Will this gauge cluster from the XJ work in my TJ?

JoshJ04

JoshJ04

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I have a 97 Wrangler TJ with the normal, OEM gauge cluster. I found this gauge cluster with no tach from a 97 Cherokee XJ and I absolutely love the way it looks. Will this work in my TJ? Is it fit the same? Are the connections the same? I didnt buy it yet because I just want to know if its worth the trouble. The picture is below of the XJ cluster. Thanks!

Screenshot_20240208_223759_eBay.jpg
 
OMG!!! Two days in a row where I find a day old thread regarding clusters that has no replies.

Like yesterday I have no answer but I wouldn't be surprised to find out that swapping those clusters turns into a clusterf**k.

Unfortunately I'm not sure if anyone is making sense today.
 
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No idea other than the opinion of why, why would you not want a tach?

Specifically what year XJ? What's the connector look like on the back?

You basically need two things...does the PCM speak the same language and are the pin outs on the connectors the same

Your Jeep, your rules...but why...

-Mac
 
I'm with Mac on why would you not want a tach, but again your Jeep.

But I do love the big spot dedicated to "< fuel door." Was driving an Accord the other day that didn't have the little arrow and had a 50/50 shot of getting it right at the pump! lol
 
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I personally hate that cluster, I have one in an 89 Comanche. I’ve been wanting to upgrade it to one that has actual gauges. The one you posted was like the bare bones cluster.. They produced that same cluster with gauges, not sure what package or upgrade was needed for the better cluster.


Temp gauge and oil gauge only light up if there is a problem. I find not have a temp gauge annoying. Was having an overheat issue with the Comanche, would be real nice having an actual temp gauge to know the actual temp, rather than a light that just says oh shit, you are overheating.
 
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Superjay5 said:
I personally hate that cluster, I have one in an 89 Comanche. I’ve been wanting to upgrade it to one that has actual gauges. The one you posted was like the bare bones cluster.. They produced that same cluster with gauges, not sure what package or upgrade was needed for the better cluster.


Temp gauge and oil gauge only light up if there is a problem. I find not have a temp gauge annoying. Was having an overheat issue with the Comanche, would be real nice having an actual temp gauge to know the actual temp, rather than a light that just says oh shit, you are overheating.
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I didn't even pay attention to it not having a volt meter, oil pressure, or temp gauge just lights. That would absolutely suck!
 
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You could open up the TJ cluster...unglue the needles and have someone make a custom sticker for the background. Even paint the needles some other color and change the light bulb colors.

Just saying. I got plenty of other things to break...so I'm happy with mine as is.

-Mac
 
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I seriously doubt that it would just "fit". You could probably make it work, but it would require you matching wiring with connectors. And also don't forget you have turn signals, CEL, high beam indicator, four wheel drive light etc, etc, etc to make work.
If I REALLY just didn't want a tach, I'd probably just remove the needle and paste a picture or clock in it's place.
Personally I wish I had MORE gauges, or at least real gauges that aren't just animated dummy lights. I even added a digital voltmeter and clock to mine.
IMG_20230129_092108.jpg
 
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macleanflood said:
Yeah I'm contemplating adding fuel pressure.

-Mac
Click to expand...

I want to 3d print a cluster bezel that has 3 or 4 pod humps across the top to house some additional gauges. They could be recessed into the bezel quite a bit; there is room under the bezel & behind the cluster, and they don't have to be sunk in too far to remain out of the driver's primary line of sight.

Trans temp & fuel pressure come to mind. Mechanical oil pressure might be nice too.
 
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JoshJ04 said:
I have a 97 Wrangler TJ with the normal, OEM gauge cluster. I found this gauge cluster with no tach from a 97 Cherokee XJ and I absolutely love the way it looks. Will this work in my TJ? Is it fit the same? Are the connections the same? I didnt buy it yet because I just want to know if its worth the trouble. The picture is below of the XJ cluster. Thanks!

View attachment 498994
Click to expand...

I'd be weary of using it. I had a 93 Bronco that I swapped a gauge from a 94 Bronco w/o a tach from the junk yard while mine was getting worked on. My Bronco had 2 harnesses for the cluster as well. The temp cluster only had one input that worked fine for the main harness so I left the other one that ran the tac off. Since the wiring harness in my Bronco for the tac side wasn't being used (because the temp cluster didn't have a tac), the circuit wasn't completed somewhere and it completely drained my battery. Not sure if Jeeps have the same wiring but I would keep that in mind.
 
I replaced the “idiot light” instrument cluster in my ‘98 XJ with a cluster from a 2000 TJ and the instrument cluster physically fit, but required that I replace the oil pressure and coolant temperature on/off transducer with the OEM variable sensing unit style. You would need to swap your sensing units in the reverse.
IF I remember correctly; there was a difference in the BUSS connector wiring between ‘97 and ‘98; how that will impact your installation may cause certain indicator light on the cluster to stay on.
While the data BUSS connectors for the instrument cluster to snap into will work; I am doubtful the data between the ‘97 TJ and ‘97 XJ are compatible. This could be a question for @Wranglerfix
 
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