2002 cluster mods? - The Ford Focus Forum

**Warrior 3000** · 09-04-2009, 09:41 AM

okay so im looking to change my cluster or something with leds and such but idk where to buy stuff or what to look for. help me out

i have a 2002 ZX3.

**SilverDuratecZX3** · 09-08-2009, 09:30 PM

I suggest not to go with the plug in LED bulbs. I have tried many and have been disappointed by all. I feel that the only way to go is with a ribbon of LEDs inside the cluster. I got mine from http://www.oznium.com/led-ribbon-roll However, it does not look like they are selling it by the foot anymore. It takes about 3' to go around the inside of a Focus cluster.

Like this:

And This:

Those photos are from a Duratec Focus cluster, so it will look different in yours.

Tap into one of the stock bulb holders for power and it will dim with the dashboard lights.

I hope that helps.

**bringler26** · 09-10-2009, 02:21 PM

do you have finished pics of that cluster?

**SilverDuratecZX3** · 09-10-2009, 08:47 PM

I do, but the cluster does not use the stock gauge face.

Here is a photo of the cluster lit with the LED ribbon. This is not the stock face.

**bringler26** · 09-11-2009, 12:30 PM

that looks really good

**SilverDuratecZX3** · 09-11-2009, 09:01 PM

Thank you.

**gilliam** · 09-11-2009, 09:16 PM

whn you pop the dials off, do they have to go back on exactly right again?
i have my gauge cluster out for color modding and they appear to be auto adjusting. looking for verification.

**SilverDuratecZX3** · 09-12-2009, 09:45 PM

You should try to get the needles back on in the exact same location that they were originally. I have found that you have fewer calibration issues that way.

**bringler26** · 09-13-2009, 09:01 PM

I thought it would be cool to do something like this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2K2c...layer_embedded

**trailbikerider** · 09-13-2009, 10:23 PM

That is badass. I can only imagine how much something like that would cost though.

**bringler26** · 09-14-2009, 08:29 AM

it says on their website that it is not available unless money is no object to you lol.

**SilverDuratecZX3** · 09-14-2009, 08:32 AM

Technically, that is not too tough, but the hardware (something that would monitor the engine speed and trigger a relay output at a specified RPM, sometimes called a "window switch" in aftermarket ignition modules) might be pricey.

That particular cluster has the tachometer being lit separately than the other gauges, unlike our clusters, which are all bunched together. In that Celica, they simply run two sets of lights, one for the white and one for the red illumination. Another option would have been an array of RGB LEDs and a controller that would switch them from white to red.

In the focus cluster, without creating some sort of light blocking device, there would be light bleed from the tachometer to the other gauges.

**bringler26** · 09-14-2009, 10:43 PM

That would be freakin awesome Ive seen even cooler ones than that that was just the first one I found.

**gilliam** · 09-20-2009, 02:54 PM

for you manual transmission folks, that particular mod is no problem at all. you have the stock shift light arrow, so wire a relay into that to trigger the light color change. no special microprocessor required.
i did something like what i just said for my old XBOX to turn one side of the light ring into a HDD and LAN activity indicator.

as for the dials in mine, i did the calibration stuff and its good now. im just going to redo the backlighting so its white instead of lightbulb offwhite.

**gilliam** · 10-04-2009, 01:34 AM

working on the LED rings now and taking pics.

**gilliam** · 10-10-2009, 07:07 PM

its done and its bright. (will change wiring to dimmer control instead of full on).
want a writeup? i have plenty of pictures.

**Lancer211** · 10-14-2009, 01:14 PM

Sure, do a writeup!

**justin_jkj** · 10-23-2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverDuratecZX3

I suggest not to go with the plug in LED bulbs. I have tried many and have been disappointed by all. I feel that the only way to go is with a ribbon of LEDs inside the cluster. I got mine from http://www.oznium.com/led-ribbon-roll However, it does not look like they are selling it by the foot anymore. It takes about 3' to go around the inside of a Focus cluster.

Like this:

And This:

Those photos are from a Duratec Focus cluster, so it will look different in yours.

Tap into one of the stock bulb holders for power and it will dim with the dashboard lights.

I hope that helps.

would it matter if i tapped into both light sockets? will one take the whole current? if not how did you figure out + and - in both?

**SilverDuratecZX3** · 10-25-2009, 09:29 PM

You only have to tap into one. I haven't measured the draw of the strip versus the draw of one stock lamp, but the amperage draw from the strip should not tax the connection at the socket. I have been running this setup for 2 years with no issues.

You could tap into two, but make sure that you have the polarity correct. I determined the + & - of the socket with a multi-meter.

**MrBirdman330** · 10-26-2009, 12:39 AM

Where did you get that cluster face plate at? I love it!

**Lancer211** · 10-27-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBirdman330

Where did you get that cluster face plate at? I love it!

Yeah, I was wondering that too. Kinda looks like a Saleen gauge cluster.

Is the numbering on the water temperature gauge calibrated? Or is it just for show?

**SilverDuratecZX3** · 10-28-2009, 08:31 AM

MrBirdMan330: You have a PM

Lancer211: The numbers on the temp gauge are just for show.

09-04-2009, 09:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
Warrior 3000 TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Long Island Posts: 176	2002 cluster mods? okay so im looking to change my cluster or something with leds and such but idk where to buy stuff or what to look for. help me out i have a 2002 ZX3.

09-08-2009, 09:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
SilverDuratecZX3 TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 175	Re: 2002 cluster mods? I suggest not to go with the plug in LED bulbs. I have tried many and have been disappointed by all. I feel that the only way to go is with a ribbon of LEDs inside the cluster. I got mine from http://www.oznium.com/led-ribbon-roll However, it does not look like they are selling it by the foot anymore. It takes about 3' to go around the inside of a Focus cluster. Like this: And This: Those photos are from a Duratec Focus cluster, so it will look different in yours. Tap into one of the stock bulb holders for power and it will dim with the dashboard lights. I hope that helps.

09-10-2009, 02:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
bringler26 TEAM Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 315	Re: 2002 cluster mods? do you have finished pics of that cluster?

09-10-2009, 08:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
SilverDuratecZX3 TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 175	Re: 2002 cluster mods? I do, but the cluster does not use the stock gauge face. Here is a photo of the cluster lit with the LED ribbon. This is not the stock face. Last edited by SilverDuratecZX3; 09-11-2009 at 08:30 AM.

09-11-2009, 12:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
bringler26 TEAM Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 315	Re: 2002 cluster mods? that looks really good

09-11-2009, 09:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
SilverDuratecZX3 TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 175	Re: 2002 cluster mods? Thank you.

09-11-2009, 09:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
gilliam Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 70	Re: 2002 cluster mods? whn you pop the dials off, do they have to go back on exactly right again? i have my gauge cluster out for color modding and they appear to be auto adjusting. looking for verification.

09-12-2009, 09:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
SilverDuratecZX3 TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 175	Re: 2002 cluster mods? You should try to get the needles back on in the exact same location that they were originally. I have found that you have fewer calibration issues that way.

09-13-2009, 09:01 PM	#9 (permalink)
bringler26 TEAM Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 315	Re: 2002 cluster mods? I thought it would be cool to do something like this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2K2c...layer_embedded

09-13-2009, 10:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
trailbikerider TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Scotts, MI Posts: 467	Re: 2002 cluster mods? That is badass. I can only imagine how much something like that would cost though. __________________ 170,000 miles and counting......[10/28/09] Borla l Volant l SVT l FRPP l Massive l CFM l General Tire

09-14-2009, 08:29 AM	#11 (permalink)
bringler26 TEAM Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 315	Re: 2002 cluster mods? it says on their website that it is not available unless money is no object to you lol.

09-14-2009, 08:32 AM	#12 (permalink)
SilverDuratecZX3 TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 175	Re: 2002 cluster mods? Technically, that is not too tough, but the hardware (something that would monitor the engine speed and trigger a relay output at a specified RPM, sometimes called a "window switch" in aftermarket ignition modules) might be pricey. That particular cluster has the tachometer being lit separately than the other gauges, unlike our clusters, which are all bunched together. In that Celica, they simply run two sets of lights, one for the white and one for the red illumination. Another option would have been an array of RGB LEDs and a controller that would switch them from white to red. In the focus cluster, without creating some sort of light blocking device, there would be light bleed from the tachometer to the other gauges.

09-14-2009, 10:43 PM	#13 (permalink)
bringler26 TEAM Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 315	Re: 2002 cluster mods? That would be freakin awesome Ive seen even cooler ones than that that was just the first one I found.

09-20-2009, 02:54 PM	#14 (permalink)
gilliam Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 70	Re: 2002 cluster mods? for you manual transmission folks, that particular mod is no problem at all. you have the stock shift light arrow, so wire a relay into that to trigger the light color change. no special microprocessor required. i did something like what i just said for my old XBOX to turn one side of the light ring into a HDD and LAN activity indicator. as for the dials in mine, i did the calibration stuff and its good now. im just going to redo the backlighting so its white instead of lightbulb offwhite. Last edited by gilliam; 09-20-2009 at 02:55 PM. Reason: add comment

10-04-2009, 01:34 AM	#15 (permalink)
gilliam Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 70	Re: 2002 cluster mods? working on the LED rings now and taking pics.

10-14-2009, 01:14 PM	#17 (permalink)
Lancer211 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,342	Re: 2002 cluster mods? Sure, do a writeup! __________________ For sale: Eibach Pro-Kit springs, sedan taillight, lower grille, DPFE, EVR, MAFS, side markers, trunk handle, fuel door, gas pedal, headlight switch, AC/vent/defrost button, hazard switch, ashtray, silver console bezel, HVAC controls. 2004 infrared Focus SE Zetec ATX sedan "Ruby" CarDomain Page

10-10-2009, 07:07 PM	#16 (permalink)
gilliam Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 70	Re: 2002 cluster mods? its done and its bright. (will change wiring to dimmer control instead of full on). want a writeup? i have plenty of pictures.

10-25-2009, 09:29 PM	#19 (permalink)
SilverDuratecZX3 TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 175	Re: 2002 cluster mods? You only have to tap into one. I haven't measured the draw of the strip versus the draw of one stock lamp, but the amperage draw from the strip should not tax the connection at the socket. I have been running this setup for 2 years with no issues. You could tap into two, but make sure that you have the polarity correct. I determined the + & - of the socket with a multi-meter.

10-26-2009, 12:39 AM	#20 (permalink)
MrBirdman330 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: At a U-Haul Center near you. Posts: 1,473	Re: 2002 cluster mods? Where did you get that cluster face plate at? I love it! __________________ Everybody says you can't make money off small cars. Well, you'd better damn well figure out how to make money, because that's where the world is going. - Alan Mulally

10-28-2009, 08:31 AM	#22 (permalink)
SilverDuratecZX3 TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 175	Re: 2002 cluster mods? MrBirdMan330: You have a PM Lancer211: The numbers on the temp gauge are just for show.

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