I have a JDM EG VTi gauge cluster and the lighting doesnt adjust on it (dim to bright). It adjusts with the dimmer swith when I have a stock cluster in it but not with the new VTi cluster. Is there anyway to mod it so it works with the dimmer contol? Thanks

 

you should be able to connect a potentiometer or dimmer switch to the wiring that connects the lights. if you connect it correctly it should work.

 

Your gauge cluster lights are being grounded directly instead of going through the dashlight dimmer control. This is by design for JDM vehicles since they don't use a dimmer. You need to find the ground location for the bulbs - probably PIN A5 - and reroute it to the RED wire at PIN B12. The cluster PCB is probably different from USDM, that it why it is not plug 'n' play. If you post a high rez and good quality photo of the back of the cluster, I can help you more.

 

Cool cool, ill see if I can have a friend pull it out and take a pic of it for me since im outta town for the week.

 

I got a pic off the internet cause I cant get to my car at the moment. Hope it works.

 

Bump for some info! lol

 

true, beat me to it De...

 

Nah, that's a crap photo - not big enough for me to see without eyestrain. From what I CAN see, it looks promising, maybe.... get me a bigger photo, though...

Also... I may need you to use a multimeter .. do you have one? can you borrow?

 

Actually, upon further study, I see that it is not possible to modify the VTi cluster PCB to dim the cluster lights - but what IS possible is you can install the tach, speedo and temp/fuel gauges INTO A USDM casing, with the USDM PCB. All other wiring remains the same... well, I'll check on this. Also, I'll make you read an IMPORTANT WARNING when removing the gauges ... must find it.

Edit 1: Yes, every other wiring location is identical.

Edit 2: Here is the warning:
WARNING!!!! Be very careful if you are removing/installing the fuel/temp cluster - the tiny wires have a tendency to break when you are reinstalling. You'll know you're f'd when your screw starts twirling in place as you are screwing it back in. The key is not to over-tighten. This is very difficult to fix (if at all) and for those not skilled with a soldering gun and blessed with a steady hand and a boatload of patience, you are likely better off just getting a new temp/fuel cluster.

 

Cool thanks for the help. I've tried installing the gauges into a USDM cluster casing and they didnt fit for some reason. Ive had the cluster torn apart and put back together a few times so im pretty good with em. Is it possible to just swap the PCB with a USD cluster and have that work? Thanks for you help I really apprecaite it

 

Didn't fit? What was the problem? Where was the issue? I'd imagine you could swap the PCBs - I'm just really surprised the gauges didn't swap - please explain moar! Thanks!

If the problem is the location where the little screws connect from the gauges to the PCB, then a PCB swap won't work.

 

It wasnt the screw locations, it seemed like the casings were molded differently so they speedo gauge and stuff wouldnt fit in where they normally go ya know? I wish I was able to get to my car so I could take some pics of it to show you.

 

That's weird...I've swapped JDM for USDM casings before with no trouble with gauge fitment. :/

fm

 

Hmmm thats weird, yeah I figured they'd be the same but it just wasnt happenin

 

in for updates

 

TTT

 

Subscribed and bump

 

Gas anybody verified swapping cases or PCBs from a JDM cluster to a USDM one? I just finally started driving my car again, and I'd like brighter gauges. If I have time I might tear apart these clusters and give it another shot at swapping cases or PCBs.

 

Bump cause it's snowing and I don't feel like talking my cluster out yet lol