So I'm thinking about doing a blackout cluster in my TH Exec, and I'm a little stumped when it comes to the cluster upgrade and the trip computer (the indash one).

From what I can gather, the KH cluster has a digital odometer, and trip A/B where all 3 are toggled via a button press.

But what stumps me is the KJ one. A mate had a TJ, and IIRC the centre computer was only the lights, no trip computer. I'm assumin in this model dist to empty, etc was incorporated into the cluster and is accessable via button pressing?

I'm trying to figure out whether it would be better to go for the KH or KJ cluster. I like the look of the KH cluster because the odometer blends in with the dials. However I don't want to lose the dist to empty option. I'd also like to end up with a clock, either in the dash computer part, or where ever. I find I have to take my eyes off the road for too long trying to check the head unit time.

If its easier, someone could even just do KH vs KJ and list where all these functions are.

The KH had the distance to empty and other options on the screen in the middle of the dash where the clock is on my KJ Series II. And personally, I own the newer KJII blackout cluster and I prefer the old style as well. I'd actually do the swap if it was just a changeover but afaik it's a big loom change.

Dad has a KJ series 1 and that has trip computer thats in the centre like a KH. A mate has a series 2 vrx and thats in the dash.

Maybe series 1&2 were different?

Ok, the series 1 and 1.5 (MY02) KJ will have a similar cluster to the KH. It is an imported one from Japan, and the only difference it has to the KH is the tippy light for 4th.

I have left the kh cluster alone and rewired it so the 32L and D are tippy lights instead of a cluster change.

KJ series 2 got and Aussie supplied cluster and the trip computer in the cluster itself. All of these are or 5 speed tippy.

Mike

Okay cheers. Are any of the blackout clusters (KH, KJ etc) simply plug and play in the TH? Or do all require atleast a loom change or something?

Cheers.

Definately not plug and play.

Upper dash harness change, you will need the Verada trip computer as well.

Mike

I recall reading a post on this from Mal/Mitsfix - IIRC the KH is actually a plug and play in the TH. However, best to PM/call Mal to confirm.

can either of these be fitted to a TW? have been eyeing off a few of Mal's blackout clusters on ebay ^_^

I recall reading a post on this from Mal/Mitsfix - IIRC the KH is actually a plug and play in the TH. However, best to PM/call Mal to confirm.

Not plug and play into a TH, still need to chage over that upper harness


can either of these be fitted to a TW? have been eyeing off a few of Mal's blackout clusters on ebay ^_^

The TJII onwards cluster can be used in the TW with no issues, you will still need to make sure you have the correct harness and centre display however you do not need to remove the dash to do this on the TW as the new harness will simply thread in behind the old harness. If you are using the KL or W cluster in teh J series you can just plug it straight in, if however using the J series cluster in the W you will need to use the harness otherwise you will lose a couple of the warning lights which are located in the centre display in the J series

If you are using the KL or W cluster in teh J series you can just plug it straight in...

Hi Mal, does that apply to all of the TJ series, 1, 1.5 and 2? Sorry I should say the reason for asking is that the cluster was changed over the life of the TJ and just wanted to confirm.

Thanks

What actually makes the backout cluster work?! Is there some trickery to it or is the plastic screen just black but allows certain light in or out?!

What actually makes the backout cluster work?! Is there some trickery to it or is the plastic screen just black but allows certain light in or out?!

I believe it is just slightly brighter than usual globes which illuminate the dials, with a tinted plastic screen.

I'm not to sure with the KH, But in in th KJ2 and KL/W they are LED backlit.

In the KH, it is a black plastic screen, and the cluster is completely different in design to the normal ones, It is LED lit, the warning lights are all in different spots, the ODO is a digital screen and the whole inside of the cluster is non reflective black.

When off, you are unable to see through the tinted plastic.

Later, the KJ2 onwards scored Aussie supplied clusters which are just red needles and a slightly tinted screen version of the normal TJ2 onwards cluster with a fancy start up sequence. TJ2 is LED backlit as well, and TJ2 onwards are plug and play with backlit clusters.

The KH and KJ1 version is very different. and the wiring is very different.

Mike

Not plug and play into a TH, still need to chage over that upper harness



The TJII onwards cluster can be used in the TW with no issues, you will still need to make sure you have the correct harness and centre display however you do not need to remove the dash to do this on the TW as the new harness will simply thread in behind the old harness. If you are using the KL or W cluster in teh J series you can just plug it straight in, if however using the J series cluster in the W you will need to use the harness otherwise you will lose a couple of the warning lights which are located in the centre display in the J series

great, thanks. I'll also keep an eye out for any KL/W clusters that may turn up on your page :D