Swapping out instrument cluster on a 04 xterra

lupuslefou

Test Drive
Location
Lake Orion, MI
So my local U-Pull junk yard has a 03 2WD xterra in the yard. As I was scavenging some parts I noticed that the instrument cluster is a different color than my 04 XE xterra. This 2WD instrument cluster is all grey/black with white numerals, while mine is all white with black numerals. So, i snagged it.

It appears that all the warning lights are in there, as you can see them if the light is right, including the 4x4 engagement light.

Has anyone swapped out the instrument cluster before? Had any issues with it?
 

BEEFY

I Smile when Gasoline Can Freeze
I would think it would swap fine. I swapped the mph dash cluster in my wifes 2000 frontier for a kph dash cluster out of my 2000 parts xterra and it worked fairly well. The only thing that doesn't work the same is the cruise control light doesn't go out and the mileage wont be the same. Should only take 30 to 45 min to do.
 

Alien

Bought an X
Location
Gilbert AZ
Reviving an old thread -

I just did a cluster swap, and the ODO is reading the mileage from the donor vehicle. Any suggestions? I already disconnected the battery to try and clear things, but that didn't do it.
 

lupuslefou

Test Drive
Location
Lake Orion, MI
@Alien @Prime I may be wrong, but I believe the mileage is mechanically stored in the instrument cluster for the 1st gen Xterra's (2000-2004), and can't change/update to your original instrument cluster mileage. On my end, I eventually had to switch out the original plastic instrument cluster 'template' for the new one I found at the junkyard, to keep my original mileage. It's a pain in the ass and not something I would recommend spending your time on.
 

Alien

Bought an X
Location
Gilbert AZ
@lupuslefou what issues did you have swapping the the cluster face? From another thread I read it seems almost as easy as popping off the needles, swapping them out, then reattaching the needles.

I'm tagging @Prime as well since it seems he did a cluster mod taking everything apart and redoing it, but I can't find that thread.

My goal in this is to go from the gray face to the white one because I always have a hard time reading the gray in the daytime. My eyes must be getting old. Mainly what I can't read is the fuel and temp gauges, and after having my radiator go bad on me over the summer I'm a tad sensitive to the temp gauge.
 
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