Carrera Gauge Swap - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

KevinH1990 · 02-08-2013, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisZang

Kevin, real sorry about that. I wish I hadn't given my old two clusters away for basically nothing. I don't think that Palo Alto speedo is an option. This will cost you several hundred dollar, almost cheaper to find a spare cluster.

If I recall your posts correctly, I think you had the "new style" cluster, so it wouldn't have been compatible. I don't think Palo Alto or North Hollywood can help based on their responses. I'm still planning to talk with a local independent who has a PIWIS to see if they can activate the voltmeter in my merged Boxster/Carrera cluster. I think that is a long shot, but I"m an eternal optimist.

Oh well, I went into this with a "low-risk, high reward" attitude. I think I can recoup some of the money on the cluster I have if someone needs parts, and I can keep looking for a good used cluster so my investment in the oil pressure sending unit won't be wasted.

gavinyuill · 02-12-2013, 11:36 AM

I have done this and can tell you it is due to the programming on the console eprom.

I am a bit of a electronics nerd and used an eprom programmer and a 8 pin clip to copy off the old programming and copy the programming from the 996 cluster onto the boxster chip. the voltmeter works perfectly now, but the fuel gauge is very slightly low. I am planning on doing some experimentation soon to find out what to change on the programming to get it working.

If you want to ship both clusters to me I am happy to copy one to the other for you. I can update mileage as well. Not sure if I can test it as I have a 97 with the old style connectors. I'm also happy to point you in the direction of what to buy (around $250 (Edit - just found a cheap chinese version on ebay for $47)) and how to do it if you want a DIY solution.

PM me for details.

KevinH1990 · 02-23-2013, 12:15 PM

Gavin,

As we discussed on the phone, your method worked perfectly. The proof is in the picture.

If anyone needs the equipment to update a Boxster cluster so that it can support a set of 996 gauges, let me know. I'll give members on the 986 Forum first shot before I put it on Ebay.

Jaxonalden · 02-24-2013, 08:06 AM

KevinH1990,

PM sent on what you have to offer.