Cluster without computer?

[Horns]

Since I haven't started to look into this yet, and have no idea where to start, I'm assuming the gauge cluster is all controlled by the computer? I'm talking 96+ here.

If so, is there a way to make the cluster work without the computer? How are the dummy lights controlled compared to the actual gauges themselves?

~Via Mobile

 

[polar]

You are correct on the gauges being run by the computer. When I was doing my carb swap I tried to maintain oem gauge use but decided to go with aftermarket gauges because it was so much easier

 

[jdyates]

Diamondplate with holes cut for aftermarket gauges IMO!

 

[Horns]

Diamondplate with holes cut for aftermarket gauges IMO!

I would love to keep factory gauges and even make some of the dummy lights work though.

~Via Mobile

 

[Horns]

I see DD now makes the VHX analog series for the pre-95 interior. I wonder if they have plans on making one for the newer interior? This cluster has the ability to run off of all DD sensors instead of the computer.

 

[great white]

Diesel cluster is pretty much all discrete inputs. No PCM inputs besides things like cel.

The tach is run off the alternator and redlines at 3600 though.

If I were going your route, i'd likely "hybrid" a gas and diesel cluster to get where I wanted.

Ie: gas face, diesel guts and slip in the stepper motor for the gas tach. The diesel stepper might even work since the face sweep is the same, just the numbers are different.

Of course, you'd have to add the sensors for the cluster (oil press, ect, etc) and a drac for the speedo but I'm thinking it could be made to work.

Be lots of wiring work but nothing difficult.

Only problem is you won't know if it's really going to work until you get it all in and fired up.....

 

[Horns]

That's actually good to know because I was considering a diesel cluster anyways. All of the parameters will be fine for me being that it will be for an Isuzu 4BD1T.

What controls the dummy lights such as the glow plug light and what not?

~Via Mobile

 

[great white]

That's actually good to know because I was considering a diesel cluster anyways. All of the parameters will be fine for me being that it will be for an Isuzu 4BD1T.

What controls the dummy lights such as the glow plug light and what not?

~Via Mobile

Not sure on the glow circuit. The times are controlled in the PCM on an OEM diesel truck as it monitors temp and voltage levels. So it seems to make sense the cluster light would be driven by the PCM vice the GP relay.

With a 4BDT1 I'd just do a manual controller (IE: push switch) for the glow plugs and you can just parallel the WTS light is you wanted it to light up.

 

[Horns]

I have a relay system for the glow plugs already that worked great in my 94. I'll have to see about making the light work with it.

~Via Mobile

 

[burkey05]

What controls the dummy lights such as the glow plug light and what not?

these diagrams might help

96 diesel 1of 2
http://arrc.ebscohost.com/searches?car_uuid=1031522&filters%5Bservice_information_type_path_facet%5D=root%2Fmrt%2Fsit%2Fp5_diagrams&filters%5Bsystems_component_path_facet%5D=root%2Fmrt%2Fssc%2Fp5_instrument_cluster%2Finstrument_cluster_1_of_2

96 diesel 2 of 2
http://arrc.ebscohost.com/searches?car_uuid=1031522&filters%5Bservice_information_type_path_facet%5D=root%2Fmrt%2Fsit%2Fp5_diagrams&filters%5Bsystems_component_path_facet%5D=root%2Fmrt%2Fssc%2Fp5_instrument_cluster%2Finstrument_cluster_2_of_2

96 gas
http://arrc.ebscohost.com/searches?car_uuid=1031500&filters%5Bservice_information_type_path_facet%5D=root%2Fmrt%2Fsit%2Fp5_diagrams&filters%5Bsystems_component_path_facet%5D=root%2Fmrt%2Fssc%2Fp5_instrument_cluster