Digital dashboards became popular decades ago. These information era gauge clusters have followed a similar trend to other digital media. When you visualize the difference between the Xbox and the Atari 2600, you start to understand how far these systems have come.
Dozens of digital dashboards have come out of the woodworks in that time, and while some were truly terrible attempts at greatness, others achieved the mark with flying colors. Many were bandwagon additions with more flash than function that couldn’t hold up to time. The digital dashboards that stood the test of time are simple, intuitive machines that make information easy to access. These leaps of technology and design enhance drivability and the user experience rather than dampen it.
What are Digital Car Dashboards?
When accuracy is the name of the game, digital is king. Digital gauges provide incredibly precise information compared to their analog cousins, all the while taking up a fraction of the space. A small LED arrangement or LCD can present data down to the decimal. These screens can cycle through multiple data sets with the push of a button.
Most drivers aren’t willing to waste valuable space with a multitude of individual gauges when modern displays can do the job better, faster, and easier. Take a moment to imagine the number of gauges required to display all the necessary information a modern driver has access too including your air-fuel ratio, tire pressure, oil pressure, turbo boost, fuel pressure, water temperature, and air pressure.
Types of Digital Car Dashboards
2020 Tesla Model S
There is no vehicle with a more futuristic dashboard than the 2020 Model S by Tesla Motors. The car’s gauge cluster is an LED display with an unfathomable amount of information within. This multi-functional screen has everything from a speedometer, better life, odometer, and the electric vehicle’s energy efficiency rating. The larger screen shows a 2D map with navigation instructions and live animation of your vehicle as you drive. This is by far the standard that all digital dashboards should hold themselves to.
2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Spyder
This current Ferrari 488 Pista Spyder has taken an interesting approach to a digital dashboard. This gauge cluster complements the sweeping curves of the Ferrari’s iconic interior. The instrument cluster sports a bright yellow speedometer flanked by vehicle statistic displays. These displays offer vital information with safety and ease of access. As with everything Ferrari does, the 488 Pista Spyder is a work of art throughout.
2020 Genesis G70 Sports Prestige
The new Genesis G70 Sports Prestige raises the bar with an impressive leap in digital gauge design. Genesis rolled out its 3D gauge cluster technology in 2020 with a 12.3-inch LED screen with 3D capabilities. There is no need for any special glasses to appreciate the latest in digital dashboard tech, and if you’re still not sold on 3D, the G70 Sports Prestige has a 2D mode just for you.
2020 McLaren 720S
The McLaren 720S feels like it’s right out of a sci-fi action flick. Its one-of-a-kind digital instrument cluster can be folded down to reveal a HUD screen. The HUD comes in handy when you need lots of information very quickly. The digital gauge cluster offers important information in an elegant display.
2020 Lexus LC500
Lexus is known for its luxury, reliability, and passion for innovation. The 2020 LC500 is one of those cars that so perfectly represents the brand it’s hard not to bring it up when discussing vehicle interiors. The Lexus LV500’s gauge cluster is a fascinating design that will make you fall in love with it over and over again. Its mood changes as you select driving modes to better represent your style.
How to Replace/install Digital Car Dashboards
Disclaimer: The guidelines in this story are general and not meant to replace instructions for your specific vehicle. Please consult your owner’s manual or repair guide before attempting repairs.
1. Remove The Original Gauge Cluster
- First, remove the original dashboard by unscrewing the Phillips head screws underneath the dash.
- Once the instrument panel is loose, disconnect the speedometer cable and cut the wires. Remember to leave more wire on the car side of the cut and label them accordingly. We will use them later.
- Place the old cluster aside and remove the indicator light retainers.
- Remove the speedometer backing to reveal the odometer assembly and speedometer lens.
2. Installing The New Gauges
- Gather your new gauges. These should include the voltmeter, tachometer, speedometer, fuel level, peripheral oil pressure, and temperature gauges.
- Prior to dropping in the center gauge, reinstall the trim ring.
- Drop the new gauge in behind the trim ring, making sure to stop the wiring ribbon from falling into the gauge pocket.
- The center and two smaller gauges are held by several Phillips head screws.
- Now that you have the gauges in place, connect the wiring ribbons.
- Replace the factory indicator lenses and reinstall the indicator lens retainers with a single flathead screw each.
- Connect the cluster to the control module with the CAT-5 cable before placing it back into the housing.
- Connect all signal and power wires to the control module with flathead screws.
3. Placing the Sensors and Control Module
- Place the control module in a dry, cool place like in the glove box under the fuse box, or on the cabin side of the firewall.
- Install the water temperature sensor into the intake manifold next to the thermostat housing.
- The oil pressure sensor should be installed at the rear of the engine block behind the intake manifold sealing surface.
- Your tachometer location depends on your vehicle’s ignition type; for example, you may install your tachometer signal tab to your distributor cap.
4. Wiring
Some basic wiring skill is necessary to perform this section yourself. Strip the ends of each wire and attach them to the new sensors, headlight switch, distributor lead, 12-volt power, ground, and ignition-triggered power. Most sensors use a simple plug-in style for easy installation.
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Source: www.caranddriver.com