JWS_Seattle Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 Morning all, I have a 88 dl with a basic cluster (speedo, fuel, coolant temp) I have a 88 gl cluster from a friend that has (oil & tach) is this a dirrect bolt on swap or do I need any sensors off his gl to make the gauges work. I think I read that the oil sensors are different between the gauge and idtiot light, if so can I just swap the sensors or is there a wiring issue that i need to deal with too? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wagonist Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 The dashboard wiring is completely different. I was able to install the body harness from an 89DL into my 88 GL & the GL dashboard plugged straight in & everything worked, including the central locking. You could both clusters out & draw a diagram of where the pins on the back of the cluster differ so they can be changed. You will need to add a tacho wire to the dash. RHD models run to the LHS side of the car to the negative side of the coil, which I know is still in the same place for LHD & RHD. Low fuel light wire is also missing from at least the dash. I think after 90, Subaru started making different looms for the different models to save model (there's a lot of extra wires in a GL). Engine sensor is different, but after it is installed, you just unplug the oil wire & switch it. You will also need to remove the wire from the light & extend it so it reaches the cluster. Warning: this is from experience with Japanese built RHD cars sold by Subaru Australia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWS_Seattle Posted December 14, 2009 Author Share Posted December 14, 2009 Thanks for the info. I tried yester day, the easy answer is no they do not swap. I found the 2 connectors that go into the 2 plugs on the top of the clusters a different, and the pins that go into the round connectors are not the same. But the speedo works (cable drive), so oh well at least i got a better dash bezel and a working defroster. I am a bit supprised that their is not the wiring is the dash harness for the other trim/option levels. Most the modern cars have a universal dash/body harness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wagonist Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 Most car nowadays have airbags which usually means that the whole dashboard, wiring and all, is not removable in one unit. Also, a lot more things are standardised now. The best option is to replace the entire dashboard loom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWS_Seattle Posted December 14, 2009 Author Share Posted December 14, 2009 Actually, as far as the newer cars go the complete dash comes out as a unit. In some cars the (dodge caliber, jeep compass/patriot) the hvac assembly comes out too. I work for a Dodge,Jeep,Chrysler dealership and have pulled many dashes. But the Subaru's might be different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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