White dash cluster

[Mac Daddy]

I have the opportunity to buy a white dash gage cluster from a junk yard and I don't know if it will fit my 2004 FX2 Ranger XLT. I would also like to know if there is a way to see the milage on this cluster while it is out of the truck. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[DaveTS]

For the gauge cluster, if it's from a similar year Ranger (2001-2011), it should fit without issue. Just make sure the connectors match up. As for checking the mileage while it's out of the truck, unfortunately, there's no easy way to do that unless it’s plugged into a compatible vehicle's system. The mileage is stored in the cluster itself, but you can’t view it without powering it up in the truck. Make sure to confirm the mileage with the junkyard before buying if that’s important to you!

 

[Snoranger]

The 2004 and up used a HEC cluster. (The easy way to tell is the digital odometer.) This cluster is married to the ECM and needs to be programmed with either Ford IDS or maybe Forscan to work with your truck. Also, PATs is run through the HEC so you can’t just swap a different mileage cluster into your truck. So that would also have to be reprogrammed for your keys.
You could probably just take apart the white face gauge cluster and use the gauges with your main circuit boards to make it work… that wouldn’t be to hard.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Just so you know, the numbers on the gages will be very hard to read with the lights on during dusk and dawn. The green light blends in with the white at those times.