06 Outback Gauge cluster and Steering wheel

[RandyMarsh303]

During a trip to the junk yard yesterday I was perusing the vehicles in the import section and found a 2006 outback (sorry not sure what trim). Still had some nice parts left on it and it got me thinking. Is it possible to swap the cluster from this into my 98 BD? If so what do I need to grab from the outback to make the swap and what splicing will need to be done to make it work. I know it will not sit in the dash right but im not to worried about cutting and fitting. Also had a steering wheel in pretty good condition but the airbag is blown. Now im thinking this is a no go because of the cost of the airbag but just wondering everyone's opinion. Same questions for the wheel as the cluster. I can get the cluster for 25 and the wheel for 15 so this is why i was considering it, Let me know what you think.

-Tim

[Huffer]

The dash swap would be similar to an STi cluster but the main issue is that the BD/BG's have a non digital display - the 06 Outback does. Also, mileage is set on the cluster, not the car, so that could be an issue if your car gets inspected periodically or sold (or stolen even). To do the swap, you'll need pinout diagrams of both vehicles and match them up. Obviously, if there's sensor lights in the cluster (TPMS, TCS for example) that don't exist on your car then you'll have to figure out what to do with them. You can just unplug the bulb in most cases.

Steering wheel - you should physically be able to use the steering wheel, but without a proper airbag it's dangerous because of the bare metal. You'd have to find a replacement SRS charge and then also determine if it's the same power (explosive charge) as your stock one. Then you have to check the plug wiring to see if that will work. The 1998's switched to a lower power airbag charge, and the 06's should be similar but the data I have isn't conclusive.

At the very least, you'd need to find an unblown 06 Outback airbag, and then you can install it and leave the airbag unplugged. This will make your SRS light illuminate, but means that your car is as safe as a car without SRS.

[RandyMarsh303]

The steering wheel is out the window for sure without a working airbag. Don't need the idea of death lingering in my mind as I drive

As for the cluster, are you saying there is no way to have the digital display illuminate and track mileage (from whatever number it is on now). Im not to worried about the clusters matching numbers just as long as I can track the mileage...if that makes sense. The car has a salvage title and I just rebuilt the front end again so If it goes anywhere its to the scrap yard or in the garage for some kind of pipe dream track car haha. Inspections are almost unheard of here, even when you get the emissions done they do not check the mileage. I know its strange but works in our favor. If I can get the cluster to illuminate properly and have all the lights that are on my vehicle light up on the new cluster then im going to go for it. I mean 25 bucks how can I really go wrong? Also does anyone have a place to get the pin out diagrams? I have a FSM for my car but not the outback, that should have it right?

[RandyMarsh303]

Bump .still wondering if I will be able to get the digital display to light up and track mileage

[Wiscon_Mark]

You would, but it's not easy to reset the mileage to correct mileage for the car with digital, and it'll bring up issues if you try to sell it. Any educated buyer would have alarm bells ringing if they saw that cluster in your car.

Also - not entirely sure if anyone's ever done the swap, so wiring would be a huge trial & error process. BIG can 'o worms.

[chuckthefuk]

lets cover a few things shall we..

0) EVERY wiring diagram is available from the Factory Service Manual thread in my signature. even 2010!

1) The cluster can easily be powered and dimmer controls activated by following the schematic. Thats the easy part.. The hard part is figuring out if the voltage / ratings are the same for each signal. Same goes with the tach/speedo.

2) It *IS* possible to correct / reprogram the mileage by a local shop who provide the service for whatever reason. Even sending the cluster out to a foreign company can yield great results at a cost.
--a) That being said the lack of wiring harness and OBDII port may cause issues when you request this service...

3) It *MAY* be possible to remove the gauge face and dissect the digital read outs and attempt to retrofit into your BD/BK cluster..
--a) This is no easy task... its just a possibility.

4) Are you sure the cluster can be made to fit.. I had a hell of a time getting my GD Sti cluster to fit the BD dash and I had to remove lots of material from both the dash and the cluster.

-Chuck