Firebird gauge cluster ?

[CODY BEHNKE]

Will any of the 1997+ clusters work without problems?

[Live for TAs]

TTT on this, I'm interested in adding a 1997 cluster to my 1995 TA so I can convert to the 200 MPH speedo. Anyone done this or know if it is possible?

[99TransAmWS6]

Cody Check your PMS

[craigffb]

Yes a 97 cluster will work in an older car. I have one. I have a 94 and the only problems I have are the TCS light stays (I don't have TCS) on and the seat belt indicator does not go all the way out when I put my seat belt on, it just dims a bit. But it must be out of a 97, an LS1 cluster will not work.

[marc1130]

Originally Posted by craigffb

Yes a 97 cluster will work in an older car. I have one. I have a 94 and the only problems I have are the TCS light stays (I don't have TCS) on and the seat belt indicator does not go all the way out when I put my seat belt on, it just dims a bit. But it must be out of a 97, an LS1 cluster will not work.

I have the same problem with the seatbelt light. Is there any fix, I'm thinking it is because diodes are used instead of lightbulbs and there is a BCM in the 97 model, where as we have an audio alarm module

[craigffb]

Originally Posted by marc1130

I have the same problem with the seatbelt light. Is there any fix, I'm thinking it is because diodes are used instead of lightbulbs and there is a BCM in the 97 model, where as we have an audio alarm module

Not that I know of. I've had mine in my car long enough I don't even pay any attention to it any more. I did cover the TCS light spot with a piece of electrical tap, so it doesn't show anymore.

[IPrice]

Originally Posted by craigffb

Not that I know of. I've had mine in my car long enough I don't even pay any attention to it any more. I did cover the TCS light spot with a piece of electrical tap, so it doesn't show anymore.

Why don't you guys remove the cluster and take the light bulb out that makes this useless reminder go away for good????

That's (not) what Brian Boitano would do.

-Ivan

[neil350]

1994-1996 can use the 97 clusters, 93s are screwed like always, the tach wont work past 2K rpm.

[craigffb]

Originally Posted by IPrice

Why don't you guys remove the cluster and take the light bulb out that makes this useless reminder go away for good????

That's (not) what Brian Boitano would do.

-Ivan

They aren't bulbs. They are diodes soldered to the board.

[Gtpguy]

What happens to the mileage? Does the 97 gauge cluster (digital ode) read it from the PCM?

[craigffb]

Originally Posted by Gtpguy

What happens to the mileage? Does the 97 gauge cluster (digital ode) read it from the PCM?

Mileage is stored in the cluster. Find something close or get it reprogrammed. Not sure who can do it.

[marc1130]

Originally Posted by IPrice

Why don't you guys remove the cluster and take the light bulb out that makes this useless reminder go away for good????

That's (not) what Brian Boitano would do.

-Ivan

Yeah I'd have to tape it off, it's an LED, which is why I think it stay's on. I'm getting this idea that the older bulb versions send two 12volt signals in opposite current directions to shut off the bulb. With the LED it is biased in one direction therefore it is always on.

Theoretically 96 cars should not have this problem because they use the Body Control Module rather than the Audio Alarm Module to control the seat belt indicator.

I was thinking of taking the spare '97 v6 gauge cluster board I have laying around and soldering a bulb in place of the LED to see if it fixes the problem, if that works I will modify my '97 155mph v8 cluster.

Another fix would be to rewire the interior to accept the body control module from the later 96-97 f-bodies, not worth the effort.

[MTBSully]

good idea. I have had two 95s before this and the 97 dash looks 10x better then the dashes of previous years.