Help Rookie with cluster

[jshort51]

Want to change the cluster in my 98. Went to the savage and found a cluster out of a 01 exployer. When it was removed the guy just cut the wires close to the back of the cluster. Do the wires plug into the appropriate places?? So then it would be a matter of plug and play with the stock wires??
Also the Exploter cluster has a tach. Would it be a project to hook it up??
What kind of time frame does this swap take
Thanks for the help

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

first , welcome to TRS!!
now...
u dont need the connectors, its just a plug and play
check this out for explanation on how to remove and install the clusters
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20872
check out this for more info on the odometer replacement, so u still get your stock odometers reading
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45192
hope it helps and dont forget the pictures!!

 

[jshort51]

anouther cluster question

Thanks for the info. I purchased a cluster out of a 01 exployer. There are three wires coming off the top of the cluster and looks like they are wired to the circuit board. The wires are maybe 15" long and have a plug on the end Where do they go?? My stock cluster didn't have these so I just tied them up and left them in place. Everything works fine on the cluster however there is not enough light to see the instrument readings. I removed all bulbs and made sure they were working. The larger bulbs appear to light up should some of the smaller bulbs be on as well. Do the three wires on top of the cluster need to go to a conection that I didn't discover??
Thanks

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

mine didnt had those 3 wires

 

[locovaca]

Thanks for the info. I purchased a cluster out of a 01 exployer. There are three wires coming off the top of the cluster and looks like they are wired to the circuit board. The wires are maybe 15" long and have a plug on the end Where do they go?? My stock cluster didn't have these so I just tied them up and left them in place. Everything works fine on the cluster however there is not enough light to see the instrument readings. I removed all bulbs and made sure they were working. The larger bulbs appear to light up should some of the smaller bulbs be on as well. Do the three wires on top of the cluster need to go to a conection that I didn't discover??
Thanks

You might post a pic of them and the back of your circuit board. As far as I know there aren't any wires soldered to the circuit board, they all are plugged in.

 

[adsm08]

No, those smaller bulbs are your indicator lights. You want them to be out. If they are lit, it means there is a problem and you are being informed about it.

 

[jshort51]

Every Thing seems to be working.....but

The cluster seems to be working fine. All gages work even the tach. My disapointment is the lights
The bulbs shine thru the face at the base of each needle. The light is not bright enough to be able to see the readings at the point of the needle.
10 20 30, H C ect All 6 bulbs are burning Should I replace them?? Thought about getting the LEDs was afraid I would be disapointed in them as well.
Also what is the best? 120 degree range?
Thanks

 

[adsm08]

are you sure your dimmer isn't at fault?

 

[jshort51]

cluster not bright enough

Dimmer seitch works fine