Help

[irelandmoss]

New to this forum but I can sure need some help. The instrument cluster stopped working on a 1998 boxter. The temp and fuel gauge works but nothing else. Tach and speedo don't work. As the clock, mileage, etc. The dealer told me it does not have anything to do with fuses or computer. That it is the cluster itself. $3000 for the cluster and $150 per hour and then he said that it may take 8 hours. Is he yanking my chain or does the clusters go bad?
Any help please.
Bill

[Timco]

Originally Posted by irelandmoss

New to this forum but I can sure need some help. The instrument cluster stopped working on a 1998 boxter. The temp and fuel gauge works but nothing else. Tach and speedo don't work. As the clock, mileage, etc. The dealer told me it does not have anything to do with fuses or computer. That it is the cluster itself. $3000 for the cluster and $150 per hour and then he said that it may take 8 hours. Is he yanking my chain or does the clusters go bad?
Any help please.
Bill

Ignition switch.

[rick3000]

The ignition switch can cause odd electrical problems, but it does not sound like the cause to me. What exactly do you mean when you say it does't work? Do the gauges show the wrong readings, do they show nothing at all, are the lights burned out/faded?

If the cluster is in fact bad, you can purchase a used replacement for way less than $3000, and you can DIY the install, it is very easy if you also replace the housing. LINK

However, be aware with used replacement clusters that there are certain restrictions that dictate if the cluster can be reprogrammed with the cars correct mileage. I believe they can only set any milage if the odometer has less than 65 miles on it, or program the mileage to be higher than it currently is. Hopefully, someone who knows more about the PIWIS can chime in.

[irelandmoss]

Nothing works. The tach does not work nor does the speedo. The info center below the speedo does not show any information.

[thstone]

Rather than dealer, if the cluster really is the fault, buy a used one from someone parting out a car and replace it yourself in 30 mins. Then pay a dealer for an hour or two of labor to program it.

I assume that the several hours of labor you were quoted was to determine that the cluster was indeed failed. If it was just to install and program the cluster, they are insane.

Here are the instructions for removing the cluster:

Take out the emergency flasher button and the little thing that looks like a microphone on the other side of the pod. You'll see the Torx screws. Remove them. Once out, you need to disconnect 3 wiring harnesses. They are each attached with Porsche's famous locking connectors. Disconnect and you're done. Re-install in reverse order.

[particlewave]

The wire connectors at the rear are the weakest link

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by thstone

Rather than dealer, if the cluster really is the fault, buy a used one from someone parting out a car and replace it yourself in 30 mins. Then pay a dealer for an hour or two of labor to program it.

I assume that the several hours of labor you were quoted was to determine that the cluster was indeed failed. If it was just to install and program the cluster, they are insane.

Here are the instructions for removing the cluster:

Take out the emergency flasher button and the little thing that looks like a microphone on the other side of the pod. You'll see the Torx screws. Remove them. Once out, you need to disconnect 3 wiring harnesses. They are each attached with Porsche's famous locking connectors. Disconnect and you're done. Re-install in reverse order.

Here's a link to a good procedure for removing the cluster:

Pelican Technical Article: Boxster 996 Gauge Cluster Upgrade - 986 Boxster (1997-04) -

Consider taking this opportunity to upgrade to a 996 Cluster.