteban]

Question I have to ask how did you re pin the cruise control light?

[@frankletizia7835]

I have replace my cluster on a 2003 f150 put it engine will not start . Do you know why? One of reason why I did it cause of odometer light was out . If I do what you just did will my odometer light come back on and truck will start? Were you said add a little solder . Were my problem was . not working i brought to 2 solder specialist work on board were you pointed out he had to put a jumper . still not working . So for swap mine out like you did i be same place what i started out with. I was told need to change VIN number . Do you know how?

[@datboydro2267]

Everyone has their thing.

[@orlandoo.9656]

how can you make the cluster do the gauge sweep on startup ?

[@bobwaterhouse21]

Where do you get a xl cluster reflashed?

[@CecilHamilton-q9n]

So i can swap clusters with the circuit boards

[@BryanYellott]

What if i swap the circuit board from one lightning cluster to another lightning cluster? The back lights went out in my 02 lightning cluster and i bought another lightning cluster that the back lights worked in. When i plug the cluster that i bought in, the anti theft light started flashing. Can i just swap circuit boards?

[@dylanlogsdon2155]

Yes

[@DrivingIntelligence]

Do you know if there’s a way to calibrate the needles on these gauge packages?

[@fawfulize]

Its... a little bit of a guess game. DTM is the best way to do it due to being able to sweep gauges, and get a digital readout for the speedometer.

[@DrivingIntelligence]

@@fawfulize thanks for the answer. I already used a remote tach and a GPS speedometer on my phone to finalize the gauge transfer.

[@nathanmartinez6927]

does this work if the cluster that came with my truck in kl.

[@mustanglover1186]

I just got a Harley Davidson one, when I pulled the cluster off on my 97 truck it has three connectors. The cluster has two. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[@elplebe2492]

It would have to require a dash swap and change of the harnesses

[@kennyrogers5590]

I was wondering what the problem was when I switched out my cluster and my truck wouldn't start

[@TheHighRoadToVictory]

So to add a tach u have to get it reflashed which is expensive at a dealership I'm assuming?

[@thastinger345]

You don't, it will read

[@jonrandall5490]

GREAT VIDEOS YOU MAKE !! I have a 2001 F150 XL basic 4.2L 5 speed truck. To swap the cluster from another XL, can I remove the back white cover and swap boards from one to the other? Or is it possible to disable the Pats system so I can bypass the theft system so that the truck will start with the new cluster ? My replacement cluster is in nice shape, so I wish to use it and avoid re-flashing, or whatever expense at a stealership. Thanks.

[@fawfulize]

Absolutely. Regardless of year, out side of 97 and 98, the back cover pulls off and can be put on from one cluster to another. Can't switch to a non tach to tach with this method though with 99+. There are tunes to disable PATS, so you do have that option if you want.

[@fawfulize]

@Jack K All good. Yeah, it isn't horribly overcomplicated, but it can be pricey. Either program the new cluster, or tune out PATS.

[@130Jsmith]

Does this swap work if say going from the 100mph gauge in an F150 to the 130mph or 140mph gauges in the HD or Lightning F150 if both trucks have digital odometers? Or would the speedometers be way off?

[@fawfulize]

To my knowledge, the speed would be off. I considered throwing in the SC'ed HD cluster, but I knew it'd be off. It could be possible with a tuner, but most people I know who go this route do the whole swap, PCM and all.

[@bradbohen2615]

What "aftermarket" could you possibly have inside your cluster??? I'm dying to know!

[@fawfulize]

It was a module purchased from Mark over at Accutach. It is something he designed and made that turns it into a live-feed 0-100 psi gauge. Cant remember if I said this, but the nice thing about the Harley cluster is that each line ends up representing 10 psi.

[@bradbohen2615]

@@fawfulize thanks! Can you do a video on boost bypass valve. Deleting it for the HD & why or why not? There's allot of info for the lightning but HD is slightly different. & Hooking up boost guage.

[@hypershadic9556]

I have a 2001 XL without tachometer or rpm but I want to swap it into tachometer could it work by swapping the boards please help

[@CarlosRamirez-sk4ok]

Any luck with your swap

[@hypershadic9556]

@@CarlosRamirez-sk4ok no I haven’t I looked at some of the forums online and they say that the cluster needs to be reflashed or reset so that the computer can register it and for the truck to turn on

[@michaelbalentine5511]

I have a 97 f150 xl . I need a new dash cluster but I have found 2 both from expeditions with digital mileage and mine doesn't have a digital. Would my 97 f150 interchange with a 01 expedition being that mine isn't digital?

[@fawfulize]

They would not. Connectors are different, plus it would include an entire dash swap. Had a friend do it, and that's what it took.

[@rayleynelson]

Can I use a analog cluster from a 1999-2003 f150 in a 1998 f150? Mine don't have tac. but the used one dose.

[@fawfulize]

If you've got a 1998, you can swap in a 1997 or 1998 cluster without issue. You can even swap in a 1998 Navigator cluster, and everyrhing will work as intended.

[@ShaunKore]

Ok so I am getting a 2000 f150 4x4 I am looking at getting the Harley Davidson cluster from a 2001 should this method work? Also is there a 4x4 light cut out on the HD cluster? I have not got it yet I was just wondering if you would know that? Thanks!

[@fawfulize]

2001 was the last year for the non-supercharged Harley trucks, so yeah. That'll work perfectly fine. There is no 4x4 light unfortunately; since there was no such thing as a 4x4 Harley F150 in this body... guess they didnt have a reason to put one there.

[@lastmanontheplanet]

What did you do with the old cluster?

[@felixortega8469]

Can i change out the digital display itself the wire snapped off from the display circuit part the pins on board are not damage just the ribbon going into the display

[@fawfulize]

It's easier just to swap the cluster at that point. Swap your PCB over to another cluster like I did here, and it changes the ribbon also. A lot less headache then tryouts g to swap just the display, as it gets swapped out with the cluster change anyway.

[@jeffraineymusic]

I'm confused. I have a 99 f150 and I am afraid I fried the board trying to solder the odometer. Can I get a cluster from the junkyard and swap without having it flashed?

[@B_HarTz]

Well , I just picked up a 99 f150 cluster from eBay and worked but the anti theft prevented it from working for some odd reason. It plugged in and everything worked but truck wouldn’t start :/ so I’m back with my old cluster

[@mikeyvillareal6439]

@@B_HarTz it had to be flashed to your computer

[@watupchief5889]

My 97 F-150 has the odometer that spins numbers to show mileage not a digital any advice on that? Also will I have to convert to a digital odometer instead of the spin dial?

[@libertas501]

Can a 1999-2004 Digital Odometer cluster go in a 1997-1998 truck with an analog odometer?

[@fawfulize]

Not without a LOT of work. I'm talking pulling the dash out, and harness swap big. The plugs and clusters are quite different.

[@tomcronininc]

fawfulize thank you. Was looking at the same issue myself

[@jims1964285]

Is there any way for me to add a cluster that has a tack in it if I don't have a tack in the original cluster. Example cluster from an 2002XLT 2 my 2002 XL

[@fawfulize]

If you pull a cluster with a tach, and have it flashed, it will work. Make sure to have the mileage adjusted, as the cluster will show the mileage stored in that PCB.

[@GenuineLand]

fawfulize where do I go to flash the cluster? I’m looking to get a tach too

[@fawfulize]

@@GenuineLand you may end up having to go to the dealer to flash it. Mileage may be an issue though, as from what people state online, it's a legal issue. But who knows, you might get lucky.

[@GARGOLASPERFORMANCECOATINGS]

How or were can you get your cluster reflash done ? I'm trying to get the the cluster with rpm guage on my F150 that originally doesn't have it, any info would be great, thanks !!!

[@fawfulize]

Ford would most likely have to do it. I'm doubtful that a locksmith would have the proper equipment, sonunless you know a good friend who has the computer to do it, you'll probably be taking a trip to Ford.

[@GARGOLASPERFORMANCECOATINGS]

Thanks for the great info, much appreciated!

[@alexharper9786]

@@GARGOLASPERFORMANCECOATINGS Did someone flash it for you?

[@GARGOLASPERFORMANCECOATINGS]

@@alexharper9786 yes, my local Ford dealership charged me $65

[@GARGOLASPERFORMANCECOATINGS]

@Jack K they did the work, no headache, the miles I'm not sure on because my cluster wasn't visible when the stock was on my truck,

[@mrstl3000]

I hv a 2000 f150 xl will this work for me

[@Jdmsport2024]

How do I fix my odometer and my trip on my 1997 Ford F150 I have roughly 150,000 miles on it

[@fawfulize]

The solder joints I point out just need to be reflowed. Add a little also, and you'll be golden.

[@bevoou8127]

If I buy one out of a junk yard can I have it flashed to make the truck run ? And will it show my miles or the parts truck miles?

[@fawfulize]

Part truck miles unless you adjust the miles. Mileage for these clusters is stored in the cluster, not the PCM. Notice when I swapped the PCBs, the mileage changed. That will have to be changed of you swap both PCB and cluster. This is a non-issue if your original PCB stays with the truck, and why it works out so easily with a tach-to-tach cluster swap. You can swap the PCBs and save a mountain of headaches.

[@bevoou8127]

fawfulize my board is bad to many people have played with it board is burnt up .

[@bevoou8127]

fawfulize so if they flash it the yard one will it show true miles or yard miles?

[@bevoou8127]

I guess what I’m asking can the dealer change the mileage?

[@fawfulize]

@@bevoou8127 They should be able to. If not, I think a software called "Forscan" might be able to help. I know it works on later models, but I'm uncertain on these.

[@daviddelacruz3196]

I have one 2002 4.6 it only has mph in center it’s annoying can I swap it?

[@fawfulize]

Not without flashing. It's what I meant by this only works if you have a cluster already with a tach. The pinouts on the board won't allow it.

[@elcuhalex8199]

Nice headlights where you got it from ?

[@fawfulize]

Custom built retrofits. Had 'em for a few years.

[@adamkrueger1257]

I was hoping to find out how to flash it but okay

[@Jdmsport2024]

My trip and odometer quit on my 1997 f150I have roughly 150,000 miles on my truck

[@blkmagneto1521]

I have a 2000 XL no tachometer.... Bought a 2000 Expedition cluster with tachometer.... The plugs are the same on both clusters... But can I swap the XL board with the Expedition Tachometer cluster? Will it activate PATS? And will the XL board run the Expedition Tachometer? Or if I just plugged the XL harness in the Expedition cluster will everything work? Thanks

[@daviddelacruz3196]

Bro your miles match mine bingo n it doesn’t start which is why I’m here Mine has only the single mphs on it I’m trying to add the one that has both rpm and mph

[@fawfulize]

It goes with one of the early statements I made. Going from a non tach to tach cluster on 99+ trucks isn't a simple swap as the PCB must remain with the truck. Unless you have the "new" cluster flashed.

[@daviddelacruz3196]

fawfulize I realized it didn’t fit but so what do I need to complete the swap?

[@daviddelacruz3196]

fawfulize how do I get it reflashed?

[@fawfulize]

Dealer is your most likely choice, as you need their computers to do it. There might be others who have the proper equipment, but I'm not certain about that currently

[@dirklentfer383]

cool info ......

[@lupevenegas4247]

Hey we just tried these changed our engine on the truck and wanted the cluster to match the miles, but when I did this, the miles changed like you showed but the theft light still blinks and it wont start..any idea? I have a 2001 f150.

[@fawfulize]

So you swapped the PCB from one cluster to another, and the mileage remained the same and correct, am I on the right track?

[@lupevenegas4247]

Yea the miles changed and matched the new engine miles...mine originally had 250k...the new one has 120k.. and so now it shows the 120k but the still wont start

[@lupevenegas4247]

It will start with the 250k mile original..just not with the PCB of the nee 1

[@fawfulize]

Well, that's the issue. You must use your orignial PCB. Slide each PCB off, and swap them. The clusters can be swapped, but you must keep your original PCB with your truck. This nor only assures that the mileage stays true, but also that the cluster data matches the key and PCM data.

[@lupevenegas4247]

I think I misunderstood it, we thought if we change the PCB from the new one into our cluster it would work ...but your saying I do it the opposite way? Use the new obdometer, and keep my pcb?

[@MarioBorinquentours]

i but the car dont star

[@B_HarTz]

U can’t swap out boards unless it’s your own factory one... well on my 99 anyways... you can swap gauges from any truck... but uses your same factory board with same miles

[@MarkAlan-o6r]

What does one do if their cluster from a 2002 F150 has a problem with the PATS system in it? Can it be repaired?

[@BryanYellott]

What if i swap the circuit board from one lightning cluster to another lightning cluster? The back lights went out in my 02 lightning cluster and i bought another lightning cluster that the back lights worked in. When i plug the cluster that i bought in, the anti theft light started flashing. Can i just swap circuit boards? Great info, thanks for the vid

[@williammattern7769]

Will the board swap work on a 99 lariat???

[@richardmoran1495]

I have a 2000 f150 xl 5-speed. Is there any simple way to change it to a tach dash cluster? Like buy one from a junk yard and slip in my board. I don’t know anything about “flashing”.

[@fawfulize]

In short, it's essentially programming the cluster to the truck. No real other option unfortunately due to PATS. Unless you disable PATS.