In Need Of Help Big Time

[phrankandbeanz]

Ok so I did the gauge face conversion from the boxster s to my boxster. And I got the oem rings from the boxster s gauge face too. I had to take the needles off and I put them back on, NONE OF THE NEEDLES WORK. After fidgeting for 2 hrs, I need help. What should I do? Everything else works just fine. My **** needles don't work. How can I fix this and have them read accurately? I need to correct my needles to make then work. THey are not even moving. Thanks in advance. Frank

[WARDHOG]

Ok so I did the gauge face conversion from the boxster s to my boxster. And I got the oem rings from the boxster s gauge face too. I had to take the needles off and I put them back on, NONE OF THE NEEDLES WORK. After fidgeting for 2 hrs, I need help. What should I do? Everything else works just fine. My **** needles don't work. How can I fix this and have them read accurately? I  need to correct my needles to make then work. THey are not even moving. Thanks in advance. Frank

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Have you checked the fuse? You might have blown the fuse.

[Tool Pants]

When you turn the key on do the lights in the instrument cluster come on?

[secretaznman4u]

also hope you unplugged your battery before pulling the cluster. or now you will have an airbag light to remind you, that you screwed up. sounds like there's not a connection or its not getting power

[phrankandbeanz]

All the lights, connections work. The needles are set wrong and I cant seem to fix it. The mph digital gauge works, the gas and oil gauge works, just the needle to my rpm and mph gauge does not. Anyone know how to exactly set them?

[HenryV]

The needles are set wrong and I cant seem to fix it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The fix is easy, but tricky.

When you inserted the needles in the new cluster, the receiving posts 'jump' to any position. There is nothing holding them in their position.

I'd recommend taking the cluster apart, but plug it into the car when you are ready to insert the needles. (Remember to use a towel for protection of the dash). Under power, the needles return to their original position and, although a weak (electro-magnetic) force, there is sufficient resistance to seat them properly.

Make sure you have a cold engine and a full tank of gas when you do this.

After you insert the needles, don't put the cluster back together, but rather, go for a testdrive. You'll notice any discrepencies between the needle position and the desired position. Repeat the process until the needles align properly.

Check with another boxster on the 'default' position.

What year is your boxster? We may have some pics around.

[Tool Pants]

This is a pic of the test mentioned by Henry, before the cluster is put back together. Ignore the air bag thing as Ray also replaced his steering wheel with a 3 spoke at the same time the cluster faces were replaced.

[phrankandbeanz]

thanks for the help guys. I tried that and my needles still wouldnt budge. I just don't understand. Ive taken it in to the stealership and hopefully it will get fixed under warranty. I have a 2004 boxster btw.

[Tool Pants]

My local dealer takes the position that if the cluster is openend the warranty is over.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1562

[phrankandbeanz]

what i was wondering is how would they know that I opened the cluster if I replaced all parts with oem products? I hope they can change it under warranty, if not anyone in so cal willing to help me out or can I just take it to a local mechanic?

[HenryV]

Did you change the gauges yet? That is a dead giveaway.

If they fix the cluster with the old gauges, you haven't gained a thing - you'd have to do it over again.

Also, if you use the Boxster-S cover, versus the original cover - that would also give it away.

Their answer is likely to be "replacement", which is a $1600 part. I'm sure that for such an amount the warranty department will scrutinize it first.

If they don't want to 'warrant' it - don't fret it - it is really not that hard to get it to work. We have done several and have it almost down to an art here. I can send you detailed instructions.

On the other hand, your car being a 2004, they'd benefit from extending some courtesy - you're driving an almost new car. They referring to both the Dealer and PNA.

[phrankandbeanz]

Thanks henry. I will soon learn tomorrow what is going to happen. Frank

[phrankandbeanz]

OK this is an opdate I got from the dealer. I took my car into newport porsche yesterday afternoon and I recieved a call today from my service advisor saying they will replace my whole cluster and that the part will come in on monday and it will be f inished on monday. I got lucky. Thanks for the help fellow porsche guru's. Frank

[porscheneer]

So you will be getting the original cluster installed. Will you be attempting the Hack again?