Help with replacing 1997 E150 instrument cluster
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5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Help with replacing 1997 E150 instrument cluster
Hello,
Newbie to the site and looking for information/help finding a cluster for my 1997 E-150 van,
The odometer stopped working, so I needed to get a new cluster. Shopped online and found a source through EBAY. Talked over phone gave my VIN and miles, and recvd a new cluster already programmed ready to install. Now the sticky part. Take to my mechanic, and he tells me that it is the wrong cluster, no way to connect gear shift indicator/cable. Supplier says that it is plug and play and to find a new mechanic.
Cluster #s from existing F7UF-10C956-A A102096 F7UF-10848-AC
Cluster #s from EBAY F8UF-10C956-AA B010998 F7UF-10848-AC
vin # 1FDEE465VHB01860
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!
Newbie to the site and looking for information/help finding a cluster for my 1997 E-150 van,
The odometer stopped working, so I needed to get a new cluster. Shopped online and found a source through EBAY. Talked over phone gave my VIN and miles, and recvd a new cluster already programmed ready to install. Now the sticky part. Take to my mechanic, and he tells me that it is the wrong cluster, no way to connect gear shift indicator/cable. Supplier says that it is plug and play and to find a new mechanic.
Cluster #s from existing F7UF-10C956-A A102096 F7UF-10848-AC
Cluster #s from EBAY F8UF-10C956-AA B010998 F7UF-10848-AC
vin # 1FDEE465VHB01860
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 86
Likes: 12
Mine is a '95 E-150, but I re-used my existing gearshift indicator in the "new" cluster. I didn't even disconnect the cable from the steering column. IIRC, there were two screws inside the cluster that allowed the entire gearshift indicator body to slide out of the bottom of the cluster. I then had to perform some Houdini-like magic to tilt the cluster and gearshift indicator simultaneously to separate them without damage. Re-assembly is the reverse of assembly. Keep your telescoping magnet handy as those 2 indicator mounting screws are down in a recess.
Could be the replacement cluster was from a manual transmission truck and there is a blank/block in the space where the shift indicator goes? If is is from a truck then you might have a whole new set of issues with wiring location within the harness. Hopefully someone with a '97 or newer can confirm the gearshift indicator solution.
Edit: Here's a gauge cluster swap thread with pictures from forum member @JWA that might be helpful.
Cluster Anatomy
Could be the replacement cluster was from a manual transmission truck and there is a blank/block in the space where the shift indicator goes? If is is from a truck then you might have a whole new set of issues with wiring location within the harness. Hopefully someone with a '97 or newer can confirm the gearshift indicator solution.
Edit: Here's a gauge cluster swap thread with pictures from forum member @JWA that might be helpful.
Cluster Anatomy
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 445
The cluster for your van is very common and you can get one from any junkyard. Our local self serve junkyard sells them for $35. No programming required . I don't know how you would chage the odometer (or if it's even possible) The E150 to 350s from 97- 99 used the same cluster (confirm this using the various fitment look-ups) The only major difference is diesel vs gasoline.
The cluster should have the gear shift cable attached (including the adjuster to "dial in" the indicator on the PRND window. I found it impossible to swap the cable without breaking some plastic tabs on the bottom of the cluster.
Here is how most clusters will look when sold by a junkyard:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/32577958062...mis&media=COPY
You can easily swap the lens if the replacement cluster is in bad shape.
If you don't want to pull parts yourself or visit a junkyard, search car-part.com. They will have plenty available and can show what is in your area.
The cluster should have the gear shift cable attached (including the adjuster to "dial in" the indicator on the PRND window. I found it impossible to swap the cable without breaking some plastic tabs on the bottom of the cluster.
Here is how most clusters will look when sold by a junkyard:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/32577958062...mis&media=COPY
You can easily swap the lens if the replacement cluster is in bad shape.
If you don't want to pull parts yourself or visit a junkyard, search car-part.com. They will have plenty available and can show what is in your area.
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
After he had my original out and was installing the new one. He at first told me that it was digital, but with everything else analog, that didn't make sense. The panel he said was digital, I believe was the back light for the gearshift position indicator. This is what the gentleman from EBAY is telling me, that you unplug the gearshift position indicator from the original, and plug it into the new cluster. My mechanic, still states that it doesn't?
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