Gauge cluster compatibility?

[Focusyn]

I have a 2000 Boxster base 2.7 5spd US and wanted to swap out my cluster with the metallic white S model cluster. When searching online OEM parts suppliers, several listed a few of the S model clusters as replacements for 1997-2004 / any 986 model. I asked my dealer about programming the swap and the OBC hack and was told any non-CAN-BUS model should work. So I purchased a dashboard from an S model wreck. I don't have the info on the car, but it's cluster is stamped middle of the year 2001 or 02 as manufacture date. It is the same part number some aftermarkets are selling as compatible with my ride.

Long story short, my original black cluster is the 26 or 28 pin blue/gray/black plugs. The S model cluster is the 30 some-odd pin gray/blue/green. My question is whether there is a harness swap or re-pinout that needs to be done or if there's no-way-Jose its going to work, or if it will work as-is with reprogramming.

Original blk cluster is PN 986-641-103-05 70C
White S cluster is PN 986-641-213-02-FHB

Anyone have any more specific info on compatibility? If this S mod won't work, can anyone provide S model part numbers that would work?

[Overdrive]

Wayne's article is about switching to a 996 gauge cluster, but it does go into some background on the color-coding of the connectors and compatability of years/models, which may help to answer your question:

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

[Focusyn]

Thanks for the reply O/D. I'd seen that last night and it was what tipped me off about them maybe not being compatible, aside from the fact that one had 26 pins per connector and the other 32, which I didnt notice until I pulled the other and tried to plug in the new one to test (with ground disconnected) and had trouble getting a plug in.

The only reason I wonder is that when I told my local service advisor it was off something between 2001-2003 S model he seemed unconcerned and said I would be fine (I checked again and the manufacture date of the cluster is 7/2002 so almost for sure a 2003 car I would think). His only concern was can-bus or not, which he implied didnt exist at all until 04-05 models. You'd think it would be easy to determine when they started that, but im having trouble finding anything definitive. He even made the comment "we can make it work in your car for sure, but as far as the programming options it will depend on the cluster."

So anyway, I guess what im looking for is a more definitive answer as to whether or not the s-model part number I posted is can-bus. If not, I'll take it to the dealer and let it be their problem. I just want to have as much clear info as possible before hauling stuff down there as I've only had the über car about 6 months and i don't want to be on the local repair shop's "sucker with deep pockets" list by walking in with a $2500 part that doesn't work in my ride.

[Overdrive]

Well, hopefully Wayne will spot this and weigh in on the matter. I'd say send him a private message if you get a chance and direct him to your thread here. Folks like Pedro (ppbon) and Jake Raby might know the answer to this as well, it's just not often that you see them on the forum.

[ppbon]

... to have the same color connectors as your car's plugs.
The wiring harnesses are different and it's not a programing issue.
But if what you're looking for is the color of the gauge's face, you can replace just the face. You can also add aluminum or stainless rings to make it look newer.
Happy Boxstering,
Pedro

[Focusyn]

Thank you Pedro. That's what I thought but just wasn't sure because of what the dealer told me. I'd had bad luck with stickers in the past messing up speedo calibration if you had to pull needles, and I kind of like the big clock and speedo left look, but that one will go on eBay for a huge profit anyway so no worries. I also discovered first-hand how easy it is to change the LCD color on my original dash so I guess I'll just get the white covers. Thanks everyone for your help!