Awesome video James!! Anyone doing this might find my following additional suggestions on swapping the gauge face on both the tachometer and the Sport Chrono clock helpful: I found that despite pushing the needles back on in what I thought was exactly the same position as they were when I pulled them off, once I reconnected both the instrument cluster and the Sport Chrono clock to their wiring harnesses, the needles settled at positions that were substantially off. Despite several attempts at removing and dismantling either instrument and resetting the needles on the bench, they were still off when reconnected to power. So, the only way I got them back to proper position is to connect the instrument cluster to power WITHOUT either the tach needle or the front cover lens portion on. Just connect the left hand blue wiring harness with the orange locking lever (the wire to the digital screen can remain off) and after the cluster lights up, only then gently push the tach needle on with your right hand while holding the needle end at 0 rpm with your left hand middle and index fingers. Turn the ignition off and verify that the needle settles at just a hair under the zero. With ignition off, if you then manually push the needle clockwise you’ll see why setting the needle without power connected does not work: the needle stem seems to be mechanically preset to “jump” in an approximately 3/8” long arc clockwise from zero so you can’t fine tune its position within this portion of the swing. This is unlike the clock needles (see below) which can be fine tuned. Once the tach needle is in the correct position at just barely under 0 with the ignition off, disconnect the blue/orange harness, go back to your workbench and screw the cluster into the front gauge cover section. Now you’re all good to reassemble into the dash as per James’ video. The process is similar for the Sport Chrono clock, but in this case you CAN mount all three needles and align as best you can on the workbench, but leave the front glass lens off. Then do a test in the car by reconnecting the front wiring harness directly into the back of the clock without assembling it into the plastic dash mount, turn on the ignition and see where the needles settle. In this case you can use a Q-Tip or something delicate to do fine adjustments of the needles to make sure the lower hour and minute hands point to the correct time as displayed digitally, and that when the hr/min/sec hands all rotate up to “12” that this is exactly when the digital clock advances by one minute. Once all three needles are properly aligned, turn off the ignition, STAY IN THE CAR DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR, wait a couple minutes until clock goes to sleep and the needles position to 12:00, then disconnect the wiring harness, return to the bench to screw on the front glass, then proceed to reinstall as normal. I hope this helps someone avoid a very frustrating process of getting the needles back to proper position, which is by far the most difficult part of both gauge swap projects.
Terrific video, thank you very much for putting this together. I've wanted to do this for two years, looking for a solution, and here you were! Happy Motoring!
Hi James, just wanted to thank you for taking the time to share your modifications. Your videos has given me the confidence to tackle some of the modifications you completed. I also have an Agate 911 with a red convertible top and the red belts. I ordered the tach face and chrono from your site! I’ll let you know when I get them installed! Thanks again.
Very nice. I like the red accent of just the one gauge. The swap looks easy, although I think it is because you made it appear that way. As always, another very useful and informative vid.
Excellent, clear instructions there Mr Auto Amateur, you've excelled yourself! Not sure I want to change my dial, but stranger things have happened...Good that you don't need to disconnect the battery.
Agh! I have been waiting for someone to do this. I have the sister car to yours ( Agate ) with platinum interior and will be putting in deviated gauge faces. Thanks so much
Looks great. I’m about to do the same to my 997. I did notice you put your rev counter needle lower than before which gives you a slight different reading
Yes, I messed up on the needle and had to go back in later to correct it. Check out Tommy L Garage. He has a great DIY on how to replace the needle correctly without making any mistakes. Very helpful.
Very brave man. I mod watches and the tiniest dust always gets in before you put the crystals back in. I wouldn't dare mess with a cars instrument panel. Especially not without gloves. That said good on you.
Hey James, hope you're well! As you know, I did a gauge face custom re-print on my 991 earlier this year - printing them 356 green on black, so I was interested to see how you got on. A few helpful comments: 1) You succeeded in getting your gauge surround out way easier than I did (mine was a real nightmare) and had become pretty much glued into place - I can only think this was because my car has the full leather dash and the leather and rubber seal on the gauge surround had become stuck together. Something to be conscious of, for owners with leather dash. 2) Removing the gauges is a little easier if you remove the top half of the steering column surround - rotate the steering wheel through 90 degrees L&R to expose holes with tabs behind, press in each tab, to detach and then rotate the wheel to do the other side. Lift the top half of the strg column surround (taking care not to pull on the wire to the hands-free microphone). This makes removing the gauge cluster a little easier. 3) As these gauges use Stepper Motor technology, it's a good idea to take a photo of the gauge needles in their resting position (ignition off), prior to disassembly, so as to put the needles back into the same place and take great care not to twist the needles when removing them (just pull straight up) as any twisting could easily break the stepper motor. Oh and I found that green connector to be a real PITA too 😂😂 FYI: The mileage reading is stored in the DME module, not in the gauge cluster. Loving the videos and the 996 project. Stay safe and have a happy Christmas. Keep up the great work 👍
Your car now fits perfect in your garage... grey floor with red accents the red car lift and the red stools at your working bench... now I know where the idea came from 😂
Another excellent video. The red centre dial looks good. I would not do the other 3. Slightly disappointed you didn't use your knife but hey there's always next time to remove the smaller needles.
Great video James! Looking forward to seeing how the calipers come out. I'm thinking about doing the same to my 992. I have the Guards red seatbelts also. I know it's probably a Porsche sin, but you cares! Keep up the videos
Thanks Rob!! Yes, I had lots of people remind me that my yellow calipers on my 997 weren't really the ceramic brakes. I didn't care, I loved how they looked. Same for this car.... it's mine, I drive it, I enjoy looking at it. That's all that really matters.
I did this and some feedback: I had to remove the steering wheel and the airbag to remove the gauge cluster on my 991.1. * WARNING * - Unplug the battery and follow the workshop manual for 991 model before disconnecting the airbag. There is a danger of it blowing up and potentially killing you. Gauge needles are factory calibrated to a stop. So, your "offset" is never calibrated. In order for the software to calibrate, there needs to be 2 mechanical stops (min and max). There is only one on these dials. I replaced all 4 dials and I took reference pictures and installed the needles back in the same spot as the dead stops. I noticed that you didn't do this and your RPM gauge is giving you wrong readings. You're going to be *actually* redlining your car by the offset amount. The internal shaft and the needle are smooth and there is no key. The only thing you have to go after is the dead stop of the shalf where the needles typically "rest" when the gauge cluster is off. Again, to repeat, the ECU can never calibrate the gauge cluster. Modern BMWs have min and max stops so evertime you start the car, it can calibrate it. Porsches do not have this and they must be calibrated by the dealer or the factory. I matched with my reference pictures and it is pretty dead on. Yours didn't and you're going to accidentally over-rev your car!
@@9919S-x6u I tried to muscle it out but there was no space at all. Difference is probably that mine has a manual steering wheel and the one in the video is motorized - perhaps the range of adjustability is different? Not sure. I tried and just couldn't get the cluster out.
Love the videos and enthusiasm. I’m researching for a one day purchase of my own. Can you do a video on your cars as daily driving such as speed humps, tight carpark entrances & any other typical daily occurrences. Cheers
Great video James! When will you have the faces for other gauges available on your website ? Also, where did the little plastic clip (6:54) from the vent go? Thank you.
I think the center instrument being red looks good. Did they have one that would go in as a surround for the display screen instrument ? If not the display screen would look a bit odd to me. I have a 2010 Cayman S and the gage faces are a different color from the base model, they are white and turn silver grey when lights are turned on at night.
Check this out… I just launched a brand new line of custom gauge faces with a new supplier. They’re awesome and there are lots of different options: www.autoamateur.com/product-page/100-customized-porsche-tach-face-8k-9k-10k-rpm-pdk-or-manual
Honestly, I prefer the look of the 991.1 wheel and airbag over the one in the 991.2. The only thing I would want from 991.2 is the little gadget on the lower side of the wheel to control the sports chrono functions / sports / sports+ etc. For what would be a $2k upgrade, I think I'm good with what I have. You never know though.... ;-)
watching the video and noticed your white watch hands on the sports Chrono fell as well. Same as mine after I changed the face. Oh well. There may be a market in finding an answer to these hands.
Yes, the little hands falling off after a few years is a common problem with these clocks unfortunately, at least the cars parked in direct sunlight a lot. The previous owner parked it out on his driveway in southern CA. They dried up, bent and fell off.
Hi James. Great video. Would the procedure be the same to swap out the speedo faceplate? Need to convert mine from mph to kph. Would you be able to recommend a good brand to use? Thanks
You can do it!! I actually just launched a brand line of factory quality tach faces… lots of unique designs and colors, plus the option to completely custom design one for yourself. Check out AutoAmateur.com/Shop ! Let me know if you need any help. 🙌
Unfortunately one had fallen off and the other was breaking before I attempted to replace the clock face. This is a problem with any Porsches from 2005+ that have the sports chrono clock and park out in the sun on a regular basis. The plastic dries up under the lens, which magnifies the heat, and starts to curl... ultimately breaking and falling off. You will see this in a lot of used P-cars unfortunately. You can't buy the hands from Porsche or the clock manufacturer (Paragon in Germany), so you have to live with it or spend $750+ on a new clock unit for the housing.
1. I was concerned that you didn't start the car after install and maybe one screw attachment of the instrument cluster before reinstalling remaining screws and ALL the other components. 2. on the black face, the null position of the needle is about 1/16" below "0". on the red face the null position seems to be 3/16" to 1/4" below. does the gauge know where "0" is or will all readings be slightly lower than actual. 3. great video. don't think I would have attempted as the "your going to screw it up" side of me would have won.
2. The needle reset itself once the car was started and I went for a drive. The PSE still opened up the valves automatically at dead-on 3k RPM and closed them again the other way around. All good.
1. For the sake of the length of the video, I sped up some of the shots and for the reinstallation I cut out some of the footage. All of the screws went back into place though and during my closing comments, I showed the car with the engine on and the instrument cluster lighting up again.
Great videos. I have 2014 cayenne GTS. Want to get peridot green center cluster and peridot green for sport chrono clock. Any idea where i can source these? Ive looked everywhere and starting hit up people like you to see if they will custom make it. Thanks for your reply in advance.
I'm glad you said at the beginning it was successful. I was watching the video still worried that you were going to break some clips or creasing the leather panels! Is it easy to change the steering wheel cover material to alcantara?
Haha. Thanks for watching! The steering wheel column itself isn't too bad of a job. If you check out Cam Carlise's channel, he has a video of him replacing his with leather or carbon fiber, I forget which.
Man I love your videos! I followed your instructions but I got stuck at the instruments cluster “surround” I couldn’t get it out!! It won’t click out nor even budge 💩 any special technique?
I’m not changing anything! I just want to make sure that all screws are tight, because I got rattles coming from both instruments cluster and the surrounding!
Hi James, do you have an ETA for the release of your center gauge faces? I feel the Rev Counter and Sport Chrono face replacements calling me........? Thx Andy
Hello, superb video thanks. It gives me the will to do it. Question: where did you get that tool to remove plastics and needle without breaking them? thx
Here you go! www.amazon.com/FXWSKY-Removal-Upholstery-Fastener-Remover/dp/B07R6RT746/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=12XN7E6F3NZVY&dchild=1&keywords=car+trim+removal+tool+kit&qid=1610393913&sprefix=car+trim%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A2R4KNMF2MNK4C&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSjlDNDNIUk85VVJPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzgxNTM5MVpVRjgzR0swMzhBNiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzUwNTIxMVdQOTZLUFE0S0ZEUyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
The one you linked happens to be super expensive for my region(120usd including postage and customs fees). I checked for an alternative for eu followers. This looks more or less like it www.amazon.fr/Outil-Demontage-Garniture-Installateur-réparation/dp/B07HCD1DKW/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=kit+outils+retrait+garniture+auto&qid=1610396367&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMFZIQlhSRFdYV0cwJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjQ0ODg4MUNRMkdUTlRHWlpGOCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDgyNDg2M1BJMVowN0M5V1IwOCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
Do you think it might be a good idea to disconnect the battery before diving into the electrics? Maybe you wouldn't have thrown the CEL if it was disconnected?
Hello James, I have a normal cluster in my 991.2 turbo s that says rpm not written turbo s on the cluster. Am i able to swap it with a cluster that has turbo s written on it?
Not sure of anyone can offer me advice I hope I have broke something but dial all back in connected up and the rev needle has shot over to the 9 and stays there. I don't know whether it's something I have just connect and put everything back and drive it or its the needle bent but it's moved round ok.
Hey Rob! Send me an email at contact@autoamateur.com and I’ll try to help you fix any problem! If you can send me some photos of the job too and what’s going on, even a video; that would help. Thanks!!!
...and the rpm meter showed the right rpm after the mod? I dont think so, the "arm" was way beside zero after the mod... check your vid, you will see the difference
Great Job! Quick question did you disconnect your battery? Also was that tachometer needle keyed? I just bought some new faces. the timing of your video is perfect. Thanks
I didn’t disconnect the battery and didn’t have any issues afterwards. I had to reset my tire pressure monitoring system through the menu, but that was it and it reset within a mile or two of driving. What do you mean about the needle being keyed? I’m not sure what that means. Thanks!
@@AutoAmateur Okay.. The reason I asked is because you didn’t mark it. You just pulled it off and pushed it back on. You made it look easy. LOL. Thanks.
Running like a new car, even now at 112k miles. Oil changes, filters and tires. That’s about it! No component issues or anything like that. New spark plugs at 100k, that’s it.
Nice detailed instruction. I saw that you replaced the needle so it was pointing at less than zero (vs at or just slightly above zero). Did that correct itself or is your tach now off by that much afterwards?
Great video as always but I have to admit as being partly OCD it is very hard to see you touching this inlay with your bare hands and putting it back together. I would probably do it with white gloves on. I don’t want any grease or fingerprints on anything inside my instrument cluster.
Yes!! Very good. I washed my hands with sanitizing alcohol before I started the installation of the red face but you’re right, gloves would have been the best option.
I'd like to buy similar tach and sport chrono clock in Red. Where can I get them? Will the gauge you installed in this video also fit/work for the 991 Turbo S? I don't really care if my gauge says "TURBO" on it. I just want red.
Hi James, great video, looked for that since a long time. Want to change to just a black dial. But I have a GTS with the GTS Logo on the dial. Where did you order yours, or can you deliver also GTS specific dials?
Thanks Albert!! Yes, I think for me I'll stop with the center dial alone in red. However, I need to make another DIY video with all the red gauges, so I might enjoy that for a week or two before reverting back to the single red dial. Cheers!!
Love the mod, looks great! Thanks for another great video. Been wanting to change my gauge cluster to red and black same as your new setup for a while. My car came with all gauges in yellow. Always tempted to change to only tach red with rest black. Looking forward to you having them for sale (hopefully you’ll shop to Canada). Out of curiosity where did you buy your gauges? Also, hope you decide to go for the 991.2 wheel swap. Also, a mod I’m dying to do. But the cost is a bit daunting.
Hi James another great mod. I noticed the red steering wheel marker was that always there or is it another interior mod. Just wondering. I would like to try on my 997.
Hey! No, the notch on the steering wheel is black from the factory. I had it wrapped blue while my car was blue and I just recently added the red notch when I added my red seat belts. It's just 3M electrical tape at the moment, I want to see if I like it before looking for a more permanent option in leather.
So far so good! The cars still looks near brand new, I love it. Just oil changes and brakes so far, basic maintenance. Touch wood! I have friends with 996s with 300k and 400k miles on them. Take care of a 911 and it will take care of you.
Very impressive! And very brave, taking out the instrument cluster. Just curious, any new squeaks, creaks, or rattles after the cluster was reinstalled? Also, did you fabricate the red gauge yourself?
Thanks!! No squeaks or rattles. Everything works just fine. You can buy the tach faces in a range of colors with or without your model designation in the middle from my website!
Good and informative video , but isn't it important to have the rev needle also in the same 0 position like it was on the black dial? Now you start in -500 rev instead of 0 ! Also: is this change voiding the original factory warranty when the car is a newer model? Don't understand me wrong , but I personally like the (water) tight fit of the electric connector to keep corrosion out.
I notice you didn't show the car starting after the work. I'm guessing that's because, when you turned the key, it burst into flames and all the wheels fell off like a clown car?
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I did! Check out the last few minutes of the video. I talk about the tire monitoring error I got and show you the engine start up and me reversing out of the garage. 🤡 that’s funny though. Haha.
Also the miles per hour gauge and mileage counter was on when you replugged the gauge. That confuses me. There was no ignition key in. How did you handle that? Is that a malfunction of the instrument cluster?
Although the key wasn’t in the ignition it has just recently been in there, so I was tapping into the aux power that stays on for the cluster, the interior lights etc when it was plugged back in. Once I started the engine, everything was back to normal. Just had to reset the tire pressure monitoring system alert.
It would be good to buy some 441 leather shampoo for your steering wheel. Leather looks pretty greasy. Also, buy a applicator brush to apply and use microfiber to remove the lather.
That was my question - the needle wasn’t placed on the 0 properly, did you have to fix that? I’m about to do this job on my Macan but worried I don’t line up the needle correctly or the needle turns inside the mechanism
Awesome video James!!
Anyone doing this might find my following additional suggestions on swapping the gauge face on both the tachometer and the Sport Chrono clock helpful:
I found that despite pushing the needles back on in what I thought was exactly the same position as they were when I pulled them off, once I reconnected both the instrument cluster and the Sport Chrono clock to their wiring harnesses, the needles settled at positions that were substantially off. Despite several attempts at removing and dismantling either instrument and resetting the needles on the bench, they were still off when reconnected to power. So, the only way I got them back to proper position is to connect the instrument cluster to power WITHOUT either the tach needle or the front cover lens portion on. Just connect the left hand blue wiring harness with the orange locking lever (the wire to the digital screen can remain off) and after the cluster lights up, only then gently push the tach needle on with your right hand while holding the needle end at 0 rpm with your left hand middle and index fingers. Turn the ignition off and verify that the needle settles at just a hair under the zero. With ignition off, if you then manually push the needle clockwise you’ll see why setting the needle without power connected does not work: the needle stem seems to be mechanically preset to “jump” in an approximately 3/8” long arc clockwise from zero so you can’t fine tune its position within this portion of the swing. This is unlike the clock needles (see below) which can be fine tuned. Once the tach needle is in the correct position at just barely under 0 with the ignition off, disconnect the blue/orange harness, go back to your workbench and screw the cluster into the front gauge cover section. Now you’re all good to reassemble into the dash as per James’ video.
The process is similar for the Sport Chrono clock, but in this case you CAN mount all three needles and align as best you can on the workbench, but leave the front glass lens off. Then do a test in the car by reconnecting the front wiring harness directly into the back of the clock without assembling it into the plastic dash mount, turn on the ignition and see where the needles settle. In this case you can use a Q-Tip or something delicate to do fine adjustments of the needles to make sure the lower hour and minute hands point to the correct time as displayed digitally, and that when the hr/min/sec hands all rotate up to “12” that this is exactly when the digital clock advances by one minute. Once all three needles are properly aligned, turn off the ignition, STAY IN THE CAR DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR, wait a couple minutes until clock goes to sleep and the needles position to 12:00, then disconnect the wiring harness, return to the bench to screw on the front glass, then proceed to reinstall as normal.
I hope this helps someone avoid a very frustrating process of getting the needles back to proper position, which is by far the most difficult part of both gauge swap projects.
Awesome advice! Thank you!!
James you are a F-ing stud, I would never try this, but after watching your video you never know. Thanks 😊
Hahahah. Thanks Mark!! 🤣🤣🤣👍
Terrific video, thank you very much for putting this together.
I've wanted to do this for two years, looking for a solution, and here you were!
Happy Motoring!
Hi James, just wanted to thank you for taking the time to share your modifications. Your videos has given me the confidence to tackle some of the modifications you completed. I also have an Agate 911 with a red convertible top and the red belts. I ordered the tach face and chrono from your site! I’ll let you know when I get them installed! Thanks again.
That's fantastic!! Cheers! Please give me a shout if you need any help with the installs.
Very nice. I like the red accent of just the one gauge. The swap looks easy, although I think it is because you made it appear that way. As always, another very useful and informative vid.
Thanks Dan!!
I would guess the little green harness is the video feed from the PCM for the nav?
Yes! That’s right.
Excellent, clear instructions there Mr Auto Amateur, you've excelled yourself! Not sure I want to change my dial, but stranger things have happened...Good that you don't need to disconnect the battery.
I was saying, "don't do it" right from the start of your video!! Nice one James!
Hahahaha. Cheers Mario!!
Awesome vid james. Love how you just get in there and give it a crack. I'd get to the first screw and tap out.
Hahaha. Cheers Andy!
Thanks for another great video:)! Can’t wait until you have them in stock!!!
Cheers Danny!
Agh! I have been waiting for someone to do this. I have the sister car to yours ( Agate ) with platinum interior and will be putting in deviated gauge faces. Thanks so much
Give me a shout if you need any help!
Great video. Can’t wait to tackle it myself soon!
Looks great. I’m about to do the same to my 997. I did notice you put your rev counter needle lower than before which gives you a slight different reading
Yes, I messed up on the needle and had to go back in later to correct it. Check out Tommy L Garage. He has a great DIY on how to replace the needle correctly without making any mistakes. Very helpful.
Great DIY. Now everyone know how to do it, after all if you can, anyone can! 😊 Great job!
Um... thanks... I think? 😟🤣🤣🤣👍
Very brave man. I mod watches and the tiniest dust always gets in before you put the crystals back in. I wouldn't dare mess with a cars instrument panel. Especially not without gloves. That said good on you.
Thank you!
Hey James, hope you're well! As you know, I did a gauge face custom re-print on my 991 earlier this year - printing them 356 green on black, so I was interested to see how you got on.
A few helpful comments:
1) You succeeded in getting your gauge surround out way easier than I did (mine was a real nightmare) and had become pretty much glued into place - I can only think this was because my car has the full leather dash and the leather and rubber seal on the gauge surround had become stuck together. Something to be conscious of, for owners with leather dash.
2) Removing the gauges is a little easier if you remove the top half of the steering column surround - rotate the steering wheel through 90 degrees L&R to expose holes with tabs behind, press in each tab, to detach and then rotate the wheel to do the other side. Lift the top half of the strg column surround (taking care not to pull on the wire to the hands-free microphone). This makes removing the gauge cluster a little easier.
3) As these gauges use Stepper Motor technology, it's a good idea to take a photo of the gauge needles in their resting position (ignition off), prior to disassembly, so as to put the needles back into the same place and take great care not to twist the needles when removing them (just pull straight up) as any twisting could easily break the stepper motor.
Oh and I found that green connector to be a real PITA too 😂😂
FYI: The mileage reading is stored in the DME module, not in the gauge cluster.
Loving the videos and the 996 project. Stay safe and have a happy Christmas. Keep up the great work 👍
Cheers Mark, great tips there, appreciate it!!
Your car now fits perfect in your garage... grey floor with red accents the red car lift and the red stools at your working bench... now I know where the idea came from 😂
Hahahaha. Yup. 🤣👍
Great looking mod! really sets the dash off.
Thanks Jeremey!!
Great video James ! Looks good !
Cheers Michael!
Another excellent video. The red centre dial looks good. I would not do the other 3. Slightly disappointed you didn't use your knife but hey there's always next time to remove the smaller needles.
Hahaha. There's always a knife within reach, just in case I need it. :-) Cheers John!
Great video James! Looking forward to seeing how the calipers come out. I'm thinking about doing the same to my 992. I have the Guards red seatbelts also. I know it's probably a Porsche sin, but you cares! Keep up the videos
Thanks Rob!! Yes, I had lots of people remind me that my yellow calipers on my 997 weren't really the ceramic brakes. I didn't care, I loved how they looked. Same for this car.... it's mine, I drive it, I enjoy looking at it. That's all that really matters.
I did this and some feedback:
I had to remove the steering wheel and the airbag to remove the gauge cluster on my 991.1. * WARNING * - Unplug the battery and follow the workshop manual for 991 model before disconnecting the airbag. There is a danger of it blowing up and potentially killing you.
Gauge needles are factory calibrated to a stop. So, your "offset" is never calibrated. In order for the software to calibrate, there needs to be 2 mechanical stops (min and max). There is only one on these dials. I replaced all 4 dials and I took reference pictures and installed the needles back in the same spot as the dead stops. I noticed that you didn't do this and your RPM gauge is giving you wrong readings. You're going to be *actually* redlining your car by the offset amount. The internal shaft and the needle are smooth and there is no key. The only thing you have to go after is the dead stop of the shalf where the needles typically "rest" when the gauge cluster is off.
Again, to repeat, the ECU can never calibrate the gauge cluster. Modern BMWs have min and max stops so evertime you start the car, it can calibrate it. Porsches do not have this and they must be calibrated by the dealer or the factory. I matched with my reference pictures and it is pretty dead on. Yours didn't and you're going to accidentally over-rev your car!
Hi np…why did you have to remove steering wheel? What was different in your car? Thanks
@@9919S-x6u I tried to muscle it out but there was no space at all. Difference is probably that mine has a manual steering wheel and the one in the video is motorized - perhaps the range of adjustability is different? Not sure. I tried and just couldn't get the cluster out.
@@npgatech7 thanks…makes sense
Looks nice, and you didn’t lose the needle! 😁
🤣🤣👍
Looks the biz! Thanks for sharing and easing the pain of you being the test monkey. Thanks again!
Haha. Cheers!
Love the videos and enthusiasm. I’m researching for a one day purchase of my own. Can you do a video on your cars as daily driving such as speed humps, tight carpark entrances & any other typical daily occurrences. Cheers
Sure thing!! No worries. Great idea for a video!
Great video James! When will you have the faces for other gauges available on your website ? Also, where did the little plastic clip (6:54) from the vent go? Thank you.
I just launched the instrument cluster dials on my website! Check them out at AutoAmateur.com/shop
Ps. The plastic clip just sat back inside one of the ports where the trim clips are seated. It just came out with the trim clip.
I think the center instrument being red looks good. Did they have one that would go in as a surround for the display screen instrument ? If not the display screen would look a bit odd to me. I have a 2010 Cayman S and the gage faces are a different color from the base model, they are white and turn silver grey when lights are turned on at night.
Check this out… I just launched a brand new line of custom gauge faces with a new supplier. They’re awesome and there are lots of different options: www.autoamateur.com/product-page/100-customized-porsche-tach-face-8k-9k-10k-rpm-pdk-or-manual
Looks very snazzy! You did a great job! Think the gauge would be cool on a tshirt, too. Just sayn. 😎
Yeah!! Haha. Nice! Annnnnd **Google** 🤩👍
Great job!
For the clips, it's much easier if you insert pieces of thin plastic to hold the clips open.
Good idea!!!
Please let us know when the tach face for the 991.2 is available. Hopefully in yellow.
Available now from AutoAmateur.com/shop !! 991.2 tach faces in a dozen different colors.
Nice job. When are you going to do the 991.2 steering wheel swap?
Facts been waiting on this
Honestly, I prefer the look of the 991.1 wheel and airbag over the one in the 991.2. The only thing I would want from 991.2 is the little gadget on the lower side of the wheel to control the sports chrono functions / sports / sports+ etc. For what would be a $2k upgrade, I think I'm good with what I have. You never know though.... ;-)
@@AutoAmateur carbon fibre steering wheel with sports dial?
@@AutoAmateur I’ll keep my fingers crossed! As always, great work. Love the attention to detail and the walk through a you do.
I installed red gauge faces on my car and they looked great. However, they were a bit harder to read at night.
Is tackho works OK? Needle was on zero, but when you reinstall it, it became below zero
I had to readjust it later but it was fine, all good.
Awesome video!! How about a video on which are your favorites mods/updates you've done to any of the Porsches?
That’s a great idea!! I’ll do it!
Nice one, looks much better. 👍
Thanks 👍
I noticed the needle was below 0 when you installed it back, did it re calibrated back to 0 again?
Good spot! Yes. I corrected it shortly after.
When are you going to clean out the big finger print on the inside of the speedo glass? (LOL had to tease you)
😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖
watching the video and noticed your white watch hands on the sports Chrono fell as well. Same as mine after I changed the face. Oh well. There may be a market in finding an answer to these hands.
Yes, the little hands falling off after a few years is a common problem with these clocks unfortunately, at least the cars parked in direct sunlight a lot. The previous owner parked it out on his driveway in southern CA. They dried up, bent and fell off.
any chance of getting white needles? that would look more OEM like the GTS
I haven't found anyone who supplies white needles I'm afraid. Good idea though.
Great video. Tempted to do this myself. I was wondering where did you get your steering wheel with the red racing line from? Thanks
Check out Carters Customs in Texas. They’re absolutely fantastic!!! They did my steering wheel for me.
Hi James. Great video. Would the procedure be the same to swap out the speedo faceplate? Need to convert mine from mph to kph. Would you be able to recommend a good brand to use? Thanks
Hey Jason. Yes, essentially the procedure is exactly the same. Check out Venoxy on eBay.
Thank you for the video!!!
HI. I'd like to do this on my Porsche 991.1 from Black to White- Can you share where we could order this?
You can do it!! I actually just launched a brand line of factory quality tach faces… lots of unique designs and colors, plus the option to completely custom design one for yourself. Check out AutoAmateur.com/Shop ! Let me know if you need any help. 🙌
What happened to the chrono clock needles?
Unfortunately one had fallen off and the other was breaking before I attempted to replace the clock face. This is a problem with any Porsches from 2005+ that have the sports chrono clock and park out in the sun on a regular basis. The plastic dries up under the lens, which magnifies the heat, and starts to curl... ultimately breaking and falling off. You will see this in a lot of used P-cars unfortunately. You can't buy the hands from Porsche or the clock manufacturer (Paragon in Germany), so you have to live with it or spend $750+ on a new clock unit for the housing.
1. I was concerned that you didn't start the car after install and maybe one screw attachment of the instrument cluster before reinstalling remaining screws and ALL the other components.
2. on the black face, the null position of the needle is about 1/16" below "0". on the red face the null position seems to be 3/16" to 1/4" below. does the gauge know where "0" is or will all readings be slightly lower than actual.
3. great video. don't think I would have attempted as the "your going to screw it up" side of me would have won.
3. Hahaha. Thanks Rob!! That's funny. :-)
2. The needle reset itself once the car was started and I went for a drive. The PSE still opened up the valves automatically at dead-on 3k RPM and closed them again the other way around. All good.
1. For the sake of the length of the video, I sped up some of the shots and for the reinstallation I cut out some of the footage. All of the screws went back into place though and during my closing comments, I showed the car with the engine on and the instrument cluster lighting up again.
Can I buy white dials for 991 gt3?
Very nicely done! I think the tach alone in red looks great. Swapping out all the faces to red may be too much red IMHO.
I agree with you. I might do them all just for the sake of making a DIY video, them swap them back to the single red tach. It was a really fun job.
It looks like the face made out. Of thin clear plastic isnt it?
It's basically the same material as the factory dials. They're both painted plastic.
I have an important Porsche Question. Are Waterbridge wine gums as good as Maynards?
Hahahah. NOOOOOOO! Not even close.
Would like to buy a white set of gauges for my 2001 996 but it doesn't look like ya sell them ?:P(
I do now!! You can now order from a selection of NEW faces for the 996 or place a custom order. Check it out!
Here you go…! Let me know if you have any questions… www.autoamateur.com/product-page/100-customized-porsche-tach-face-8k-9k-10k-rpm-pdk-or-manual
Is there a DIY video for the Sport Chrono face?
Yes, it’s on my channel.
th-cam.com/video/jpH2VHodvSM/w-d-xo.html
I searched and tried to find it before asking and looked on your website, too. Thanks for the link.
Anyone knows if the needels goes of the same Way on a Cayenne 955?
Yes it does! Sorry for late reply.
Great videos. I have 2014 cayenne GTS. Want to get peridot green center cluster and peridot green for sport chrono clock. Any idea where i can source these? Ive looked everywhere and starting hit up people like you to see if they will custom make it. Thanks for your reply in advance.
You'll be able to buy them from AutoAmateur.com in about a month! :-) I'll be announcing their launch formally soon I hope.
Do you have any tip to where to get ahold of these gauges one by one?
From my website... soon! :)
I'm glad you said at the beginning it was successful. I was watching the video still worried that you were going to break some clips or creasing the leather panels! Is it easy to change the steering wheel cover material to alcantara?
Haha. Thanks for watching! The steering wheel column itself isn't too bad of a job. If you check out Cam Carlise's channel, he has a video of him replacing his with leather or carbon fiber, I forget which.
Man I love your videos! I followed your instructions but I got stuck at the instruments cluster “surround” I couldn’t get it out!! It won’t click out nor even budge 💩 any special technique?
I’m not changing anything! I just want to make sure that all screws are tight, because I got rattles coming from both instruments cluster and the surrounding!
Hi James, do you have an ETA for the release of your center gauge faces? I feel the Rev Counter and Sport Chrono face replacements calling me........? Thx Andy
Hi Andy! We're just working through the finer details with the prototypes. I'm hoping to be able to launch them on Jan 1st. Cheers!
@@AutoAmateur - Great news, thx. I know what I’ll be doing here in California in January! Seasons Greetings, enjoy! Andy
Hello, superb video thanks. It gives me the will to do it. Question: where did you get that tool to remove plastics and needle without breaking them? thx
Here you go! www.amazon.com/FXWSKY-Removal-Upholstery-Fastener-Remover/dp/B07R6RT746/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=12XN7E6F3NZVY&dchild=1&keywords=car+trim+removal+tool+kit&qid=1610393913&sprefix=car+trim%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A2R4KNMF2MNK4C&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSjlDNDNIUk85VVJPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzgxNTM5MVpVRjgzR0swMzhBNiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzUwNTIxMVdQOTZLUFE0S0ZEUyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Thanks!
The one you linked happens to be super expensive for my region(120usd including postage and customs fees). I checked for an alternative for eu followers. This looks more or less like it www.amazon.fr/Outil-Demontage-Garniture-Installateur-réparation/dp/B07HCD1DKW/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=kit+outils+retrait+garniture+auto&qid=1610396367&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMFZIQlhSRFdYV0cwJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjQ0ODg4MUNRMkdUTlRHWlpGOCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDgyNDg2M1BJMVowN0M5V1IwOCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
Do you think it might be a good idea to disconnect the battery before diving into the electrics? Maybe you wouldn't have thrown the CEL if it was disconnected?
Maybe, I’ll try that next time I do the job
Hello James, I have a normal cluster in my 991.2 turbo s that says rpm not written turbo s on the cluster. Am i able to swap it with a cluster that has turbo s written on it?
You can, yes! I will be producing these shortly.
Does the RPM self adjust or have a notch for the needle? look like its slightly lower on the red (when the gauges were out of the car)...
Not sure of anyone can offer me advice I hope I have broke something but dial all back in connected up and the rev needle has shot over to the 9 and stays there. I don't know whether it's something I have just connect and put everything back and drive it or its the needle bent but it's moved round ok.
Hey Rob! Send me an email at contact@autoamateur.com and I’ll try to help you fix any problem! If you can send me some photos of the job too and what’s going on, even a video; that would help. Thanks!!!
...and the rpm meter showed the right rpm after the mod? I dont think so, the "arm" was way beside zero after the mod... check your vid, you will see the difference
I think one has to be precise in setting the needle to the exact spot before removal when pushing it back in.
Next mod, 991.2 steering wheel and leather dash!!!!
NICE!! Way to push the boat out! :-) I like it.
Great Job! Quick question did you disconnect your battery? Also was that tachometer needle keyed? I just bought some new faces. the timing of your video is perfect.
Thanks
I didn’t disconnect the battery and didn’t have any issues afterwards. I had to reset my tire pressure monitoring system through the menu, but that was it and it reset within a mile or two of driving. What do you mean about the needle being keyed? I’m not sure what that means. Thanks!
@@AutoAmateur Keyed means that it has a notch so it can only go on one way.
Thanks
Ahh. I’m not sure about that but it did have little notches that secure it in place.
@@AutoAmateur Okay.. The reason I asked is because you didn’t mark it. You just pulled it off and pushed it back on. You made it look easy. LOL. Thanks.
Any concern with a 991 911 with 100k miles? Running strong no issues?
Running like a new car, even now at 112k miles. Oil changes, filters and tires. That’s about it! No component issues or anything like that. New spark plugs at 100k, that’s it.
Nice detailed instruction. I saw that you replaced the needle so it was pointing at less than zero (vs at or just slightly above zero). Did that correct itself or is your tach now off by that much afterwards?
It corrected itself. Cheers Todd!
You made it look easy. Do they offer different options for needles?
Not that I’ve found so far but I like the contrast between the needles and the face.
Brave, any possible problems from finger prints on instruments?
Not as far as I can tell but it’s probably a good idea to wear gloves for this kind of job. 👍
Man, I love seeing your new content. Do you know if these clusters will work with a 996?
Thanks so much!! These gauges won't fit the 996, but you can certainly find replacement gauge faces for the 996 and the 997.
Great video as always but I have to admit as being partly OCD it is very hard to see you touching this inlay with your bare hands and putting it back together. I would probably do it with white gloves on. I don’t want any grease or fingerprints on anything inside my instrument cluster.
Yes!! Very good. I washed my hands with sanitizing alcohol before I started the installation of the red face but you’re right, gloves would have been the best option.
I'd like to buy similar tach and sport chrono clock in Red. Where can I get them? Will the gauge you installed in this video also fit/work for the 991 Turbo S? I don't really care if my gauge says "TURBO" on it. I just want red.
Hey there! Check out my website AutoAmateur.com/shop - lots of colors for the 991/981/718 tach faces.
Thanks, just busted this out with your video...came out good! Thanks again for the video!!!
Howeve, awesome vids buddy
Looks nice with the red, using white cloth gloves prob a good idea to stop the natural oils of yr skin penetrating the faces but nice work. Well done.
Good tip!
We’re do you get custom faces??
From my website! AutoAmateur.com/shop - lots of colors available for the 991/981/718 right now!
I don't see them on the website, still selling them?
Hi James, great video, looked for that since a long time. Want to change to just a black dial. But I have a GTS with the GTS Logo on the dial. Where did you order yours, or can you deliver also GTS specific dials?
I will soon be able to offer you a black face with "GTS" on the dial. Watch this space!
@@AutoAmateur Any news for that?
Nice job!! Looks relatively straight forward...
I think you should stop with that dial (for now!).
Thanks for the great video!
Regards
Thanks Albert!! Yes, I think for me I'll stop with the center dial alone in red. However, I need to make another DIY video with all the red gauges, so I might enjoy that for a week or two before reverting back to the single red dial. Cheers!!
Love the mod, looks great! Thanks for another great video. Been wanting to change my gauge cluster to red and black same as your new setup for a while. My car came with all gauges in yellow. Always tempted to change to only tach red with rest black. Looking forward to you having them for sale (hopefully you’ll shop to Canada). Out of curiosity where did you buy your gauges? Also, hope you decide to go for the 991.2 wheel swap. Also, a mod I’m dying to do. But the cost is a bit daunting.
I'll be shipping them to Canada, sure thing!!
Hi James another great mod. I noticed the red steering wheel marker was that always there or is it another interior mod. Just wondering. I would like to try on my 997.
Hey! No, the notch on the steering wheel is black from the factory. I had it wrapped blue while my car was blue and I just recently added the red notch when I added my red seat belts. It's just 3M electrical tape at the moment, I want to see if I like it before looking for a more permanent option in leather.
@@AutoAmateur oh okay got it thanks.
Where can I get this red face gauge? Is that what you are talking about will be available on your shop?
Yes, they will be available around the holidays hopefully.
@@AutoAmateur awesome! Can't wait to scoop this up 😊
Any issues with your 991 with 100K miles on it? I'm considering buying a 4S with close to 120K miles. Thanks!
So far so good! The cars still looks near brand new, I love it. Just oil changes and brakes so far, basic maintenance. Touch wood! I have friends with 996s with 300k and 400k miles on them. Take care of a 911 and it will take care of you.
@@AutoAmateur That's great news! Thanks!
I’m planning to do this soon on my 981C. Did you disconnect the battery first? Or no need?
It’s a good precaution to disconnect the battery but in this case I didn’t
@@AutoAmateur did mine the other day. Took a risk and didn’t disconnect the battery. Looks great. Thanks for the DIY!
Very impressive! And very brave, taking out the instrument cluster. Just curious, any new squeaks, creaks, or rattles after the cluster was reinstalled? Also, did you fabricate the red gauge yourself?
Thanks!! No squeaks or rattles. Everything works just fine. You can buy the tach faces in a range of colors with or without your model designation in the middle from my website!
Good and informative video , but isn't it important to have the rev needle also in the same 0 position like it was on the black dial? Now you start in -500 rev instead of 0 ! Also: is this change voiding the original factory warranty when the car is a newer model? Don't understand me wrong , but I personally like the (water) tight fit of the electric connector to keep corrosion out.
Time for the 996
Hahaha. Yup... 👍
Doesn't look like you put the tach needle back in the correct position. It's below zero now when it's off. It's going to read about 200 rpm low now.
It does look that way in the video, but the needle reset itself. No worries.
@@AutoAmateur Oh interesting. That's good to know!
Where abouts in North West you from?
Liverpool
@@AutoAmateur thought I heard a twang. I’m Bromborough I thought you sounded more Wirral
Great channel 👍👍
@@2702simmo You got me, Higher Beb actually. ;-) I used to work at the old Homebase on the Brombrough estate by the Ritz and Odeon!
@@AutoAmateur ha ha fab I thought you sounded local.
I’m here as I bought a 996 recently
All the best 👍👍
Congratulations! That’s awesome! Bet it sounds great ragging through the Birkenhead tunnel. 🤩
Great job! Please next time put the blue wipe on the steering wheel before you pull out the cluster ;-)
Good idea!!
I notice you didn't show the car starting after the work. I'm guessing that's because, when you turned the key, it burst into flames and all the wheels fell off like a clown car?
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I did! Check out the last few minutes of the video. I talk about the tire monitoring error I got and show you the engine start up and me reversing out of the garage. 🤡 that’s funny though. Haha.
@@AutoAmateur Well, I don't know how you managed to drive it with no wheels on. Sounds like fake news!
Was it easier than doing the steering wheel air bag 😂
Hahaha. Oh yes, no knives required.
Also the miles per hour gauge and mileage counter was on when you replugged the gauge. That confuses me. There was no ignition key in. How did you handle that? Is that a malfunction of the instrument cluster?
Although the key wasn’t in the ignition it has just recently been in there, so I was tapping into the aux power that stays on for the cluster, the interior lights etc when it was plugged back in. Once I started the engine, everything was back to normal. Just had to reset the tire pressure monitoring system alert.
It would be good to buy some 441 leather shampoo for your steering wheel. Leather looks pretty greasy. Also, buy a applicator brush to apply and use microfiber to remove the lather.
Thanks for the tip! Nice one!
Any news?
Should have a prototype to look at this weekend. Assuming we sign off, it will be ready to sell! More news to come soon.
You put the needle back way below zero .. while originally it was slightly above zero …
Didn’t that completely effed up your RPM reading !?
I would glue the speedo to 40 mph so when you get stopped for speeding you can say, “I was only doing 40…look.”
Hahaha. Right.
Hi! Do you have Instagram?
I do! It's @auto.amateur
Should of worn gloves changing the dial background *just saying*
Yeah, several folks have mentioned that. Next time! :-)
Ill know for when I do it though...so nothing lost. Great channel and content btw!!
@@TheMattprune cheers! Appreciate it!
The needle isn’t zeroed. Your RPM reading is going to be off.
True! Has since been corrected. Thanks!
Idk? Looks a little tachy to me.
🤣🤣🤣👍
oh no.. I think you lost a few hundred RPMS by misplacing the needle :)
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
That was my question - the needle wasn’t placed on the 0 properly, did you have to fix that? I’m about to do this job on my Macan but worried I don’t line up the needle correctly or the needle turns inside the mechanism