I will soon be the owner of two 87 Samurais.  The first one is a plain jane Sammy that I have been driving for about 4 years now.  It has the standard dash with speedo, odeometer, temp and gas gauges.  The "new" Sammy is a JX version with the fancier panel including the tach.

Is it a simple swap to change these panelsbetween vehicles?  The JX won't pass emissions check, and will become a parts vehicle to keep my well running vehicle running.  Will the "plain" Sammy already be wired for the tach, or will I need to install a pick-up? 

Thanks.

Good News, Jaminor!

It's a direct swap!


Things to look for:

Loosen the two Torx-head bolts that hold the steering column in place on the dash so you can lower the steering column enough for the dash gage assembly to clear the emergency flasher switch.  Time to borrow someone's Torx set...

That's about the toughest part of the job!

The infamous "mystery switch" is also connected to the dash cluster so carefully trace and disconnect the three wires that run to the switch as you remove your Precious and Wonderful Tach Dash cluster.

While you have the unit out, go over the green flexible "circuit board" piece and inspect it for corrosion.  Sand any corroded connection lands with a very fine grit paper.  You generally find them around the illumination lamp sockets which you should also try to clean up if they are dirty...  Make sure that you have a good set of illumination bulbs installed before you slap that Tach Dash into your DD as you don't want to take it out again unless you have to.

Finally, you might want to check on the possibility of getting the odometer reset to your current dash's odometer.  The worse thing some speedometer shop guy might say is "Get the heck out of my store!"

Been there, done that, got the Tach Dash! 

Thanks for the prompt reply.  Can you give me more info. on the "mystery switch"? 

Also, I already have a Torx set!

As far as the odometer, mine has been stuck on 59999x even though the 1/10ths turn and the trip odometer works.  The new Zuk is reading a bit over 100k, which is probably low for my present vehicle.   Since mine is already registered with an unknown odometer reading this shouldn't be any problem.

The "Mystery Switch" is actually a switch that resets a "check engine" indicator on the dash.  This was Suzuki's way to remind folks of regular service intervals before the advent of OBDI and OBDII service engine systems.  When the "check engine" light lit up, you reach under the dash next to the steering column and throw the switch.  The next - oft-ignored - step is to crack open the owner's manual and, by looking at the Odometer,  figure out what needs replacing.  X-thousand miles later, the "check engine" light turns on and you throw the switch the other way.   

"Thus the circle is completed..."

"This is CNN..."

"Luke, I am your Father..."

Sorry, I don't know what came over me just now...

  Make sure that you have a good set of illumination bulbs installed before you slap that Tach Dash into your DD as you don't want to take it out again unless you have to.

Are these bulbs an autoparts store stock part or do you have to go to the dealer?

-Adam

Quote from: ack on July 02, 2007, 02:24:20 PM

  Make sure that you have a good set of illumination bulbs installed before you slap that Tach Dash into your DD as you don't want to take it out again unless you have to.

Are these bulbs an autoparts store stock part or do you have to go to the dealer?

-Adam

You can get them at an autoparts store, wal-mart, salvage yard, etc.....they are not "special" bulbs.  I think the bulb number is "194", IIRC (that is for the bigger backlighting bulbs...I can't remember the number for the smaller ones).

ack,

I have read of your experience swapping out the dash panel in other places as well.  Did you ever find the answer to your questions on the black wire?

The black wire.........

Oops!

I forgot to document that tidbit of information!

If I can drag myself away from the highly important work assigned to me tomorrow, I'll sneak outside during a break and take a peek under the dash...

I think it has something to do with the Magic Switch, but you know what happens when you assume...

Happy Independence Day!