Does anyone know anything about the autometer replacement instrument cluster for 1999-03 mustangs? The SKU of the one is question is 7002_n. It has evidently been discontinued as autometer has no information on their site about them other than installation instructions. Specifically what I am looking for, is are these just standard autometer gauges in a new cluster? I realize they are designed to work with the original clusters PCB. The reason I am asking, is I just picked one up on fleabay for $88 brand new in the box. I think I am going to french it into my dash on the '88 bronco project. If the gauges are just standard autometer gauges, I shouldn't have any trouble. If they have to use the mustang PCB, does anyone know anything about the SCP network protocol that the later model mustangs use? Is it hackable? Any threads or links?

Here is a picture of the cluster, the one I bought is the 120MPH version, but plenty of speedo for a BKO.

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2004/08/InstrumentCluster/images/lead.jpg

Later,
Jason

I'd be willing to bet they are not standard gauges. Use the following link and ask them.

http://www.autometer.com/tech_faq_askaquestion.aspx

or call their toll free tech support # Technical Support (Toll Free) 866.248.6357

Yeah, I found that, I have an email into them. It doesn't really matter if they wont work out. I really got a good price on them, so I am sure I can sell them and get it back. I figure that likely all but the speedo and tach are standard as according to my service manual DVD, those 4 gauges are all analog, directly tied to their senders. I know the tach and speedo are different from their standard gauges, but I don't care much if the odo functions, and perhaps the speedo still will. We will see what they say. Perhaps they will send me some specs so I can make it work.

Later,
Jason

No one else has any ideas about them then? I guess when UPS drops them off I will detail my findings for you all if anyone is interested.

From looking at it more and more (like the three pictures on the autometer website), it appears the gauges are just the air core motors. If that is the case, I will likely be able to take the stock gauges I have now apart and use their motor driver electronics.

I got a reply from autometer today, here is what they had to say...

I suggest that you simply do not use this. The cluster is simply a lit board, gauge faces, and meter movements. They depend on the appropriate, factory circuit board to function correctly. Without it, it will not function.
Thank you.
Cory
Tech/Service


Now I have to make it work, since I have been told that it is basically impossible. I took my factory cluster apart today, if the autometer cluster is what I expect, I don't think it will be much trouble. The '94 has an electronic speedo, and so I am probably in luck. Virtually all electronic speedometers and tachometers are just a air core motor, very standard configuration. I am fairly certain I can use the micro from my factory speedo to run the autometer one. I may have to use my old digital odometer as well, I will have to see theirs first. The tach, I have a air core driver from an older sunpro tach, it should work for the autometer one as well. The rest of the gauges are pretty easy. The challanges with the speedometer are going to be getting it tuned correctly. The truck speedo goes to 80 MPH and the autometer one goes to 120MPH over the same sweep. I will download the data sheets for the speedo driver IC in the truck cluster though, and see what I need to mod to align it. It will take some work, but it should be pimpin' if it works out.

No wonder they discontinued it for lack of sales. $499 is pretty steep for what amounts to a pretty set of white face gauges...

Later,
Jason

If you want to know what is going on with these, check my bronco build thread, here http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7970333#post7970333

Later,
Jason

I haven't read the other thread yet, but if memory serves me correctly the '94+ Mustangs use the engine ECU to control the gauges. What some people have done to retain factory gauges in the mustangs is to retain the factory ECU and let it think that it is controlling the engine yet it really only is driving the gauges.


Here's a snip from the DIYAutotune website regarding this:

"You NEED the EEC-V (factory computer) to run the gauges, cruise control, odometer, PATS, etc. It’s nice to let the factory computer still control the Idle Air Control motor, while MegaSquirt controls the fuel and spark. Many cars are tested and running happily this way."

http://www.diyautotune.com/tech_articles/how_to_megasquirt_your_ford_mustang.htm

It's all the way at the bottom of the page.