Instrument Cluster Screw up

Hey all!

Basically my first post and I say I really like this forum!

I took apart my instrument cluster thinking there were bulbs I can change inside to change the color of the lighting. Welp, the gauge markers fell off as I took it apart and when I put them back on they no longer worked properly. They either showed something wrong or dangled in place.
So I ordered a refurbished one from Tanin Electronics. They sent me one with the wrong mileage and the speedometer and rpms gauge show the wrong speed and rpms as I drive.

Ex. The speed will go up so when I come to a stop it will say 10mph and it will continue to go up until I stop. The rpm gauge will slowly go down as I drive and coming to an idle will show less than 1000 rpms and continue to go down as I drive.

Anyone have any idea what I can do?
Thank ahead!

 

pull the needles, put the cluster in and start it without needles. turn off. lights push the needles onto 0 or lowest setting. Turn on, test they are working properly. Once confirmed push on down. Do not push all the way down.

 

I will give it a try. Thank you!
How did you find this info out?

 

I have done many led swaps, needle paint job etc on 4th gen 4runners. Have helped many people with your same issue. I plan to start doing these led needle paint jobs on tundra clusters as well. Just have t found the right time to start back.

 

SPARKY Ive been wanting to change to led on my 2006 tundra but i dont know how t5 led to buy,also hear there some your not supposed to change out?

 

05-06 are already LED. There's no bulbs to change out.

 

very true. But if people are wanting different colors it can be done. Done many times on 4runners.

trueblue the t5’s are for the hvac

 

thanks...what led bulb goes on cluster then? and how many do i need to buy?

 

google “plcc-2 led” that’s for cluster, all need soldering

 

Aren’t they soldered onto the mother board?

 

Yes, can be removed and replaced!

This is a 4th gen 4runner. I’m going to dive into my tundra cluster in the next week or so.

 

What a job to take on!. Show us what it looks like when you're done!
Also, I am sure I can fix my old cluster using your method but the problem now would be that the mileage is wrong. Is that something that can be programmed?

 

subbed

 

"whats poppin?"

 

In the 4runner mileage is saved in the cluster itself. So can't be changed. In the Tundra, I am not sure, but I clusters appear to be similar. It may be stored there.

I plan to post pics, I am hoping Turkey vacation I will get the cluster done. Once done, I will more than likely start offering services for this. More to come....

 

Did a little work today! I think I need to do a little tweaking. More to come.

 

@SHUZAAM - were you able to get the needle alignment issue resolved as per S P A R K Y's directions?

@S P A R K Y - nice work and thanks for sharing that helpful tip! Can you confirm what causes the green light/color appearance with these factory gauge clusters? Is the film tinted green or are the LEDs for which you replaced green? I am assuming the LEDs are green and are the reason you have installed new "white" LEDs? I have a 2006 Tundra with the same cluster like the one in your photos. Now it makes sense why I could not find anything online showing how to replace the bulbs for these specific clusters as you confirmed they use LEDs. Do you happen to have an existing thread in which you explain your DIY process to achieve these amazing results? I ask because I too would like to remove the factory green tint/color. I am in the process of replacing every incandescent interior lightbulb with LEDs. This past weekend I removed and reinstalled the upper/lower dash panels to clean the A/C evaporator of dirt/debris/dog hair and fix the issue with the directional climate control knob that is all too common when I came to discover the numerous incandescent bulbs that had burnt out (driver-side footwell, ashtray, glove compartment). I have since replaced every interior bulb with the exception of the cigarette lighter assembly which must be soldered to replace with an LED for which I plan to do. It feels like a new truck with bright white LEDs including the fact most were burnt out when I took ownership in April this year.

 

So yes, the backing of the gauge numbers is green. You have to sand it off. Someone has done a good thread on it, I will link after I post. If I can find it.

stock LED’s are white and orange, I replaced all orange with white or blue. Sanded all the green off.

I took the needles apart and painted them. They don’t show up in blue during the day as good as my 4runner. Oh well. May try them in white.

the odometer, I peeled the film off and put a reverse polarization film on.

I have not created a thread yet. Some day I would like to.

tip, to remove the needles, put a fork under them and push down on back of fork. Very easy.

This image I have already sanded the center. I had not sanded the sides.

 

The kilometers I want to black out, it’s too bright.

This pic is the cluster once needles are out and face is off.

 

Good idea on the blacking out! First I’ve heard of anyone doing that in this application.

 

Hey Brotha, you know what, I haven’t tried at all. I got swept up on a bunch of other projects and because the mileage was wrong I thought what the heck.

I think I’m gonna take another look if I’m brave enough soon. Last time I touched everything, I jacked it all up.