Newer (06) gauge cluster into my 2003?

[Justin89T]

I had a 2006 Camry in the shop the other day. The gauge cluster was darked out black when the vehicle was off, but when you turned the vehicle on, the gauges lit up (like Defi brand aftermarket gauges if you're familiar) a very bright red (needles) and white (numbers).

I searched an ran across one or two questions asking about gauge cluster swaps with no answers to my question.

Can I do a direct swap of that cluster (if I can even find one) into my 2003 LE, with a normal, boring, stock instrument cluster?

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

I don't think it's possible without a lot of work and rewiring. The Gen 5.5 gauges are optitron style.

I agree they are a lot nicer than the Gen 5, but it might not be worth the money you'd have to spend to do the swap.

[Justin89T]

bummer

Sure would like to get my hands on the electrical diagrams to see exactly what it would take to swap.

that really sucks, cuz, well, those newer gauges are somethin else

[CharmCityES]

i agree with punk. the optitron gen 5.5 guages are definitly much more attractive, but the cost of retrofitting and rewiring the whole cluster just to have better looking gauges just doesnt seem like a great way to dump alot of time and money...

[Justin89T]

Originally Posted by CorCamrySE

the cost of retrofitting and rewiring the whole cluster

What exactly does it take to do it? I would think the signals would be the same for all the dummy lights, gauges, etc, what would be so different? the power for the lights?

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

http://www.camrymanuals.com/ might have the wiring diagram here. If you do have the time and/or money...do a DIY write up and pics!

[jema_dc]

I have a Corolla 06 with regular instruments cluster, and would love to have the Optitron's in my car. I want to learn a little more about this upgrade, so... Does anyone know where can I find the wiring diagram for the Corolla 2006?

[speedkar9]

I'd really love the crisp look of a Gen 5.5 cluster on my Gen 5.

Why do you all say the swap requires rewiring or serious modifications? The connectors on the Gen 5 and 5.5 clusters look identical:

Gen 5:



Gen 5.5:



This could mean that all changes made from Gen 5 to 5.5 happened within the cluster itself, not necessarily on the vehicle? The swap works for Tundra owners.

What do you guys think, has anyone actually tried connecting a newer cluster to see if it will work?