Calais 3 window cluster into SS

[AirStrike]

Ok might be buying a VN SS as a project car soon and was just wondering, from memory the 3 window Calais cluster is a straight plug in (along with the satelite buttons) with the early VN series. Can anyone confirm this?
AirStrike

[HoZy]

Lol dude you need to wire up the 4th connector, Check your service manual cd.

Cheers
MaT

[AirStrike]

Service manual is VS matt. In later models there is wiring to do, but I was sure the Series I VN's used the same loom for all and was a straight plug and play.........or maybe its just less wiring.
AirStrike

[HoZy]

For the calais cluster you must wire up the Calais 4th plug an run a wire to the ECU and also wire up the controls for mode + - ....

Different looms mate.

Cheers
MaT

[potshots007]

isnt it like early 89 VNs they already had the calais loom fitted and was just a straight plug and play and then holden changed the executives loom from the calais in late 89, thats just from memory

[AirStrike]

isnt it like early 89 VNs they already had the calais loom fitted and was just a straight plug and play and then holden changed the executives loom from the calais in late 89, thats just from memory

Thats what I thought aswell. Hmmmmm............
AirStrike

[potshots007]

well i guess you could pull the old one out and see if the fourth plug is there, just thought of that then

[potshots007]

well i searched through a heap of crap and found that before september 89 VN used the same loom from executives to calais, i hope this helps, now i can through all that back in the junk folder, lol, lots of crap in there

cheers, nick

[Doctor Sodways]

Nice, so that means i can pick myself up a calais dash for mine, what about the buttons though, i already have the trip computer buttons but when i put them in i dont think there was a plug for them

[AirStrike]

well i searched through a heap of crap and found that before september 89 VN used the same loom from executives to calais, i hope this helps, now i can through all that back in the junk folder, lol, lots of crap in there

cheers, nick

Thought so!
AirStrike

[potshots007]

Nice, so that means i can pick myself up a calais dash for mine, what about the buttons though, i already have the trip computer buttons but when i put them in i dont think there was a plug for them

not quite sure about the switches, but i would guess it would work with the calais cluster, but yeah im not too sure about that, i will have a more of a look around, im sure someone will be able to help ya,
cheers,nick

[warney]

ok....NO is ther answer.... its not a straight swap , pm mark for the diagram which will show you how its done...

[lsprewell]

If you are attempting to install a level 3 cluster into a Vn, all you need to do is make sure you pick up a level 3 cluster that is a match to your model, dont try to put a VR into a VN, it will mean having to swap most of the wires on connectors 1,2 & 3. Get the same series dash, and all you need to do is make sure the connectors 1,2 & 3, match your model, if not you might have to swap some over, than add the connector 4, and tap it into your harness according to pin outs, (written on the dash at back). Add the dash trip computer control unit and away you go, if you know anything about car auto electrics than you should have no prob, if you don't, than you prob shouldnt be attempting this, as you could create major issues.

PS: A good habbit is to install a short detector between the battery and the possitive cable, so when you connect it all up the first time to test it, it will warn you of a potential short.

I turned my VN Executive into a custom Calais, and gotta love the trip computer, so many features, and the warning buzzer is my best friend. NO more careless speeding, as all us VN drivers know, its so easy to go 15 over in the split of a second if your not carefull.

[lsprewell]

And when i said don't try to put a VR dash into a VN, that also goes for any newer model or older model conversions. Car companies usually scramble up the pin assignments on the dash cluster connectors between models, whether its for efficiency purposes or purely for annoyance, it is the case and don't bother, too much work, just chase down a dash similar to your model, they look the same from VN - VS (level 3) but have different outs, even within same models too, so allways double check with original dash if you can.

PS: But sometimes its hard to tell if you have original dash in their anyway, so this is where have auto electrical knowledge will help out heaps.

Looks great, LOVE IT, ALL cars should have trip computer as it has more accurate fuel used readouts than needle.