How are you going to get the message center to work properly without a PCM flash?

 

It already works. I just haven't run the harness I made through the truck. However everything works as it should when connected-so I guess I'm saying a PCM flash isn't necessary. I had anticipated the possibility of needing one, but EVERYTHING functions properly at this point.

I should also note that these diagrams are for a 2005. I'm sure 06-07 are similar, but If anyone would like to know, I'll look into it!

 

I am curious, and may very well attempt to find out, if the xlt cluster can be used in place of the lariat cluster-IE if it is already a part of it, just not activated as the pins are present but vacant. I'll take a look, use the XLT cluster and see if the message center displays anything.

 

DID YOU TRY THE XLT CLUSTER?



DID YOU TRY THE XLT CLUSTER TO SEE IF IT WORKED FULL MESSAGE CENTER?

 

So you have all of the info capabilities that the lariat trucks do?

 

That is Correct.

If there is enough interest I'll consider a write up on a digital hvac swap as well, but that one is NOT to be undertaken by anyone who is shaky with electronics. It requires complete dash removal and changing the entire heater box/blend doors and actuators.

 

Not sure what you are referring to when you speak of resetting the door locks. However everything else functions as if it was factory installed. I have verified engine hours, compass direction, mileage, trip, DTE, and MPG. Although I will take some pictures, and would welcome someone running me through some function tests vs their gauges. Everything works just as it does in my other 05, which is a lariat.

 

By doorlocks I mean the ability to set it up so your doors lock or dont lock once your put the truck in drive

 

Never heard of this until now. Could your provide specifics?

 

Honestly, that is of little to no consequence to me, but I will check to verify it works (I'm sure someone else who attempts this may want that function). I mainly did it for the DTE and MPG readout.

I didn't know where to put this-If you feel it would be better to have it in another section, by all means, move it.

 

So noone is interested in this? I'll post pictures tomorrow, at the very least the swap will be documented. Any questions, feel free to email me.

 

Im interested in it. Where did you get all the needed parts to do it?

 

Ebay. I got the lariat gauge cluster, auto-dimming mirror, compass module, and message center switch, along with all of the connectors/pigtails, for 165 shipped. Parts were purchased from Ken's Auto Inc. eBay My World - kensautond

I chose them on a whim-I was looking for lariat door panels, and asked for a price on gauges. We exchanged around a dozen emails, with replies within MINUTES. I spoke with Tim, very nice, went out of his way to help. Most yards aren't willing to cut up a wiring harness to give you the connectors/pigtails, but they had no issues.

 

Ebay. I got the lariat gauge cluster, auto-dimming mirror, compass module, and message center switch, along with all of the connectors/pigtails, for 165 shipped. Parts were purchased from Ken's Auto Inc. eBay My World - kensautond

That's not bad at all did they have it up on ebay all together or did you have to get ahold of them?

 

I was looking at some lariat door panels they had for sale, and decided to ask about the gauges. After doing a little research I determined I'd need the compass module, mirror, and message center switch. I asked for a price on all 3 at that point. Couldn't be happier with the transaction.

 

Ok cool ya that isn't a bad price at all. I don't have the money right now but hopefully in time i will be able to do it. So any pictures and write up you have would be very helpful. Now does the pcm keep the miles or is it stored in the cluster if that makes any sence.

 

The mileage is stored in the cluster. If you decide to do the swap, try to find one with similar mileage, or have it copied from one cluster to the other.

 

Ok thanks.

 

This swap doesn't apply to me, since I have a Lariat anyway, but I am curious, does the cluster retain the engine hours info, or does the PCM? Basically, will it display the actual engine hours of your truck, or the donor truck of which the cluster came from? I suspect the cluster retains that info, since it retains the mileage already.

 

I am very interested in this. Been upgrading my truck as much as possible. Installed leather upholstery for x-mas last year. Looking for my next mod and this sounds interesting. Especially the Fuel Economy part...... Please post the pics.

 

The cluster retains the mileage and hours unfortunately. Ill finish up the harness and take some pictures.

 

Would this be about the same for a 99 also?

 

99 gauges are the same be it lariat, or xlt. You can't install 05-up gauges in the earlier trucks as the later models use a high speed can-bus connection protocol. Unfortunately, this is an 05-07 only mod. Keep the questions coming! I'd be happy to walk anyone through this if you want to give it a try and have any questions.

 

pictures

Here are a few pictures-the first is of the 4 pins that have to be added to the xlt harness. Disregard the colors. The second 2 pictures are of the message center switch attached to the cluster, and scrolling through the menu. More pictures to come, I'll wrap it up tomorrow, and take more pictures!

And yes, EVERYTHING works. I can set the auto light delay, time/speed to lock the doors, compass, DTE, MPG. Even the diagnostics work!

 

Pretty cool add on Mike. The cost isn't nearly what I thought it would be... might have to take a look into this in the future.

 

Wow that's impressive. I thought it would be much more involved to make the switch.

 

more info/picturese

Ford has to copy the mileage out of your cluster and write it to the new one. My advice is to find one as close as possible to your actual mileage, but if you have to get it reprogrammed, get a lower mileage unit. Ford will be more cooperative RAISING mileage rather than lowering it. Attached are more pictures, the finished product. Can't tell it wasn't factory installed, it all works as it should. Even the diagnostics work! On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the hardest, this is probably a 5. As long as you can follow directions, and read a pinout, it is easy.

You could use the XLT mirror, and save the headache of wiring in the autodimming mirror, however it is only 3 wires. The diagram for the mirror is attached!

A few tips-I used a hole saw to cut out the switch location-the ends are round, so drill 2 holes (each end) the correct distance apart, and then use a hacksaw to cut the rest between them. That way the hole is perfect. The mode switch just clips in like all the rest of the switches on the dash. The dimmer wire is attached to the headlight switch, it is the blue/red tracer wire in the 4 wire plug that connects to the dimmer switch portion of the headlight switch. I already had a reverse signal for my backup camera, but you can/should leave it disconnected on the autodimming mirror. It really is very simple, I'm overcomplicating it for the sake of clarity. Just email me if you have any questions!

Some of you are wondering if you need to have the pcm flashed to accomodate all the added features of the new cluster. You do not. EVERYTHING WORKS.

I was asked if adding the switch/compass module/wiring to the xlt gauges would activate the message center-it does not. The LCD board for the message center is different, the lariat version has smaller dots to accomodate more information at the same time.

And finally, the last picture is to prove all this is in an xlt! Notice the manual heater controls!

 

Ford has to copy the mileage out of your cluster and write it to the new one. My advice is to find one as close as possible to your actual mileage, but if you have to get it reprogrammed, get a lower mileage unit. Ford will be more cooperative RAISING mileage rather than lowering it. Attached are more pictures, the finished product. Can't tell it wasn't factory installed, it all works as it should. Even the diagnostics work! On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the hardest, this is probably a 5. As long as you can follow directions, and read a pinout, it is easy.

You could use the XLT mirror, and save the headache of wiring in the autodimming mirror, however it is only 3 wires. The diagram for the mirror is attached!

A few tips-I used a hole saw to cut out the switch location-the ends are round, so drill 2 holes (each end) the correct distance apart, and then use a hacksaw to cut the rest between them. That way the hole is perfect. The mode switch just clips in like all the rest of the switches on the dash. The dimmer wire is attached to the headlight switch, it is the blue/red tracer wire in the 4 wire plug that connects to the dimmer switch portion of the headlight switch. I already had a reverse signal for my backup camera, but you can/should leave it disconnected on the autodimming mirror. It really is very simple, I'm overcomplicating it for the sake of clarity. Just email me if you have any questions!

Some of you are wondering if you need to have the pcm flashed to accomodate all the added features of the new cluster. You do not. EVERYTHING WORKS.

I was asked if adding the switch/compass module/wiring to the xlt gauges would activate the message center-it does not. The LCD board for the message center is different, the lariat version has smaller dots to accomodate more information at the same time.

And finally, the last picture is to prove all this is in an xlt! Notice the manual heater controls!

So all that is needed would be the Lariat cluster, switch module, and the rearview with the compass. (is the compass displayed in the dash or on the mirror? And the associated wire harnesses. If anything probably contacting the same person you did for everything, would be the best route. I have been curious on this for quite some time now. Nice find!

 

you have to make your own harness, but having the connectors for the compass/rearview mirror/message center switch helps. The only other thing you need are 4 pins to insert into the xlt harness for the speedometer, available through ford, or used. Try giving them a call, or email. They shipped fast, and were willing to send me the plugs for the switch and mirror (most places won't cut up a harness) Or, contact greenleaf prime, or LKQ. You can use a 2008-2010 rearview mirror/compass module as well.

So, yes, all you need is the compass module (autodimming mirror is optional, the compass will clip to the xlt mirror) the message center switch, and LARIAT gauge cluster. The compass is displayed on the lariat cluster, and with it disconnected the area it is displayed will remain blank.

Once I had the wiring figured out, the actual labor took about an hour. You'll need to to tap into a key on power source for the mirror/compass module, an illumination feed (off the dimmer switch to change the intensity of the message center backlighting with the headlights on) and a handful of ground wires. All the hard work is done, my writeup details every connection you need to make! Good luck, and feel free to pm/post with questions!

 

Did you have to do something to the wiring harness to be able to access the pins. My harness does not look the same and it doesn't look like my top piece comes off. I have the cluster and a message center switch(from an 08 F150) It should still work right? It just reads the info, setup, reset top to bottom instead of left to right. I am having a hard time tracking down an compass module mirror though. Any suggestion on where I can pick one of those up at? Haven't seen any on eBay. Thanks

 

Thanks! Ill definitely have to call them and see what they can get those to me for, for the price def worth doing! Ill probably have ford reprogram the mileage in the cluster to match mine. Thanks again! It probably wont be for a couple weeks tho.

 

I've ordered lariat door panels, Installed 2010 lariat seats/center console, and I have a leather/woodgrain steering wheel on the way. The only thing I don't like about the lariat trucks is the woodgrain on the dashboard (looks cheap IMO) and the digital climate controls. Other than that, I have combined everything I like from a lariat with everything I like from the XLT, and made a super truck!

 

Not trying to hijack here, but where did you get the steering wheel? My leather is worn to hell and I'm looking for a new one...

 

I have the lariat cluster and hvac digital controls in my single cab. Swapping a full lariat harness in has to be way easier then wiring in the digital controls. Either way it is sweet seeing it on a truck that didn't come that way from Ford.