Installing Digital/HUD Gauge Cluster

by dickie

Overview:

Installing a digital/HUD cluster is a way to class up your s13, full of that late 80’s early ’90s style from the golden age of Japanese autos.

Difficulty: **

Time: 1 hour

Cost: $20-$50

Tools:

– Phillips head screwdriver (small and medium)
– Socket wrench (1/4in works best)
– 10mm and 12mm sockets

Materials:

– Digital cluster (id make sure it works before doing this)
– Digital/HUD cluster wiring subharness
– HUD projector (optional)
– HUD Dash board (mounting socket equipped, optional)
– HUD projector reflective film for windshield (optional)

Procedure:
Remove the bottom of the dash. There are 7x 10mm bolts holding it in. You can see 6 of them, the 7th one is hidden under the drivers kick panel. Some cars may have a footwell light (coupes only i think).

Remove the covers over the steering column. There are 6x phillips (+) screws holding it together. Once the bottom is off, drop the steering column by loosening the 2x 12mm bolts holding it in. You may need to remove the 2x 12mm nuts closer to the firewall to gain more clearance.

Removing the cluster cover. This has 2x phillips screws at the top above the cluster (you can see the 2 holes). You need to pull the bottom loose first and unhook all the switches from their respective harnesses. Then gently pull down the cover.

Now you can see the cluster. It has 3x screws holding it in, 1 at the top and 2 more at the bottom. Once it is out, there is a wiring harness that you must remove. Follow the harness to where it connects into the dash harness. This will be a white plug that you can see and a black on thats a bit tough to get to. Unplug these and pull it out. You will probably have to reach behind the dash and use your fingers to feel the connector and remove it.

Take a look at the harness and make sure it’s all there and plugged in where it’s supposed to be:

The black plug goes into the black socket and same with the white side of the subharness:

The dash has been removed in the pic above showing approximately where these connections should be. You can probably see them through the empty cluster socket, you might need a flashlight.

From here you can install the projector if you choose to. Its as easy as plugging the wire into the back of the cluster…

Note that this projector has a yellow sheathing; yours may have a different color but the plugs are all the same.

You will have to cut a hole in your dash or swap an HUD-equipped dashboard in to use it.

Replace the panels in the reverse order from which they were removed. Replace your battery cable.

If the speedo does not light up when the car is turned back on, push the button next to it a few times before you assume its busted.

Notes:
Many used gauge clusters are sold in non-operable condition. Always test your cluster before replacing the various panels or you WILL be wasting a lot of time and effort. Check all the wires and connections on the cluster prior to installation. If everything checks out externally, follow this writeup and hopefully you will be on the road again and able to read your speed.

Good Luck!