03 ZX3 Instrument Panel Swap Question

[vegte44]

I have an 03 Focus ZX3 2.0 w/ 5sp. My speedo works only when it wants to. I have checked the search function. My question is: I am reading this right, just about any cluster will work in my car? The dealer lists more than 13 different clusters and cost is $480. I would like to put in a white guage cluster from a SVT. Will this work?

[Sponsor]

[pasta]

no because the computer controls all and svt and zx3 are different

[whynotthinkwhynot]

If you want white face gauges, then just modify the cluster once you get it installed. We used to have some vendors who sold gauge re-finish kits. Ask around in the interior modifications, or double check the Complete How-To archive in my signature for How-Tos.

If you are ONLY having problems with the speedometer, it is most likely not the instrument cluster, but the VSS. I would check that first before I replaced a much more expensive cluster only to have the same problem.

[vegte44]

vss is good. I know it's the cluster. I am a mechanic. Just don't know much about the interchange of these clusters. Need to find out which will interchange. Really don't care if they are black or white face or odometer reading. Just was hoping the SVT would work.

[whynotthinkwhynot]

I really think it will. As long as it's not an 05+ or a 03-04 PZEV it should work. IDK why there are 13 different ones though. We've had several people swap them out- it's popular for adding tachometers. If your Focus doesn't have a tach, then swap in one with a tach, and magically the tach works. AFAIK, all the gauge information comes from the PCM so not like in the old days where we had separate sensors for the computer and gauges.

Now I don't know why the early PZEV and 05 wouldn't be the same since that really shouldn't matter if the connector in the back is the same. I think that is the big difference.

[Tymes]

$480, wow, check with the scrap yards, I got one with a tach for $16.

[sailor]

The MAJOR issue is swapping in an SVT cluster, 'cause that had fancy backlighting that needed an extra "driver" behind the dash,...

others from a similar model & year are plug n play - just use one that's similar, so you don't have to put tape over the ABS light that'll come on if you get one that had that & (as typical) you don't...

[vegte44]

Thanks for the info. I will find a stock one w/ tach.

[vegte44]

I have found some clusters from 00-04. Last question: Will a cluster from an automatic work in a 5 sp manual car?

[Tymes]

The cluster itself will be the same, each car's wiring harness will determine what lights are used in the cluster. You'll find bulbs in locations that are not even used by the original car sometimes, its great when you need a replacement bulb.