90-91 vs 92-96 Instrument Clusters

[WVZR-1]

It would seem unusual that a person would choose to only change a 'cluster' to something other than appropriate or stock.

Now if a person were to consider changing/could change H/L Switch and the actual DIC to match a later cluster then maybe something to consider. If you own an LT5/ZR-1 I don't see it being appropriate to replace a 'cluster' only to anything other than 'appropriate' for the year.


A Black/White 'blotch' in the middle of a Black/Orange dash configuration I'd think a difficult adjustment.

***The 'perimeter' filters/warning lights are very likely 'swap-able' I've never had a reason to want to but if you've a cluster apart to do LCD lens etc you're right there to check.

Many years ago '90+ cluster separate components could be purchased for a repair. There was a vendor with a web-presence that had illustrated images. I might have info on an older computer. I don't recall them having black/white later C4 but for sure '90 - '93.

[-=Jeff=-]

Originally Posted by WVZR-1

It would seem unusual that a person would choose to only change a 'cluster' to something other than appropriate or stock.

Now if a person were to consider changing/could change H/L Switch and the actual DIC to match a later cluster then maybe something to consider. If you own an LT5/ZR-1 I don't see it being appropriate to replace a 'cluster' only to anything other than 'appropriate' for the year.


A Black/White 'blotch' in the middle of a Black/Orange dash configuration I'd think a difficult adjustment.

***The 'perimeter' filters/warning lights are very likely 'swap-able' I've never had a reason to want to but if you've a cluster apart to do LCD lens etc you're right there to check.

Many years ago '90+ cluster separate components could be purchased for a repair. There was a vendor with a web-presence that had illustrated images. I might have info on an older computer. I don't recall them having black/white later C4 but for sure '90 - '93.

well a 92-93 work work and match in color.. 1991 would work too, All are not year correct but could work.

As for the controls, yes those could be swapped as well, but I am not quite sure how that would look, short of changing everything to black/white. I would like to change it up in my car, but my son likes the grey/black/orange that I have. I would like to have the white letters but want to keep the grey as a mix. the only problem for me is the headlight switch

[WVZR-1]

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

well a 92-93 work work and match in color.. 1991 would work too, All are not year correct but could work.

'92 & '93 would still present LCD issues I'd believe, gauge function of DIC I believe added in '92. Cluster match short of LCD yes. Best of recollection only an oil temp value issue 90 & '91.

[Ccmano]

Here’s a photo with the 96 cluster installed. I never noticed that the light switch writing is in white too. Look’s great to me, to each his own I suppose. I’m doing a dash pad swap at the same time. It’s a 91 so at least that’s somewhat “correct”.... lol.
H

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by Ccmano

Learned something new today. 90-91 instrument clusters are NOT interchangeable with 92-96 clusters. At least not the LCD module. Everything else worked fine.

The tach on my 90 cluster is way off, some of the lights are out and the oil pressure gauge is off. So I found a great deal on a newly rebuilt low mile 96 LT4 cluster. Did the swap today only to find out that the LCD display went wonky showing jibberish. My frist thought was the new cluster LCD was defective. I had always thought all years were interchangeable.

So I sent Brian Thompson at Batee.com an email with a photo of the new cluster jibberish. Much to my surprise and satisfaction I got immediate reply (that’s customer service). He informs me that the LCD’s are indeed NOT compatible. The “electrical protocol “ was changed between the two.

The good news is that I can swap the LCD modules (the old LCD is still excellent, although I may rebuild it anyway) and I’m good to go. The LDC modules are a simple plug in.
H

OLD Cluster



NEW Cluster

I included this thread in -Solutions- (third post - ZR1 Electronics under KEYLESS ENTRY, TACHOMETER, CRUISE). The technical information is greatly appreciated. I did not know such differences in clusters existed but having said that it seems Paul has a handle on the most obvious issue that comes up once in a great while (Tachometer calibration).
Tachometer Calibration TIPS

[-=Jeff=-]

the white does look a bit more defined than the yellow/orange..

Hmm.. I might need to consider doing some changes again in the interior

[Ccmano]

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

the white does look a bit more defined than the yellow/orange..

Hmm.. I might need to consider doing some changes again in the interior

Jeff,
When you put the two side by side you can clearly see difference. See the attached photo.

Cliff,
Excellent! Your “Solutions “ threads are invaluable.
H

[WVZR-1]

Cliff - I'd appreciate you removing the 'quoted info' in post #15. I did that many years ago as reference for those interested in changing from a 6K to an 8K cluster. Granted it does cover LCD variables and mentions warning filters/warning lights. I posted that to be used by the OP as a reference to LCD differences.

------------------
It does NOT directly relate other than the LAST ENTRY:

People have swapped LCD's year to year etc and mentioned no issues or issues that didn't concern them. I've paid little attention to that. Until a cluster tachometer is confirmed to be correct when compared to a scanner on the ALDL it should be assumed that it likely needs calibrated.

If you'd like mention cluster differences by PART#/YEAR feel free. That information is correct. The OP asked that I forward him my thoughts and I likely will accommodate him.

[Ccmano]

Originally Posted by WVZR-1

Cliff - I'd appreciate you removing the 'quoted info' in post #15. I did that many years ago as reference for those interested in changing from a 6K to an 8K cluster. Granted it does cover LCD variables and mentions warning filters/warning lights. I posted that to be used by the OP as a reference to LCD differences.

------------------
It does NOT directly relate other than the LAST ENTRY:

People have swapped LCD's year to year etc and mentioned no issues or issues that didn't concern them. I've paid little attention to that. Until a cluster tachometer is confirmed to be correct when compared to a scanner on the ALDL it should be assumed that it likely needs calibrated.

If you'd like mention cluster differences by PART#/YEAR feel free. That information is correct. The OP asked that I forward him my thoughts and I likely will accommodate him.

Cliff,
I have sent an email to Bryan Thompson at Batee.com to see if he knows the if Tachs are compatible across the various versions between 1990 and 1996. Or if there is recalibration required. Obviously when buying a used cluster the accuracy of the tach cannot be assumed to be correct. With Bryan’s permission I will post his answer.
H

[WVZR-1]

Originally Posted by Ccmano

Cliff,
I have sent an email to Bryan Thompson at Batee.com to see if he knows the if Tachs are compatible across the various versions between 1990 and 1996. Or if there is recalibration required. Obviously when buying a used cluster the accuracy of the tach cannot be assumed to be correct. With Bryan’s permission I will post his answer.

It will be interesting to see Bryan's comments. I always mention 'calibration' unless confirmed. Very generally speaking @ KEY ON - ENGINE OFF and the TACH parks @ anything other than 0 there's a requirement to have a 'calibration' correction.

KEY ON -ENGINE OFF and parking @ 0 while NOT a confirmation of accurate TACH response it can generally assumed to be within specifications.

Cliff - thanks for 'fixing' post #15.

If you have a C4 and @ KEY ON - ENGINE OFF tach parks @ 0 - "RELAX"

If it does NOT park @ 0 you have issues.

Regardless make/model/year of anything you drive if @ KEY ON - ENGINE OFF and the TACH isn't parked @ 0 , it would be safe to assume you have issues!!