Swapping Instrument Cluster

[Paulib]

I have a 93 VP commodore with level 2 instrument cluster. Someone's wound back the odometer and broken it so I was hoping to replace it with another level 2 cluster but roughly the correct distance on it.

My cluster currently has green around the dials (I'm sure you guys know what I mean) and I've sourced a cluster from a 94 VR. It doesn't have any green in it - just plain white and black.

Is the only difference the face plate?

Is there anything special I should know or can I do a straight swap?

[Adds_05]

i dont think you can put a vr/vs cluster into a vn/vp,something to do with the thing on the back is wired different and can cause a fire going on from what ive read over time.

[STEALTHY™]

As above DONT put the cluster in. VR/S clusters cant be swapped with VN/P. Just find a cheap VN/P one.

[Paulib]

so vp's can only handle vn or vp level 2 clusters?

[STEALTHY™]

so vp's can only handle vn or vp level 2 clusters?

You can use any VN/P cluster, including a level 3 one from either model. You need to wire in the trip computer for the level 3 tho (or you could leave it, but then you wouldn't have an odometer)

[kitted vp]

ive got a level 2 vp cluster in perfect working order with 168000 on it that just came out of my vp just yesterday when i did the level 3 upgrade private message me if your interested and we can sort something out also i just seen you live on the other side of the ditch we can use paypal if your worried about being dodgyed

[Paulib]

Did some VP/N come with level 3 from factory?

Cheers for your help.

[kitted vp]

calais and statos definately did probably some other models too example ss and so on not berlinas or execs

[STEALTHY™]

Standard on VN/P Calais and VQ Stato, optional on everything else.

[kitted vp]

oh ok so they were an optional extra i would have thought by all this talk of different looms on the level 3 conversion thread that it wouldnt have been an option on some models? well there you go you learn something new everyday

[STEALTHY™]

oh ok so they were an optional extra i would have thought by all this talk of different looms on the level 3 conversion thread that it wouldnt have been an option on some models? well there you go you learn something new everyday

They would just use the loom with the level 3 plugs if the option was ticked when you bought it new.....

[88GreenVN]

You can fit VR/VS gauges to your VP cluster (which includes the speedo). This is a 5 min job if you have the Level 2 VP cluster. All the holes are the same. BUT only swap the gauges and speedo - you cant use the PCB on the back of the cluster or the voltage regulator.

I've now made over 20 of the VN/VP to VR/VS gauge swap clusters without a failure yet. I'd say there are several VN/VP drivers very happy with them as the tacho's in the VR/VS are 100% better than the VN/VP units.

[Paulib]

Does that swap the odometer over too? (which is my main reason)

Is there a how to on swapping just the speedo and tacho? (athough I assume its a straight swap)

[88GreenVN]

Does that swap the odometer over too? (which is my main reason)

Is there a how to on swapping just the speedo and tacho? (athough I assume its a straight swap)

It's a straight swap. undo 7 nuts for the tacho and temp/fuel gauge and remove. Unclip the speedo head ribbon and 4 screws. Put the VR gauge set in and your done.

No modification is needed if your swapping from level 2 to level 2.

[Paulib]

sorry for all the dumb questions - but will the vp then have the vr odometer? Are the speedo, tach, odometer, fuel and temp gauge all one object?

[88GreenVN]

sorry for all the dumb questions - but will the vp then have the vr odometer? Are the speedo, tach, odometer, fuel and temp gauge all one object?

Ask as many questions as you like - so you feel that you can do the job. The 3 parts to the cluster are the same and in the tacho, speedo & temp/fuel gauges. they are joined by 2 black strips - you will see when you take the lens off.

So lens off - 4 screws, slip the 2 joiners out the top - and then remove the gauges as said above.

[SikVScommi]

Well my mate has a VP-S-pack, and he wants to upgrade from level 1 to level 3
Can it be done???

[STEALTHY™]

Well my mate has a VP-S-pack, and he wants to upgrade from level 1 to level 3
Can it be done???

Yes. All 4 gauges will work just by putting it in. If you want the trips to function, you will need to splice into your loom (and buy the '4th plug') and wire it up. Theres a how to guide on here somewhere.

[SikVScommi]

Mad as
Yea cos i got the V3 Cluster and trip comp, just gotta put it in lol

[88GreenVN]

Mad as
Yea cos i got the V3 Cluster and trip comp, just gotta put it in lol

You will also need to mod the switchblock to work the 3 modes in the trip computer - if you wire it up hit a 4th plug. The L3 switch block will not work as the wiper part is controlled via the BCM and will smoke if plug into the normal loom.

You can get a VN switchblock and use the guts out of that to put into the VP switch block. The VP PCB out of the wiper switch is then mounted remotely under the dash and wired into the loom so the rear demister and interior light delay still function. I've done 11 VP upgrades now and it takes a little extra work - but the L3 is a specky upgrade over a Level 1 dash.

[SikVScommi]

So ur saying if i put the L3 Dash in, and put the wipers on, it will smoke???
WTF

[88GreenVN]

So ur saying if i put the L3 Dash in, and put the wipers on, it will smoke???
WTF

No - if you fit a level 3 wipr switch to control the trip compouter when wired in - it will smoke. Level 3 wiper switch is very different to the L1 unit.

[SikVScommi]

Ohh, do u mean all the buttons round the cluster, like calias ones wif cruze and stuff???

[88GreenVN]

Ohh, do u mean all the buttons round the cluster, like calias ones wif cruze and stuff???

Yes - if you want to change the mode the trip computer is in (has 3) dont just fit a Calais switch block cos it will just frazzle - trust me it's been done a few times

[david dubbo]

listen to what 88greenvn says he walked me through my conversion and everything works perfect