upgrade gauge cluster

so i have a base model taco with an old boring gauge. could i just run to a junk yard and find the gauges off of a say sr5 or trd and throw it into mine with no problems.

 

I highly doubt it, you’d need all the other sensors/electronics tied to it.
but the more experienced may chime in.

 

If you do try to grab a Combo Meter from a junk yard, be aware that some early 3rd Gens had the trip meters randomly reset. My Combo Meter was replaced under warranty within the first year.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/resolved-t-sb-0148-16-uninitiated-trip-meters-reset.399689/

 

If it were me and I was bored? I'd do one better.

Here's an option if you are looking for a little more truck info. It is a ScanGaugeII:

$152 ScanGauge - SG2 II Ultra Compact 3-in-1 Automotive Computer with Customizable Real-Time Fuel Economy Digital Gauges , Black , 5"

https://www.amazon.com/ScanGauge-Automotive-Computer-Customizable-Real-Time/dp/B000AAMY86?crid=1EQAST890M56T&keywords=scangauge+ii&qid=1673336210&sprefix=scangau%2Caps%2C302&sr=8-3&th=1

Manuals are here:
https://www.scangauge.com/support/user-manuals/

You might actually find you have access to stuff that we (with our less boring combo meters) don't. For example OBDII PIDs for Engine Oil and Transmission Oil temps.

There are used ones on ebay for maybe $20 or so less. There are also very inexpensive (and a bit less capable) OBDII performance meters on AliExpress, some purporting to function like a HUD (heads up display).

 

Why chime in then?

 

You can. I bought one and had the mileage programmed and it’s plug and play. The steering wheel controls don’t work though as far as going through all the menu is concerned. I havnt really fiddled with it to figure out why yet

 

i actually really love this idea and didnt even know it was an option!

 

Somewhere on the support site where the manuals are, I think there is a list of PIDs you can access and place on the display.
Now I don't know for sure, because I don't have one, but there are multiple pages you can have of parameters...
Let us know if you get one. Thinking about it myself.

 

My scangauge E was displaying rows of dots, thought it was pooched but turned out the network cable had corrosion on the connector. Cleaned it off and back in bidness. Purchased the “E”model back in 2013 to read/clear an emission code. Shortly after there was a recall on the exhaust system. Got a new muffler and pipes. The 2.7 was running like a champion sewing machine again.

Noticed on the scangauge site while looking at replacement OBD network cables they have a model 3. Looks dope! You can have up to 9 gauges on the 5 inch display and colour is customizable too!

 

it's a forum, we're all allowed to give input, or helpful bumps. Just like adulting, you can just ignore what you don't want to read or agree with, sorry to upset you.

 

I don't like adulting most days also

 

But it turns out, u were right anyway

 

It's really not worth it imo, and a real PITA as some have said. It has been tried and installed, but not without a great deal of effort. One of the major reason I went with the SR5, and the leather steering wheel, the latter I could have easily replaced, but not the instruments.

That said, the only thing I miss and envy on the TRDOR is the tilt, incline and compass, but that is easily and effortlessly installed /substituted

Cheers!

Car Inclinometer Level Tilt Gauge, Car HUD GPS Speedometer MPH Car Electronic Compass Clinometer Indicator, Digital Inclinometer Car Angle Slope Meter for Off-Road Vehicles

https://www.amazon.com/Inclinometer-AUTOOL-Speedometer-Electronic-Clinometer/dp/B07V6HZZD6

 

I had been looking at this lower-end "gauge" type display. Can't seem to find a manual for it, so not sure how functional it is compared to the ScanGaugeII:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804272123317.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa&_randl_shipto=US

I'd probably want oil, water, and transmission oil temp, and fourth, battery voltage. Funny thing is, the HeadUnit is already on the car's data bus, you'd think manufacturers would let one configure their own "Performance" or "Monitoring" page....

 

Ohhh, there's this:
https://ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/...mS16G7rZAjo6Asc3EGE1VAhVX-7YJXTQaAsW2EALw_wcB

Looks like the MX model can access Transmission Temp. Hmmmm.