Maverick Cluster Upgrade Is A Simple Plug and Play Swap
Maverick XL owner finds that the digital instrument cluster from a Ford Escape is a plug-and-play swap. Though, some features don’t work.
Ford’s newest compact truck offering, the Maverick, seems to be an instant hit with blue oval lovers nationwide. With base pricing starting at just $19,995, it’s easy to see why. It’s got EcoBoost power, four doors, and enjoyable sporty styling. It serves as the perfect middle ground for those looking for the benefits of a truck without breaking the bank or making frequent fuel stops with fuel economy ratings up to 30 miles per gallon. However, base models are very bare-bones and don’t offer a whole lot in terms of interior aesthetics. Thankfully, Maverick owners are already finding ways to make simple upgrades to spice things up a bit.
For example, one XL owner made a discovery recently and posted his findings to the Maverick Truck Club forums. He picked up a fully digital gauge cluster from a 2020 Ford Escape Titanium and found that it functions just by plugging it into the Maverick’s wiring harness without any hardware or software modifications. There are a few drawbacks in the form of features not working, but overall it’s super cool to know that this is an option!
Stylish Upgrade Even Outshines the XLT and Lariat Dash Offerings
We think the Escape digital gauge cluster upgrade is even a step above higher trim level Maverick offerings like the XLT and Lariat. The best part? It’s pretty cheap! A quick eBay search lands us a cornucopia of 2020 Escape Titanium clusters to choose from, and they’re all under $200.
There are a few drawbacks, though. According to the original poster, the gas gauge does not read correctly when the gas tank is full. Another commenter in the thread points out that the Escape uses two fuel-sender units to the gauge cluster, wherein the Maverick uses only one. This is likely the reason for the discrepancy. However, he also provided the wiring diagrams for each cluster and believes that combining the two fuel-sender wiring pins into one may resolve that issue.
Other non-functioning items include the calm screen function and toggling of drive modes. Finally, the OP reports that he can not initiate cruise control when moving. However, when at a complete stop, he can set the cruise control, and it will function normally after that. It also appears that the TPMS, traction control, and powertrain malfunction indicator light (the wrench) are all illuminated while driving. The airbag light is, too, but that’s because the steering wheel doesn’t have an airbag in it.
With a Little Tinkering, This Could be a Go-To Swap for Maverick Owners
Another thing to consider is displayed mileage. Based on the eBay listings that display the mileage for each cluster, we assume it will display the donor car’s mileage and not the actual mileage of the Maverick it’s installed in. However, someone who knows their way around Ford’s Forscan software may be able to work out all of the nitpicky nuances. Perhaps Maverick owners may even get lucky enough to find a cluster closely matching the mileage. Another option is to buy a cluster with slightly higher mileage and perform the swap once the truck gets to the matching mileage for the sake of keeping things close in terms of displaying actual mileage. You don’t want to be that guy down the road when it comes time to sell!
Still, the Escape dash is miles cooler than the stock Maverick dash pictured above. So if you have no plans to resell or don’t mind the extra lights on the dash, you might want to look into this swap!
Photos: Maverick Truck Club, Ford
You must be logged in to post a comment.