996 Cluster Won't Acknowledge Instruments

[Michael hurta]

Hi - 2002 996: Scoured the lists but can't find this particular cluster problem anywhere.  In short, my salvage cluster shows a list of errors on start up but my original was fine....  Here's the details.  My current cluster shows an intermittent airbag failure warning on the led screen followed by the idiot light.  It usually occurs at start up, clears at the stalk and the idiot light remains on, but flickers on occasion.  My mechanic had ruled out everything he could related to the airbag warnings and since he didn't have a spare cluster, couldn't swap to test for that. I personally purchased a salvage cluster, removed the battery terminals, installed it and it came to life (I'm also having to buy replacement connector housings because mine disintegrated).  The problem is the info screen pretty much scrolled through a variety of issues like oil pressure feedback, temp feedback, fuel feedback, etc.  The oil pressure gage was also unresponsive.  I expected the odometer to be wrong, but didn't expect all the errors.  I also started the car and while it ran, it did run rough, sputtered a bit.  Do I have a bad salvaged cluster?  Does the cluster need to be programmed (beside the odometer)?  

Edited July 13, 2019 by Michael hurta