FX cluster install in an STX
02-17-2010, 10:06 AM
#1
Moderator (Ret.)
Thread Starter
FX cluster install in an STX
As some may be aware, I've been working on the myths and truths of swapping clusters for some time. Yesterday, I installed an FX cluster into my 2005 STX model; here are the results:
1) All guages function
2) Air Conditioner works
3) All cluster "idiot lights" work (I.E. turn signal indications, etc)
4) Mileage and trip mileage work (albeit the mileage is that of the donor)
What does not work:
1) Compass and outside temp readings (Don't have the compass feature, but I did install an outside temp sensor, and it still did not appear in the display box).
2) Dome light/"door ajar"/odometer gets bright do not work when door is opened.
So, the FX cluster works just like the XLT cluster. Personally, I can live without the dome light coming on, as the map lights still work, and I can turn on the dome light with the dimmer switch. I may even connect the dome light to the bed light, as that comes on and stays on for a few seconds when the door is opened/shut should I feel the need for a delayed dome light.
1) All guages function
2) Air Conditioner works
3) All cluster "idiot lights" work (I.E. turn signal indications, etc)
4) Mileage and trip mileage work (albeit the mileage is that of the donor)
What does not work:
1) Compass and outside temp readings (Don't have the compass feature, but I did install an outside temp sensor, and it still did not appear in the display box).
2) Dome light/"door ajar"/odometer gets bright do not work when door is opened.
So, the FX cluster works just like the XLT cluster. Personally, I can live without the dome light coming on, as the map lights still work, and I can turn on the dome light with the dimmer switch. I may even connect the dome light to the bed light, as that comes on and stays on for a few seconds when the door is opened/shut should I feel the need for a delayed dome light.
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Ifireman87 (03-26-2013)
02-17-2010, 12:11 PM
#3
Moderator (Ret.)
Thread Starter
Deal of the century....Found it on Ebay from a used parts place (A.K.A. junkyard) for $84.00 plus $15.00.
The key is to know the part number and two letter value for the FX cluster, as the picture they posted was a "general pic" of a cluster (noted on the picture). When I "opened" the item, it had the part number and "CN" which is for a FX cluster.
I posted the Ford F150 2004 to 2008 cluster part numbers last week and the two charactor suffix for all models except King Ranch.
In my opinion, the FX cluster has the sharpest layout. I thought the XLT was nice, as it is "simple black" backround, and simple areangement guages. After installing this FX cluster last night, it gives the interior a bit more of a sporty look. Nice arrangement of the guages too.
The key is to know the part number and two letter value for the FX cluster, as the picture they posted was a "general pic" of a cluster (noted on the picture). When I "opened" the item, it had the part number and "CN" which is for a FX cluster.
I posted the Ford F150 2004 to 2008 cluster part numbers last week and the two charactor suffix for all models except King Ranch.
In my opinion, the FX cluster has the sharpest layout. I thought the XLT was nice, as it is "simple black" backround, and simple areangement guages. After installing this FX cluster last night, it gives the interior a bit more of a sporty look. Nice arrangement of the guages too.
02-17-2010, 03:55 PM
#4
Senior Member
sweet nice info thanks for the report, i liked the look of the FX4 cluster too but theyre pricey, and i found a XLT one with almost my exact mileage, so didnt have to worry about a reflash, on a side note, when did you become a MOD?
02-18-2010, 06:58 AM
#7
Moderator (Ret.)
Thread Starter
Correct, assuming you find a place to do it for a reasonable price. As reported, several members here and on other sites stated the called Ford dealers up and down the east coast to no avail. My dealer in Dallas told me the equipment to reflash costs around 15 grand, that's why they don't do it; no market. I've found two speedometer repair shops that will do it; one wanted 400 bucks, the other wanted 250 bucks. This is more than what any average "joe" pays for the cluster, so you can guess that it doesn't get done.
I did do some more investigation in my schematics book last night pertaining to the temp dispplay. My STX has the "ambeint temp sensor" harness at the front radiator grill area, but I never traced it. Acording to the Ford factory schematics, this harness connects to C211, located by the fuse box, then runs to pins 13 and 12 of the left side cluster connector. I'm going to trace this to see if perhaps the STX (and FX) models are missing this fuse box to cluster comnnection. I do not see any other circuitry or black boxes in the schematics in order to make the temp display show up. I'll report back my findings.
I did do some more investigation in my schematics book last night pertaining to the temp dispplay. My STX has the "ambeint temp sensor" harness at the front radiator grill area, but I never traced it. Acording to the Ford factory schematics, this harness connects to C211, located by the fuse box, then runs to pins 13 and 12 of the left side cluster connector. I'm going to trace this to see if perhaps the STX (and FX) models are missing this fuse box to cluster comnnection. I do not see any other circuitry or black boxes in the schematics in order to make the temp display show up. I'll report back my findings.
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02-18-2010, 10:34 AM
#8
Senior Member
Correct, assuming you find a place to do it for a reasonable price. As reported, several members here and on other sites stated the called Ford dealers up and down the east coast to no avail. My dealer in Dallas told me the equipment to reflash costs around 15 grand, that's why they don't do it; no market. I've found two speedometer repair shops that will do it; one wanted 400 bucks, the other wanted 250 bucks. This is more than what any average "joe" pays for the cluster, so you can guess that it doesn't get done.
I did do some more investigation in my schematics book last night pertaining to the temp dispplay. My STX has the "ambeint temp sensor" harness at the front radiator grill area, but I never traced it. Acording to the Ford factory schematics, this harness connects to C211, located by the fuse box, then runs to pins 13 and 12 of the left side cluster connector. I'm going to trace this to see if perhaps the STX (and FX) models are missing this fuse box to cluster comnnection. I do not see any other circuitry or black boxes in the schematics in order to make the temp display show up. I'll report back my findings.
I did do some more investigation in my schematics book last night pertaining to the temp dispplay. My STX has the "ambeint temp sensor" harness at the front radiator grill area, but I never traced it. Acording to the Ford factory schematics, this harness connects to C211, located by the fuse box, then runs to pins 13 and 12 of the left side cluster connector. I'm going to trace this to see if perhaps the STX (and FX) models are missing this fuse box to cluster comnnection. I do not see any other circuitry or black boxes in the schematics in order to make the temp display show up. I'll report back my findings.
could it be as simple as putting a fuse in the slot? maybe it already wired up everywhere and just needs a fuse, i dont know why they would run all the wiring for it and not hook it up....
02-18-2010, 10:42 AM
#9
Paint it black
Correct, assuming you find a place to do it for a reasonable price. As reported, several members here and on other sites stated the called Ford dealers up and down the east coast to no avail. My dealer in Dallas told me the equipment to reflash costs around 15 grand, that's why they don't do it; no market. I've found two speedometer repair shops that will do it; one wanted 400 bucks, the other wanted 250 bucks. This is more than what any average "joe" pays for the cluster, so you can guess that it doesn't get done.
I did do some more investigation in my schematics book last night pertaining to the temp dispplay. My STX has the "ambeint temp sensor" harness at the front radiator grill area, but I never traced it. Acording to the Ford factory schematics, this harness connects to C211, located by the fuse box, then runs to pins 13 and 12 of the left side cluster connector. I'm going to trace this to see if perhaps the STX (and FX) models are missing this fuse box to cluster comnnection. I do not see any other circuitry or black boxes in the schematics in order to make the temp display show up. I'll report back my findings.
I did do some more investigation in my schematics book last night pertaining to the temp dispplay. My STX has the "ambeint temp sensor" harness at the front radiator grill area, but I never traced it. Acording to the Ford factory schematics, this harness connects to C211, located by the fuse box, then runs to pins 13 and 12 of the left side cluster connector. I'm going to trace this to see if perhaps the STX (and FX) models are missing this fuse box to cluster comnnection. I do not see any other circuitry or black boxes in the schematics in order to make the temp display show up. I'll report back my findings.
