Need help with cluster wiring after engine swap

[steveborner]

Hi - after some help!

I bought a 97 TJ as a project. Working through a list of items and now Im trying to fix the cluster - an aftermarket cluster has been installed

The jeep had an engine swap for a 4.3l TBI Chevy V6 and has a 7004r auto transmission. There is no Jeep PCM on the bulkhead head, and there is what I assume is a Chevrolet ECM wired under the dash.

I would ideally like to install an original fully functioning cluster. If there is another easier route with a different cluster I’m open to ideas! The current cluster is not fully functioning and the wiring behind it is a mess.

What does work
- it gets power
- turn signal lights
- water temp gauge
- gas - although I do not fully trust it.

What doesn’t work
- speedometer
- no mileage tracking
- oil pressure sensor just goes straight to the highest signal.
- no engine management light

After some advice on what parts I need, how much work is involved in this and any other helpful info!

I’ve attached a photo of the cluster and wiring

Thanks in advance!

 

[Wildman]

Hi - after some help!

I bought a 97 TJ as a project. Working through a list of items and now Im trying to fox the cluster

The jeep had an engine swap for a 4.3l TBI Chevy V6 and has a 7004r auto transmission. There is no Jeep PCM on the bulkhead head, and there is what I assume is a Chevrolet ECM wired under the dash.

I would ideally like to install an original fully functioning cluster. If there is another easier route with a different cluster I’m open to ideas! The current cluster is not fully functioning and the wiring behind it is a mess.

What does work
- it gets power
- turn signal lights
- water temp gauge
- gas - although I do not fully trust it.

What doesn’t work
- speedometer
- no mileage tracking
- oil pressure sensor just goes straight to the highest signal.
- no engine management light

After some advice on what parts I need, how much work is involved in this and any other helpful info!

I’ve attached a photo of the cluster and wiring

Thanks in advance!View attachment 656606

View attachment 656604

That doesn't look like a stock TJ gauge cluster. Or I should say it's got aftermarket gauges installed in it. It looks like they added the gauges to a stock cluster. You're going to have to trace all the wires to figure out why things aren't working.

What the back of a stock TJ gauge cluster looks like.

What the front of a stock TJ gauge cluster looks like.

 

[steveborner]

That doesn't look like a stock TJ gauge cluster. Or I should say it's got aftermarket gauges installed in it. It looks like they added the gauges to a stock cluster. You're going to have to trace all the wires to figure out why things aren't working.

What the back of a stock TJ gauge cluster looks like.

View attachment 656625

View attachment 656629

What the front of a stock TJ gauge cluster looks like.

View attachment 656626

Yeah I should have been more clear

The cluster is aftermarket, the wiring is a nightmare

To return to an OEM Cluster - would I be able to just buy an OEM Cluster unit, the dash wiring harness which believe includes the cluster, and then a PCM?

I assume I would then need to independently wire a speed sensor, oil pressure and water temp etc. is there a kit that I can buy to connect to the ECM in the car so that I can get engine management lights etc to work also and the light controls?

 

[Wildman]

Yeah I should have been more clear

The cluster is aftermarket, the wiring is a nightmare

To return to an OEM Cluster - would I be able to just buy an OEM Cluster unit, the dash wiring harness which believe includes the cluster, and then a PCM?

I assume I would then need to independently wire a speed sensor, oil pressure and water temp etc. is there a kit that I can buy to connect to the ECM in the car so that I can get engine management lights etc to work also and the light controls?

To use a stock cluster you'd need to also use a 97 PCM & wire the sensors to the PCM since the stock gauge cluster receives it's signal from the PCM.
Honestly you'd be better off to:
A) Repair your current gauges
B) Get new gauges like the Intellitronix digital dash. https://www.intellitronix.com/product-page/jeep-97-06-tj-led-digital-gauge-panel

 

[steveborner]

To use a stock cluster you'd need to also use a 97 PCM & wire the sensors to the PCM since the stock gauge cluster receives it's signal from the PCM.
Honestly you'd be better off to:
A) Repair your current gauges
B) Get new gauges like the Intellitronix digital dash. https://www.intellitronix.com/product-page/jeep-97-06-tj-led-digital-gauge-panel

Thanks so much! This is helpful, for the Intellitronox kit I assume I’d still need to repair/replace the existing wiring to get that hooked up?

This could be the swiftest solution, the first costing wiring is a concern for getting anything else up and running.

 

[Wildman]

Thanks so much! This is helpful, for the Intellitronox kit I assume I’d still need to repair/replace the existing wiring to get that hooked up?

This could be the swiftest solution, the first costing wiring is a concern for getting anything else up and running.

With all 3 of your choices you're going to have to install new wiring so deciding which way to go will decide how much.

 

[steveborner]

With all 3 of your choices you're going to have to install new wiring so deciding which way to go will decide how much.

Looks like I can get most the wiring with intellitronix. I’ll reach out to them to double check but if so I can then just clear out the dead wiring and replace with their wiring kit. Let’s hope

 

[Wildman]

Looks like I can get most the wiring with intellitronix. I’ll reach out to them to double check but if so I can then just clear out the dead wiring and replace with their wiring kit. Let’s hope

Watch Ebay for them to go on sale. If you don't care which color it is you can find them for around $325 sometimes.

 

[steveborner]

Watch Ebay for them to go on sale. If you don't care which color it is you can find them for around $325 sometimes.

Thank you!