I'm glad you finally got it working! It must feel really good to figure it out. I know how nagging it is for me when I'm working on something like this and something isn't working right. Now that you know how to take the cluster out, changing the bulbs over to the LED color of your choice is an easy mod. Of course then you find yourself wanting to change all of the dash lights over to the new color. I've changed all mine over to blue and love it.

I'm at the exact same spot, but with a newer generation cluster. It looks GREAT!
Im using the original board form the boxster and the 996 gauges. I've already Transplanted the two flat cable connectors for the new gauges, but no activity at all in that front. I assume they need to be powered on form the cluster itself.

Does anyone knows the two bytes I need to change to enable the Volt and oil pressure gauges? From what I've read, the bytes are different between the 2 type of clusters, but can't find any data for the new generation ones.

Thanks!

The programming for the new style cluster contains many more lines of code than the old style cluster. You can find a DIY that discusses it here: http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/47801-programming-a-carrera-instrument-cluster-for-transplant-to-a-boxster/ (If you aren't a Renntech member, send me a PM with your e-mail and I'll e-mail the instructions to you.)

I have an old style cluster and have not personally worked with the new style cluster. I think the folks who found success simply copied the entire 996 cluster code into their 986 board and changed the VIN and mileage. The code positions for those data points are known and discussed in the DIY.

Good luck.

996 gauges
 

I think you will find your answer for code bits on this post

How to - Upgrade to a 996 Instrument Cluster - How To - www.BoXa.net

Go to item #7 on the post and scroll down to where they list code bits to change.
Really great information....easy to understand.

If that does not answer your question let us know here.
Good luck !!

That write up is for a MY2000, which is for the pre-CANbus clusters. I believe julianarevalo is asking about the newer CANbus clusters, which have more information in the EEPROM dump.

Hey, that guy used some of my pictures. Oh well, my kitchen table top is now famous.

I may update my DIY with some of the Boxanet information. Very clever.

Correct, Benjamin, it's a CANbus cluster, but I can't seem to find much information for these type of clusters... and I also can't wait to have those gauges on!

Julian

The link to renntech that Kevin posted seems to have the info for both old and new clusters. If your new cluster is fully functioning (no defective LCD or anything) and you are planning on using its motherboard, all you should need to do is change the mileage and vin on the new cluster. Volts and oil pressure should already be enabled. The renntech write up covers that.

Gauges
 

Went back to the Porsche dealer (now that I have all gauges and OBD working) to get them to turn on my DYI cruse control.........NO LUCK.
Despite changing my 986 gauge cluster's mother board (to make it think it was a 996 so it would run my 996 analog gauges) they still can not get the PIWIS to recognize or show the cruse control option so they can turn it on. Their suggestion was to re-flash the DME back to its original 986 flash. ....reprogram the cluster back to a 986 and then they can turn it on. Finally, put everything back like it is today "and they think it might work BUT NOT SURE". I have not figured out WHAT I AM GOING TO DO !!!

I was asked how my AFRs are after my motor swap and 996 ROW flash.

FRA.....1-3....at 0.93
FRA.....4-6....at 0.91

TRA.....1-3....at 0.00
TRA.....3-6....at 0.17

Ben. Where can I buy the LED bulbs to change the color in my gauge cluster???

Assuming you want blue or white lights for the cluster, I would get them here:

SportsCarLEDs.com Instrument Panel LEDs Kit for the Porsche ® Carrera 996 & Boxster 986

Then, if you feel like changing all of the LEDs on your dash and accessory switches, read through this thread:

http://986forum.com/forums/diy-project-guides/36014-changing-color-climate-control-switch-back-lights.html

The cluster bulbs are easy. The others require you to solder at least at a decent level.

There is a reason Porsche used red for all the clusters in the car. Red is better for night vision. I wouldn't change the color.

My car came with cruise control so I have not worked on that modification. I glanced at the article on Pelican, and the cruise control programming is in the DME, not the EPROM on the gauge cluster. So, I understand their suggestion about the DME flash, but I'm not sure what effect the gauge cluster programming would play.

You might want to try Renntech and search on DME-related topics.

Again, good luck.

Does anyone has an EPROM file for a new-style cluster that can share with me?? my cluster is missing tons if data, I guess someone was playing with the settings and bricked it. Now, when I connect it to my car I only get a red LCD panel.

thanks,

Just picked up this 996 cluster for $108 shipped. The clock knob isn't there, hope it's just missing and not broken. Bought it from a company on eBay, listing said "is in good, used, working condition with some scratches and normal wear. The item comes as comes as pictured."

http://i57.tinypic.com/2vt1d7k.jpg
http://i62.tinypic.com/fyn8jq.jpg

EDIT: For you guys that have done this upgrade. Does the clock knob attach to the circuit board? I'll be using my Boxster circuit board.


.

Take a look at the below thread. It may help. $100 is a killer deal for that cluster. Nice job!

Cluster Reset Stem / Shaft - 986 Series (Boxster, Boxster S) - RennTech.org Community

Nice, thanks Chuck! :cheers:

I'm not certain because that is a "new-style" cluster and I have an "old-style" cluster. On the "old-style" cluster the reset shaft does not attach to the circuit board. If I recall correctly, the cluster is in three layers - circuit board, gauge faces and clear plastic cover. The reset knob is attaches to the part that has the gauge faces.

I'm not sure this will help, but the clusters are made by a company called VDO. When I was trying to fix my cluster, the two VDO shops that most people seemed to think were the best were Palo Alto Speedometer and North Hollywood Speedometer. You can search for them on the Internet and obtain their contact information. If the reset buttons on Renntech don't work, they may be able to help.

Good luck.

The clock knob is not attached to the PCB. There are three switches on the PCB which are operated with a long axes on which the knob is attached. If nothing is broken internally you can use the parts of your old cluster easily.

I have one file for a 996 and one for 986S. Both Row not US.

Thanks for the info.

Where did you guys get your oil pressure sensor from? So far $68.85 shipped is the cheapest I have found one.

That's pretty much the going rate for the oil pressure sensor.

I purchased mine from Sunset Porsche. They are at $61.25 plus shipping so you are well within the ballpark. Don't forget to order a wire with the connector that plugs into the new cluster for the oil pressure sensor. It is an Audi part but Sunset can include it in your order if you buy from them. The part number is 000 979 010 FA.

PRESSURE SENSOR | Genuine Porsche | 996-606-203-02

Thanks Chuck! Yep, that's were I found it the cheapest at. Also thanks for the part number on the connector. :cheers:

Tag
 

I just want to watch, this is a mod I would love to do to my car one day

this is on my list of things to do. already have the guage cluster. right after i install the double din radio, center radiator, bilstein HD's and sway bars, and 18 rims.

While we are on the topic of the oil pressure sensor, I thought I would share a recent experience.

About two months ago the oil pressure gauge on my cluster pegged to the top while I was at the end of a long drive. The oil pressure warning light did not illuminate, so I thought it was a problem with the cluster, my wiring work or the pressure sensor. According to the 996 forum on Renntech, the pressure sensors are a known weakness. I replaced my sensor yesterday and that fixed the problem.

I've had my 996 cluster for over two years now and I still think this is a great mod. Whenever I see a picture of a Boxster with a 3-gauge cluster, it looks like something is missing. It is a little disappointing that the pressure sensor may fail occasionally, but I can live with that.

Good luck to anyone installing a cluster. While you are installing the pressure sensor, take good notes. You may be redoing the work in a couple of years.

I have not got to installing the 996 cluster yet. I'm curious about the speedometer. My speedometer number stops at 175 mph with a few increments after the 175 and the 996 cluster goes to 200 mph. Will the 996 speedometer read correctly? Looks like I could just install the voltmeter and oil pressure gauges to my 986 cluster, would that be the better way to go?

Yes it will. No issues at all.

Good to know Chuck, thanks for the quick response. :cheers:

Question regarding the circuit boards: can they be simply switched between 2 Boxster clusters, and still hold mileage and VIN? Or the new cluster will have to be reprogrammed no matter what?

Anywhere in the uk you can take a 986 to have the 996 cluster swap done for you with all the reprogramming

The gauge faces and circuitboard are separate. If you're just looking to change your gauge faces, you can keep your original circuitboard and it will retain the VIN and mileage.

So I can remove the circuit board from my current cluster and install it directly into the "new" cluster and it will be plug&play?

Yes

This would handle problems like scratched lenses or damaged dials.

This thread How to - Upgrade to a 996 Instrument Cluster - How To - www.BoXa.net on Boxa.net has a post that indicates there is a person who can do it. They provided a link to this web site: Welcome to Reap Automotive Design

I have the cluster, ordered the sender and wiring and still have directions you sent me a year ago. How did you cut the surround to allow for the 2 additional gauges?

Porsche Boxster 996 Gauge Cluster Upgrade - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

Look at photo #4 in this article.

I have a black surround that I trimmed before I decided to use a 996 surround. If you are interested I'm willing to part with it. Based on what I can make out in your avatar, it appears that you have a red interior so I don't think it will work for you.

Yes my interior is Boxster red, probably the biggest reason we got the car. I will let you know. I just purchased another surround to try to cut it as a guinea pig. I will try with the dremel and keep fingers crossed. Do you still have the programmer gadget you used to update the eprom on the new cluster? Did the wire come with the programmer or is there a special gadget needed to connect the programmer to the cluster?

pelican parts mentions 986 AND 987 (-2008) for that swap mod?
i see...it is just the section of the technical articles...cool :rolleyes:

I sold the programmer to another board member who was also doing the swap. I think it has been passed on to several other board members. Why don't you post an ad in the parts forum and see if someone still has it.

You need an interface cable with SOIC Clip (SOIC stands for small outline integrated circuit) to attach the programmer to the circuit board. This looks similar to the one I had: 8-Pin Gold Plated SOIC Clip Test Clip with 0.1" Lead Spacing: Electronic Components: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

You will also need the leads to attach it to the programmer.