'_'

Hi, I don't post frequently on here, but was just wondering if there are any 97-01 ES300 owners in socal that would want to help me out with something. I have a 2000 Camry but I'd like to do a gauge cluster retrofit on my car, as explained in this thread:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/10...onversion.html

A few days ago, I went to a local junkyard and picked up a gauge cluster from what I believe was a '97 ES300. Since I got this at a junkyard, there was no way of testing it before purchase, so I bought the optional warranty in case I would need to return it (defects). At this point, I'm looking for any 97-01 owner that would be willing to help me plug it into their car to make sure everything works (lights, gauges, needles, mileage, etc.) before I start this project. If you're familiar with removing the cluster and housing, the entire process should probably take about 5 minutes. The connectors in the back are different from the Camry and require about 4-5 hours to match/retrofit, so basically I just want to verify that the unit works before I start the project. I'm willing to drive 30-45 min from 626 and can work out a time to meet up. Thanks!

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

There has to be another way to check the cluster. I doubt you will find anyone crazy enough to donate their car for testing purposes. Maybe you could test each gauge separately by sending signals from your car with some pins and wires?

'_'

To my current knowledge, plugging in the stock connectors from the respective ES300 is the only easy/quick way to test it. The problem at this point is just finding someone willing to help for a few minutes lol.

Each individual wire that goes into the 4 connectors of the ES300 cluster receives information from the harness..the process of the retrofit is exactly what you said, but on a much larger scale because there are 50+ wires to deal with. The process of matching/connecting the wires so that they are compatible with those from the Camry is very tedious and time consuming, so that's pretty much why I'd like to quickly test the cluster before I begin. There's probably a good chance that not everything functions on the cluster, in which case I'd need to return it and source another cluster.

hypervish

There's a youtube video about how to do this.

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On how to test the cluster?

msekanha

You're better off taking a battery with you to the junkyard and testing the cluster on a totaled car. Normally you'll still be able to find the keys in the car.

I highly doubt someone will loan their car for "guinea pig" purposes.

hypervish

No, I meant on doing the actual swap. Didn't realize it was the same one as in the thread.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

seriously, booster pack ftw, saved me a few times when parting some stuff out....

'_'

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Luckily a member contacted me who is kind enough to help me out. If for some reason that falls through, I'll resort to a booster pack.

msekanha

Glad to hear someone is willing to help you out with your project. Good luck and be sure to let us know how the whole retrofitting goes!