How many computers are in our F150's? What i mean is, stx and below do not have the advanced instrument cluster in teh dash, just the basic digital screen. The XLT and up its an option or standard to have the advanced display with all the fancy graphics and options to scroll through. Is this on its own seperate computer or is it in the main computer?

Reason I ask is, if one with out the advanced display in an STX were to swap in a XLT or higher instrument cluster with the display, will it work immediately? The plugs are nealry or exactly the same on both the advanced display and generic digital display. So it makes me wonder if its just a matter of using the Ford IDS computer to "check off" these options that come in the XLT or higher display.

I also know you would need the toggles on the left side of the steering wheel, however, i would only change out the left side controls and not the whole wheel.

 

there is one computer but there are several modules that are tied to the computer.


modules are in the power seats, dash,brake and gas pedal, under dash near air bag on passenger side etc.

 

But i dont think any of these have any controls related to the advanced display that has all the fancy stuff in it. Atleast I dont remember anything being there when i had my 2011 xlt. I did get a response from a tech who posts alot of videos on youtube about this possible swap. So far all seems very doable with little hassle. Possibly just some minor computer changes with the Ford IDS system. And I would only swap over a new left side controls for the steering wheel and not a whole new steering wheel.

 

my display has controls for heat/ac, radio, dash lights so those systems may be effected. Also you could run into an issue with the way the CPU reads voltage and how that is incorporated into the strategy calculation. I have a hunch all it would do is throw a code (worst case).





oh even though electrical connectors look the same the way they are wired are different so you have to check down to the color of each wire.

Give it a shot and see what happens - I'd bet more people want to do what you want to do.

 

I've never seen what comes or displays in the FX4 and up trim levels. My XLT didn't have any climate control options, radio or dash lights.

Does anyone know how or what controls the 4x4 stability display where it shows the angles in which the truck is sitting at if offroading?