Between a rock....

[bveecon]

Hi

I have another problem, a bit long-winded and linked to the previous one posted re a faulty display and loss of some warnight lights on the instrument cluster of my 2000 R75

It has been established that I require a new instrument cluster. I was at the only Rover garage on the island (Western Isles) and showed them a copy of the Ebay sales item for the upgraded instrument cluster/message board. They said it wouldn't work, even if the indicator switch is upgraded because the electrical connections are not compatible. I am sure it will be okay however it is obvious that they are not prepared to try it.

This means that I will have to take the car to the mainland to have it done. I can't get time-off work until February and sods law has it that my MOT is due in mid-January. One of the missing warning lights is the rear fog, an MOT test item.

I can obtain a instrument cluster quite cheaply. If this was fitted would everything else work except the oddometer display, allowing me to pass the MOT?

Thanks again

John

[SMC Trading]

You should not drive the vehicle once a new instrument pack has been fitted until it is programmed on a T4 machine, if you do it will clock up miles, the T4 will think it is secondhand and will not programme it

[Moonstone]

There are a number of members who have upgraded successfully. A search for previous threads will tell you if any mods are required, though I can't recall any. Maybe the garage is just taking the hump at not supplying the parts. Did they quote for a replacement themselves? My last visit cost £151 for the ferry, so local sourcing could be a cheaper option.

I just did a quick search myself and saw someone quoting list price for a petrol cluster at £266. The new stalk (with button) is said to be >£100, but you can get second-hand ones for £30 or so. No-one mentioned any connection problems - seems a straight swap.

[SMC Trading]

Is indeed a straight swap with no modification to the wiring at all

[bveecon]

Thanks for your fast responses. I will obtain a new unit from SMC but it looks like it will have to be fitted on the maainland unless I can convince the garage otherwise. If the worst comes to the worst would a second hand cluster slipped in without the T4 allow the warning lights etc to function so that the car can be presented for the MOT?

Thanks

[Departed]

Yup. No wiring mods for mine, worked OK straight off.

Maybe a secondhand unit would do to keep going until the MOT? trip error would be present of course, but would save your 'new' pack clocking up miles.

Anyone care to comment if this would work? Can't see any reason why not, but maybe it could end up transferring a higher mileage to the car?

[T-Cut]

My understand is that any attempt to install a used IKP will be rejected by the T4 so the system won't run one way or another. It would therefore fail the MOT. That's my understanding, I've never actually fitted one.

TC

[SKS Disco]

Oh be wary of fitting second hand IPK's
Below is some of the reasons and potential problems why not

VIN cannot be rewritten.
If there is a VIN mismatch then there will be a ERR [ error r message ]
telltale on the IPK (where the trip would normally be if I remember right)
Either LSM [ light switch module ] or IPK will not update each other with
the mileage (due to VIN mismatch).
I don’t think the ZCS will change and certainly the spec will not change,
see note below
If the pack was off a different spec of vehicle, say 17” wheels to 18”
wheels then you will not be able to convince the pack of its new spec and
the speedo will not reconfigure.
The pack will maintain the identity of the old vehicle and the
functionality also.

Just for fun I have attached the official MGR line.

[Departed]

I'm only suggesting a temporary thing, and know the ERR would be present but:

why would it fail the MOT? MOT looks at the ODO not trip, and I understand these work OK.

I wasn't suggesting even trying to T4 it. The owner can't get to a T4 at present so it's a workaround until he can.

[T-Cut]

I believe 'ERR' is all it will show. You'll not get any odometer readout.

TC