iownme

Hi...new to the mustang here. I will be working on a friends 91 5.0 GT soon. first job is replacing the gauge cluster. I found one on ebay today for $70 including shipping. I chose it as it most closely matched the milage of the car (around 30000).
I;ve replaced gauges in old jags, newer land rover, and a 97 F150, all with no problems. can anyone let me know if there is anything "special" i need to know.
Thanks
Chris

badlx87

Just pull the bezel and have patients. The first time I pulled the guage cluster it was just a huge pain because the plug release tabs are all in diffucult places to release, but everytime after that it gets easier and easier IMO.

mattdel

Really quite simple. Nothing special about it, just a couple of harnesses that you need to get out, and the speedo cable.

There is a printed circuit board(flexible plastic) on the back of the cluster that sends out the readings to the gauges and dash lights. Do your absolute best to not even touch it. They are delicate. Finger prints and **** won't hurt it, but it's just best to try and avoid mishaps. The circuit board bends down into the 2 wiring connector slots, so when you are removing the harnesses, pull them as straight out as you can. The last thing you want to do is fold that circuit board.

Jfsram

Is the replacement cluster from the same year car? There are old and new clusters for the 87-93 Mustangs. You can recognize them from the last speedometer number.

Someone here should know the year they changed.

mattdel

The cluster design(shape) is different on the 90+ models because of the air bag steering column. A 1990+ cluster WILL NOT fit into a 1987-89 model, and vice versa.

projectresto83

Exactly, they will plug up but they will not work. This I know from personal experience! If you try and put a 89 or older cluster in a air bag car it will not allow the alternator to charge the car among other things. I tried using one in my project and then had to chase down the charging issue and found that out.

Also for that price you are most likely grabbing a 4 cyl cluster.

iownme

the cluster came from the same year car (91) and speedo goes to 140mph.
i see there are 2 styles. one has a flat bottom, the other has a semi circle cut out.
the replacement has the cut out.
does the speedo cable pull off, or do i have to turn or twist it off?.
nice forum...good to see some replies!

mattdel

The speedo cable has a locking tab that you have to press down and then pul the cable straight out. simillar to a sensor connector, but stronger.