Upgrade from non-DOT Matrix to DOT matrix cluster?
 

I couldn't find much info on how easy it is to do this, but how easy is it to upgrade the boxster dials from a non-DOT matrix type to a DOT matrix type?

I don't want to upgrade to carrera dials or anything, just change from a Boxster S non-DOT matrix to a Boxster S DOT matrix style cluster.

Easy to do?

Basically impossible unless you are a software and electronics engineer with a lot of time to kill.

Noted. Thanks :)

I swear I saw someone upgrade a Boxster non-DOT matrix to a Carrera DOT matrix set of clocks though? I may be able to dig it up for you.

Unless the Carrera DOT matrix dials have the same plugs as the non-DOT matrix Boxster ones?

http://986forum.com/forums/399379-post23.html

There you go. Apparently he has done it?

I have no actively looked into this at all yet.

It could be the case that the displays in the IC are driven by a separate module, which gets a standard stream of data from the DME. So in theory, if they are compatible, you can plug a complete system, dot-matrix & controller box into your non-dot matrix DME and it might work. I would love to do this :D. Even if the connection to the DME is compatible, you would probably get weird formatting/data/characters because the dot-matrix controller is probably expecting different data and a different data format for the dot-matrix displays (because they display more than the non-dot matrix display).

My mistake...I thought you had a 1999 for some reason. You can swap for a dot-matrix ;)

There are 3 types of clusters for the 986 (to my knowledge).
1) Gen 1 clusters (1997-2000, not interchangeable with later clusters)
2) Gen 2, non dot-matrix (2000-2004)
3) Gen 2, dot matrix (2003-2004)

#'s 2 and 3 are interchangeable with each other, but not #1.
If your car came with OBC enabled from the factory and is 2003 or later, you get dot-matrix. If OBC was not enabled from the factory, you get standard gen 2 LCD.

Ah. I have the Gen 2 non DOT-matrix.

So I could potentially buy the stalks, wire them up to a set of DOT matrix clocks that came from a car with OBC enabled, and it would work?

Lovely!

What's the part number for S clocks that are DOT matrix?

So, what is involved with moving from this
Attachment 20043

to this
Attachment 20042

Do the side dials work (oil pressure and current)?

Thanks, John

John: the 5 dial clusters are from the 996 and are interchangeable with 986 clusters with some minor work. Search for "Carrera gauge swap". ;)

Yes.

I'm not sure about the part #, but it's probably in the parts catalog.

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/56530-986-parts-katalog-usa.html

Edit: there are tons of part numbers for the gauge clusters in the parts catalog and no indication of which is dot matrix. You may need to contact someone that has done it and ask them.

Completely fair enough! Thanks a load for the help :)

For anyone who's interested, the part number for the Boxster S DOT-matrix type is:

986.641.237.00 (for MPH)

And it's literally a case of un-plugging the old one and plugging this new one in? And everything would work perfectly? (Apart from mileage obviously)

Yes everything will work fine (water temp, fuel level, speed, voltage, oil level check, oil pressure light). You will need to change the oil pressure switch on the engine to get the gauge to work.

You may also need to have the VIN transferred into the new gauge stack if you have a stock radio otherwise you might have issues.

There are individuals here that can help you do that...for a price.

Sorry I meant for another identical Boxster speedo, not a Carrera one :)

Yes.
Again you might have issues with VIN & radio.

Are you in need of one. I have one from an 01S with 0 miles on it.
You can have it cheap!

I'm in the UK buddy. Thanks though

Does the one you are offering to sell have the LCD matrix? I have a 01 986S and would like the newer look of the LCD lay out.

thanks

Sorry but it is not...same as what you already have.

I would do the 996 gauge/OBC upgrade. It is well work the small effort involved.

Thanks for confirming.

I think I will pursue doing the 996 gauge/OBC upgrade. That seems like the best bet.